Spotify Not Showing Lyrics? Where to Look and Fixes (2026)

You're playing a song, you want to sing along or check a line for a caption or a reel, and there are no lyrics on screen. Before you assume something's broken, it helps to know where Spotify puts lyrics and when it says they won't appear. I've read Spotify's help page on lyrics so you don't have to.

The short version: lyrics are a feature that depends on the song, the device and your location. Sometimes the fix is a setting. Sometimes it's simply that lyrics aren't there yet.

Where to find lyrics in Spotify on a phone or tablet

1. Play a song.
2. Tap the Now playing bar at the bottom of the screen. On a tablet, tap the album artwork in the side menu.
3. Scroll down to Lyrics.
4. Tap the lyrics for a full screen view.

If you've never scrolled down in the Now Playing view, that's the usual reason people think lyrics are missing. They sit below the album art, not on top of it.

Where to find Spotify lyrics on desktop and the web player

1. Play a song.
2. Click the Lyrics icon at the bottom of the app.

On other devices, Spotify says you can select the Lyrics icon, but adds that lyrics may not be available on all devices. A smart speaker, for example, has no screen to show them.

Why Spotify lyrics might not show for one song

Spotify's help says lyrics may not be available on all songs and devices. It also says new lyrics are added every day, so something that's missing today may appear later.

It adds that the availability of features on Spotify can vary over time, between markets and across devices, depending on the agreements Spotify has with rights holders. In plain terms, you can't fix a missing lyric from your side if Spotify doesn't have it for your song or location.

Spotify also says lyrics are available to users across both its free and Premium tiers, so you don't need Premium to see them where they exist.

Checking the Spotify lyrics preview setting on mobile

On mobile, Spotify has a Lyrics preview that shows lyrics in real time under the album art or over Canvas. It's on by default. If you've switched it off, or you're wondering why lyrics aren't scrolling on the Now Playing screen, check it.

1. In the Now Playing view, tap the three dots (horizontal on iPhone, vertical on Android).
2. Tap Lyrics to switch the preview on or off.

Spotify says this setting applies to all tracks with available lyrics. It also says Lyrics preview isn't available on music videos, so if you're in video view that could be why.

Updating or refreshing the app when lyrics won't show

Spotify's help on lyrics doesn't list a fix for lyrics that fail to load, so I'll only pass on its general playback advice. Spotify says to restart the app, update it and, if the problem continues, clear the cache or reinstall.

Clearing the cache is quick, and I explain it in my guide to clearing the Spotify cache on phone and computer. Reinstalling means you need to re-download downloaded music and podcasts, so leave it until last.

It's also worth checking whether your internet connection is stable, since Spotify's help lists that among its first checks for app problems.

Checking your Spotify lyrics step by step

When lyrics won't appear, it helps to rule things out in a sensible order so you aren't clicking around at random. This is the order I'd use, based on what Spotify's help says.

1. Confirm you're looking in the right place for your device: below the album art on a phone, or the Lyrics icon on a computer.
2. Try a different song, ideally a popular one. If that shows lyrics, the first song probably doesn't have them yet.
3. Check you're not in music video view on mobile, since Lyrics preview isn't available on music videos.
4. Check the Lyrics preview setting from the three dots in Now Playing.
5. Restart and update the app, then try again.

Testing a second song is the quickest way to tell a device problem from a catalogue gap. Spotify's help is clear that lyrics aren't on every song, so one missing set of words isn't a sign your app has failed.

If you work with music in your business, for instance a fitness studio, a salon or a content channel, it's worth knowing that lyrics depend on the track and the device in front of you. A smart speaker or a car screen may simply not show them.

Sharing Spotify lyrics from your phone

If you're a creator, a podcaster or a small business owner who likes to share a line from a song on social media, Spotify lets you share lyrics from the mobile app.

1. View the lyrics in full screen.
2. Tap the share icon at the bottom.
3. Tap the lyrics you want to highlight.
4. Tap Share and choose a social app.

Lyrics are someone else's work, so check the rights before you reuse them in your own marketing.

Using lyrics with your own playlists

Lyrics appear for songs in your playlists in the same way as anywhere else in Spotify, so if you build a sing-along list for a team event, my guide to making a playlist on Spotify is a good starting point.

If Spotify lyrics still will not show

If you've looked in the right place, checked the preview setting and updated the app, but lyrics still don't appear, the most likely answer is that the song doesn't have lyrics on Spotify yet. If other songs show lyrics fine, this is the likeliest cause. If none do, contact Spotify support through its help centre and tell them your device and app version.

Frequently asked questions

Where are the lyrics on Spotify?

On a phone, tap the Now playing bar and scroll down to Lyrics. On desktop and the web player, play a song and click the Lyrics icon at the bottom.

Why does Spotify not show lyrics for some songs?

Spotify says lyrics may not be available on all songs and devices, and that availability can vary between markets.

Do I need Premium to see lyrics on Spotify?

No. Spotify says lyrics are available across both its free and Premium tiers.

Will more lyrics be added?

Spotify says new lyrics are added every day.

How do I turn Lyrics preview off?

In the Now Playing view on mobile, tap the three dots, then Lyrics, to switch the preview off or on.

Can I share lyrics from Spotify?

Yes, from the mobile app: view lyrics in full screen, tap the share icon, highlight the lyrics, tap Share and choose a social app.