How to Fix Spotify’s “Something went wrong” Error on Windows

by Mahesh Makvana

Are you getting a “Something went wrong” error while trying to access the Spotify app on your Windows PC? If so, chances are your app is faulty or your PC’s configuration has problems. We’ll show you how to fix those issues to get Spotify working again.

Often, a minor app glitch causes Spotify to display the above error. Other reasons include an incompatible VPN, cache file problems, and network configuration issues.

Table of Contents

    Restart Spotify on Your PC

    When you get the above error, the first thing to do is close and reopen the Spotify app on your PC. Doing so fixes minor issues with the music streaming service app, allowing you to resume your music playback.

    You can close Spotify by selecting X in the app window’s top-right corner.

    Then, you can relaunch the app by opening the Start menu, searching for Spotify, and selecting the app in the search results.

    Try playing a music track in the app.

    Check Spotify’s Server Status

    Spotify’s servers may be experiencing an outage, causing the app to display an error message. In this case, you can’t do anything but wait for the company to bring its servers back up.

    You can verify Spotify’s server status by heading to the Spotify Status account on Twitter. The company alerts users when one or more platform features are experiencing problems.

    If you notice a tweet mentioning an issue, that may be why you can’t use the Spotify app on your PC. In this case, wait for a while, and your problem should likely be fixed.

    Turn Off Your VPN

    A possible reason Spotify can’t connect to the streaming servers is that you’re using a VPN service. Such a service transmits your data via a middle server, causing issues with certain internet-enabled apps.

    In this case, turn off your VPN service and see if that fixes the issue. You can disable the service in most VPN apps by selecting the toggle on the app’s main screen.

    If that fixes the issue, talk to your VPN provider and seek their assistance for a permanent fix to your problem.

    Update Your Spotify App

    Like all other apps, Spotify experiences various app bugs, resulting in multiple error messages. Your “Something went wrong” may have resulted from an outdated Spotify app version.

    If this is the case, update your app to the latest version, and your issue will be fixed. It’s quick, easy, and free to update Spotify on your PC.

    1. Launch Spotify on your computer.
    2. Select the three dots at the top-left corner and choose File > Help > About Spotify.
    1. Select Click here to download if an app update is available.

    Log Out and Back Into Your Account on Spotify

    Spotify’s “Something went wrong” error can appear if your account isn’t correctly syncing with the company’s servers. In this case, you can log out and back into your account to fix the account-related problems.

    You’ll need to keep your Spotify username (or email address) and password handy to log into your account.

    1. Open Spotify on your PC.
    2. Select your name at the top and choose Log out.
    1. Log in by entering your username (or email) and password and selecting Log In.

    Use a Private Session on Spotify

    Spotify allows you to create private sessions, so your friends don’t know what you’re listening to. When you have trouble using the app in normal mode, it’s worth toggling on the private session option to fix the issue.

    1. Open Spotify on your computer.
    2. Select your name at the top and choose Private session.
    1. You’ll see a Private session button at the top, indicating the feature is activated.
    2. You can now play your favorite music in the app.
    3. Later, you can turn off your private session by selecting your name at the top and choosing Private session.

    Remove Spotify’s Cached Data

    Spotify caches your data to provide you with an enhanced app experience. Sometimes, these cached files go corrupt, making the app unstable. Your error message may be the result of such corrupt files.

    Luckily, you can fix that by clearing all your Spotify cached files. This doesn’t affect your saved playlist or any other data in your Spotify account.

    1. Close the Spotify app on your PC.
    2. Open Run by pressing Windows + R at the same time.
    3. Type the following in Run and press Enter: %appdata%
    1. Access the Spotify folder.
    2. Select all files by pressing Ctrl + A.
    3. Right-click a file on the list and choose Delete.
    1. Open Spotify and try to play your music.

    Flush Your DNS Cache to Fix the Spotify Error

    Your DNS cache helps your browsers and apps quickly translate domain names to IP addresses. If this cache has become corrupt, that may be why Spotify has trouble loading your music content.

    You can fix that by flushing your DNS cache on your Windows PC. This doesn’t affect your browser history, app data, or other files on your computer.

    1. Open the Start menu, search for Command Prompt, and select the tool in the search results.
    2. Type the following in CMD and press Enter: ipconfig /flushdns
    1. Close the Command Prompt window.
    2. Launch Spotify and see if your music plays.

    Uninstall and Reinstall the Spotify App

    If Spotify continues to display the “Something went wrong” error, the app’s core files may have gone corrupt. In this case, you can’t fix the faulty files yourself; you’ll have to uninstall and reinstall the app to bring the working files.

    When you reinstall Spotify, you don’t lose your account data, such as your saved playlists. However, you’ll need to keep your account logins handy to enter them when the app asks.

    1. Open Windows Settings by pressing Windows + I.
    2. Select Apps in Settings.
    3. Choose Spotify on the list and select Uninstall.
    1. Select Uninstall in the prompt.
    2. Head to the Spotify site, download the app and run the installer to reinstall the app.

    Reset Your Network Settings on Windows

    One reason for Spotify’s “Something went wrong” error is your PC’s incorrectly specified network settings. Such settings prevent your browsers and apps from properly establishing internet connections, causing various app errors.

    You can fix that by resetting all your network settings to the defaults. Doing so erases your customized settings and brings them to factory values.

    1. Press Windows + I to open the Windows Settings app.
    2. Select Network & Internet in Settings.
    3. Choose Status on the left and select Network reset on the right.
    1. Select the Reset now button.
    1. Choose Yes in the prompt.
    2. Windows will reset your settings and restart the PC.
    3. Connect to your preferred Wi-Fi network when your PC turns on.
    4. Launch Spotify and see if your error persists.

    Use Spotify’s Web Version

    If all else fails, use the Spotify web player to get access to all of your favorite music tracks. The company offers a web-based version akin to the desktop app in many terms. You can use this web app to sign in to your account, access your playlists, play your favorite music, and do more.

    The web version is a great way to access your music when your desktop app isn’t working.

    Getting Around Spotify’s App Errors on Windows

    Spotify’s app errors aren’t too uncommon. You may run into one of them at any point. If you’re experiencing a “Something went wrong” error, the guide above tells you how to fix the issue and resume your music playback.

    Once you’ve followed those methods, your app will work just as it should, allowing you to continue listening to your music and podcasts.

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