Spotify Can’t Play This Right Now How to Fix

How to Fix “Spotify Can’t Play This Right Now” Error

Overview

The “Spotify can’t play this right now” error is a common issue that prevents you from playing songs on Spotify. It typically occurs when trying to play a specific song or album. This frustrating error can pop up on various devices like iPhone, Android, Windows, and Mac. Thankfully, there are several ways to troubleshoot and resolve this Spotify playback error. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover:

• Common causes of the “Spotify can’t play this right now” error
• Fixes and solutions for iPhone, Android, Windows, and Mac
• Tips to prevent the error from occurring again

Common Causes:

• Song restrictions or licensing issues
• Outdated app version
• Connectivity problems
• Corrupt local files cache
• Incorrect settings
• Software bugs or conflicts

Fixes and Solutions:

• Check if song is unavailable
• Update the Spotify app
• Restart your device
• Reinstall Spotify
• Disable hardware acceleration
• Clear app cache and data
• Change streaming quality
• Refresh local files
• Adjust firewall settings
• Uninstall third-party apps

By the end of this guide, you will be able to successfully resolve the “Spotify can’t play this right now” playback error on any device.

Common Causes of the Error

Before we look at how to fix this Spotify error, let’s first understand what’s causing it in the first place. Here are some of the common reasons you may get this error message:

Song Unavailable Due to Restrictions

One of the most common reasons for the “can’t play this right now” error is that the song you’re trying to play has licensing or availability restrictions. Spotify has agreements with record labels and publishers to host songs on its platform. Sometimes a licensing contract expires or changes, making a particular song unavailable in certain regions or countries. These unavailable songs still show up in your playlists and library but are grayed out. When you try playing them, you get the “can’t play this right now” error.

Outdated App Version

Having an outdated version of the Spotify app is another culprit behind this playback error. Spotify regularly rolls out app updates to fix bugs, improve performance, and add new features. But if your app is outdated, it may have compatibility issues or bugs that cause problems with playback. Updating to the latest version can resolve such app glitches.

Connectivity Issues

Since Spotify is a streaming service, any interruption in your internet connectivity can also lead to playback errors. Unstable Wi-Fi, VPN connections, proxy settings, or temporary network outages – any of these can cause interruptions while fetching the song from Spotify’s servers. This results in the “Spotify can’t play this right now” error message.

Corrupt Local Files Cache

Spotify allows you to add local audio files to its platform. The app stores the metadata and information about these local files in its cache. If this local files cache gets corrupted, Spotify can’t properly retrieve and play your local audio tracks, leading to errors.

Incorrect App Settings

Some settings in the Spotify app like hardware acceleration, audio quality etc. can sometimes cause conflicts that prevent songs from playing. Disabling or adjusting these settings may help fix playback problems.

Software Bugs and Conflicts

Like any app, Spotify too can have its fair share of software bugs. Conflicts with system software, antivirus programs, or other apps can also cause technical issues. In some cases, bugs and software conflicts can interfere with Spotify’s ability to play songs, throwing the error when you try playing a track. Now that you know what’s causing the problem, let’s look at how to fix it on iPhone, Android, Windows, and Mac devices.

How to Fix Spotify “Can’t Play This Right Now” Error on iPhone

Here are the top troubleshooting tips to resolve this Spotify error on your iPhone or iPad:

1. Check if Song is Unavailable

As mentioned before, licensing issues can make songs unavailable in your region. To check:

• Open the playlist containing the song.
• See if the problematic song is grayed out.
• If so, that means it’s unavailable and there’s nothing you can do to play it.
• Consider removing the song from your playlists to avoid frustration.

2. Update the Spotify App

Outdated apps can cause playback errors. To update:

• Go to the App Store on your iPhone.
• Tap your profile icon at the top right.
• Scroll down and tap Update next to Spotify to update to the latest version.

This will install any fixes and improvements that could resolve playback issues.

3. Restart Your iPhone

Restarting your iPhone forces all apps to close and clears any minor glitches. To restart:

• Hold down the Power button until the “Slide to power off” prompt appears.
• Drag the slider to turn off your device.
• Wait for 30 seconds and then power back on.

Now try playing the song again.

4. Reinstall the Spotify App

If restarting didn’t work, uninstalling and reinstalling the app might fix underlying problems:

• Tap and hold the Spotify app icon until it starts jiggling.
• Tap the cross icon to uninstall Spotify.
• Restart your iPhone.
• Reinstall Spotify from the App Store.
• Log in and see if the error persists.

Reinstalling will clear any problematic cached data.

5. Reset Network Settings

As connectivity issues can cause playback problems, resetting your network settings is worth a try:

• Go to Settings > General > Reset.
• Tap Reset Network Settings.
• Enter your passcode if prompted.
• This will reset all network settings so you may need to reconnect to Wi-Fi.

Once your connection is back, open Spotify and check if the error is resolved.

Fixing Spotify “Can’t Play This Right Now” Error on Android

If you’re encountering this error on your Android phone or tablet, here are some handy troubleshooting steps:

1. Check if Song is Restricted

As mentioned before, licensing issues may make a song unavailable in your region. Check your playlist for grayed out songs.

2. Update Spotify App

Updating to the latest version can fix bugs causing playback failure. To update app:

• Open the Play Store on your Android device.
• Tap your profile picture.
• Go to Manage apps & devices > Updates available.
• Tap Update next to Spotify.

3. Restart Your Android Device

Restarting your device will clear any minor glitches. To restart:

• Long press the Power button until the power menu pops up.
• Tap Restart to reboot your phone.

4. Clear Cache and Data

Clearing cached and temporary data may resolve the issue:

• Go to Settings > Apps.
• Tap Spotify.
• Tap Storage & cache > Clear cache.
• Return and tap Clear data.

This will sign you out so you’ll need to log in again.

5. Uninstall and Reinstall Spotify

If the above steps don’t work, uninstall and reinstall the app:

• Tap and hold the Spotify app icon.
• Tap the Uninstall option.
• Confirm by tapping OK.
• Restart your device.
• Reinstall Spotify from the Play Store.

This will give you a fresh install of the app, potentially fixing software issues.

6. Disable Battery Optimization

To rule out battery optimization interfering with Spotify:

• Go to Settings > Apps > Spotify.
• Tap Battery > Battery optimization.
• Change it from Optimize to Don’t optimize.

Now Spotify won’t be restricted in the background.

Fixing “Can’t Play This Right Now” Error on Windows

Here are the top troubleshooting tips for resolving this playback error on Windows PCs:

1. Check Song Availability

Verify if the problematic song is grayed out or unavailable in your region.

2. Update Spotify App

Updating to the latest version can fix software bugs. To update:

• Launch the Spotify desktop app.
• Click the down arrow from the top right profile menu.
• Select About from the dropdown menu.
• If an update is available, click Update.

3. Restart Your PC

Restarting your PC resolves many issues:

• Click the Start button.
• Click the Power icon.
• Select Restart.

4. Reinstall Spotify App

If updating didn’t help, try reinstalling the app:

• Right-click the Spotify icon on the taskbar.
• Select Uninstall.
• Restart your PC.
• Download and install Spotify from the official website.

5. Disable Hardware Acceleration

Hardware acceleration can sometimes cause playback errors. To disable it:

• Launch Spotify.
• Click the down arrow menu.
• Go to Settings > View > uncheck Hardware acceleration.

6. Delete Local Files Cache

Clearing your local files cache forces Spotify to rebuild it:

• Close Spotify.
• Press Windows + R to open Run.
• Type %APPDATA% and press Enter.
• Open Spotify > Users > Your username > Delete local-files.bnk.

Now relaunch Spotify.

7. Adjust Firewall Settings

An overprotective firewall can block Spotify. Try temporarily disabling it. You can also add Spotify as an allowed app in Windows Security firewall settings.

Fixing “Can’t Play This Right Now” Error on Mac

Here are the top solutions for fixing Spotify playback issues on Mac:

1. Check Song Availability

Verify if the problematic song is grayed out or restricted in your region.

2. Update Spotify App

Updating to the latest version can resolve bugs. To update:

• Click the Spotify menu in the toolbar.
• Select Check for Updates.
• Install any available updates.

3. Restart Your Mac

Restarting your Mac can clear up minor glitches. To restart:

• Click the Apple menu.
• Select Restart.

4. Reinstall Spotify App

If updates didn’t help, try reinstalling the app:

• Drag the Spotify app from Applications to Trash.
• Restart your Mac.
• Download and install Spotify from the official website.

5. Reset PRAM/NVRAM

Resetting PRAM can resolve software issues:

• Shut down your Mac.
• Power up and immediately press Command + Option + P + R.
• Hold until you hear the startup chime a second time.

6. Delete Local Files Cache

Clearing your local files cache may fix issues:

• Quit Spotify.
• Press Shift + Command + G.
• Paste ~/Library/Application Support/Spotify and click Go.
• Delete local-files.bnk.

7. Allow Spotify in Firewall

Your firewall blocking Spotify can cause playback issues. To allow Spotify:

• Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Firewall.
• Click Firewall Options.
• Add Spotify to the allowed apps list.

How to Prevent the Spotify “Can’t Play This Right Now” Error

Here are some tips to avoid running into this annoying playback error when using Spotify across devices:

• Keep Spotify updated – Install app updates as soon as they become available. Updates often contain bug fixes.
• Don’t use unsupported versions – Avoid old versions of Spotify that may have compatibility issues.
• Clear cache regularly – Periodically clear cached data to avoid corruption issues.
• Use a stable internet connection – Switch to wired or a stronger Wi-Fi network if connectivity is poor.
• Pause other network activities when streaming – Temporarily turn off other bandwidth-heavy processes like downloads.
• Add Spotify as a firewall exception – Prevent firewalls from blocking Spotify.
• Avoid unsupported devices or OS – Use Spotify on officially supported platforms only.
• Disable battery optimizations – Stop battery settings from interfering with Spotify.

Following these simple practices will help minimize Spotify errors and ensure smooth music playback.

Conclusion

The “Spotify can’t play this right now” error can be annoying but fixing it is possible in most cases. This comprehensive guide covered various solutions like checking song availability, updating Spotify, restarting devices, reinstalling the app, clearing cache, adjusting firewall settings, and more. While this error may occur due to problems on Spotify’s end, it’s mostly caused by device and connectivity issues, outdated apps, software conflicts etc. Hopefully these troubleshooting tips will help you successfully resolve the playback issues on iPhone, Android, Windows, and Mac devices. With the fixes provided,