- Why Spotify songs are greyed out: the causes Spotify lists
- Checking Spotify offline mode when songs are greyed out
- Fixing a network problem that greys out Spotify songs
- Songs greyed out because they aren't available in your market
- Hidden Spotify songs look greyed out too
- Greyed-out local files in the Spotify app
- When a greyed-out Spotify song is a downloaded one
- A short checklist for greyed-out Spotify songs
- Frequently asked questions
Songs on Spotify are greyed out when they can't be played right now. Spotify's help gives three first checks: make sure your device isn't in offline mode, check your network connection or try a different network, and remember a song may not be available in your market. Hidden songs also show greyed out.
You open a playlist, and half of it has gone faint. That's a worry if the playlist is your shop soundtrack, a class warm-up or something you promised to play at an event. The reason is usually one of a handful of things, and Spotify's help names most of them.
This page follows Spotify's help pages on tracks that won't play, missing music, hidden songs, offline mode and local files. I've only included causes Spotify itself names. Spotify spells the word 'grayed' in its own pages; I'm using the British 'greyed' to match what many people type.
Why Spotify songs are greyed out: the causes Spotify lists
| Cause | What Spotify says |
|---|---|
| Offline mode is on | Check your device isn't in offline mode |
| Network problem | Check your connection, or switch to a different network |
| Not available in your market | Songs can be greyed out if they aren't available in your market |
| You hid the song | Hidden songs appear greyed out and are skipped |
| A local file problem | Check local file settings and folders |
Checking Spotify offline mode when songs are greyed out
This is the first thing to try, and Spotify gives the path for each device:
- Phone or tablet: tap your profile picture, then Settings and privacy, then Data-saving and offline. If Offline mode is on, switch it off.
- Mac: use the Spotify entry in the Apple menu bar and turn Offline mode off.
- Windows: open File in the three-dot menu and turn Offline mode off.
Spotify adds that Facebook and Apple login don't work in offline mode. If you're locked out of the app, log in with your email address and password.
Fixing a network problem that greys out Spotify songs
If offline mode is already off, Spotify suggests checking your network. Try another app or website to see whether anything connects. If nothing does, turn wifi off for about 30 seconds and back on, or restart your router. Spotify also suggests trying a different wifi or mobile data connection, because shared networks at schools or offices can restrict some services.
Once you're back online, give the app a minute to refresh. If songs still look faded, close and reopen Spotify.
Songs greyed out because they aren't available in your market
This one isn't something you can fix with a setting. Spotify's help says it doesn't have every track and podcast, and that what's available varies over time and by country. It all depends on permissions from rights holders. New content is added daily, so something missing now may come back later.
If you're travelling, Spotify says playback problems while abroad may need a change to your country or region account settings.
For anyone planning a playlist for a public event or business, that's a useful lesson: if a track is key, check it plays on the account and in the place where you'll use it before the day.
Hidden Spotify songs look greyed out too
Spotify's hide-songs help says hidden songs appear greyed out and are skipped during playback. That's a feature, not a fault. A few details from Spotify:
- You can hide songs only in playlists created by Spotify or other users. In your own playlists, you remove songs instead.
- A hidden song still plays in other playlists where it isn't hidden.
- On mobile, you can also snooze a track for 30 days through Hide in this playlist, then Don't suggest this song anywhere for 30 days.
How to unhide a greyed-out song on mobile
- Open the playlist.
- Tap the Remove icon next to the song, or tap the three-dot icon.
- Tap Show in this playlist if you used the three dots.
How to unhide a greyed-out song on desktop
Spotify says to click the Remove icon next to the hidden song.
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Greyed-out local files in the Spotify app
Spotify's local files page doesn't use the word greyed out, but it names causes for local songs that won't show or play. On mobile, check the Local audio files toggle under Settings and privacy, then Apps and devices, and check your device's settings allow access. On desktop, make sure Show Local Files is on and the folders you want are switched on under Show songs from. If a playlist is causing trouble, Spotify suggests removing the local files from it and adding them again.
When a greyed-out Spotify song is a downloaded one
Downloads can look unavailable if the device and the app are out of step. Updating the app, restarting it and checking offline mode come first. My guide to downloading songs on Spotify shows how downloads are meant to work, so you can check you set yours up the usual way.
A tidy cache can also help. My walkthrough on clearing the Spotify cache covers the steps, and Spotify says it doesn't remove downloads.
A short checklist for greyed-out Spotify songs
- Switch off Offline mode.
- Check your connection or try another network.
- Look for a hidden song and unhide it.
- Check local files settings if the track is your own.
- Update the app and restart it.
- If one song stays greyed out everywhere, assume it isn't available in your market.
If a whole playlist stays faded after all that, Spotify's help centre can look at your account. Have the device, the app version and a couple of example song names ready.
Frequently asked questions
Why are songs greyed out on Spotify?
Spotify says to check offline mode and your network. A song can also be greyed out if it isn't available in your market, or if you've hidden it in a playlist.
How do I turn off Spotify offline mode?
On a phone, tap your profile picture, then Settings and privacy, then Data-saving and offline, and switch Offline mode off.
Can I play a greyed-out Spotify song?
Not if it isn't available in your market. If it's a hidden song, unhide it using the Remove icon or Show in this playlist.
Do hidden songs get deleted?
No. Spotify says a hidden song still plays in other playlists where it isn't hidden.
Why are my local files greyed out on Spotify?
Spotify's local files help says to check the Local audio files setting on mobile, and Show Local Files and the folder settings on desktop.
