Spotify Stuck in Offline Mode? How to Switch It Off (2026)

Spotify saying you're offline when you know you're not is maddening, especially when you're relying on a playlist to get through a long day of client work or content creation. The good news is that Spotify's help has a dedicated page for this, so I can give you the steps rather than guesses.

Everything below follows what Spotify's help pages say. I'll start with the setting that causes most of the confusion, then move on to your connection, then to the last-resort steps.

Why Spotify can seem stuck in offline mode

There are really two different things that look the same on screen. One is the Offline mode setting inside Spotify, which you may have switched on by accident. The other is a real lack of internet on your device, which makes the app behave as though it's offline. Spotify's help treats them in that order, and so will I.

Spotify also warns that anything you haven't downloaded is greyed out and unavailable while Offline mode is on. So if half your library looks dimmed, this is the first place to look.

Switching off Offline mode in Spotify on a phone or tablet

1. Tap your profile picture at the top.
2. Tap Settings and privacy.
3. Tap Data-saving and offline.
4. If Offline mode is switched on, switch it off.

Spotify's help gives the same route for phones and tablets. If you can't see the option, make sure your app is up to date, because menu names can change between versions.

Switching off Offline mode in the Spotify desktop app

On a computer, the setting lives in a menu at the top of the screen, and the path is different for Mac and Windows.

• On a Mac: open Spotify, then click Spotify in the Apple menu at the top of the screen.
• On Windows: open Spotify, then click File in the three-dot menu at the top of the screen.

In either case, if Offline mode is switched on, switch it off. Your music should come back from grey to normal once the app reconnects.

When you can't log in to Spotify to turn Offline mode off

Spotify's help includes a tip for this: while the app is in offline mode you can't log in with Facebook or Apple. You can use an email address and password instead. If you normally sign in with one of those services, Spotify's login help pages cover the alternatives.

If you're logged out on one device and want a clean start, my guide to logging out of Spotify on all devices explains how that works.

Testing whether your internet is why Spotify says offline

If Offline mode is already off, Spotify suggests checking whether other apps or web pages work on your device. If they don't, the issue is likely your internet connection, not Spotify.

Wi-Fi fixes for Spotify offline problems

• In your device's settings, switch Wi-Fi off, wait 30 seconds, then switch it back on. Spotify says this can re-establish a good connection.
• If you're on home Wi-Fi, restart the router. Your router maker's support site can help.
• Be aware that some shared or public networks, such as schools and offices, restrict access to certain services. Your IT team can tell you more.
• Try a different Wi-Fi network or mobile data. If Spotify works there, contact your service provider.

Mobile data fixes for Spotify offline problems

On mobile data, Spotify says to check you have enough data allowance in your device's settings. Your data provider can help with that. It also recommends Wi-Fi wherever possible to save your mobile data.

Checking your firewall when Spotify stays offline

If those steps didn't help, Spotify says to check your firewall, if you use one, to see whether Spotify is set as an exception. The company that provides your firewall can show you how.

After that, Spotify points you to its pages about when Spotify can't play and about reinstalling the app, which I cover next.

Updating, clearing the cache and reinstalling Spotify

The general fixes for playback problems are to restart the app, update it and reinstall it. It also recommends closing apps you aren't using and clearing the cache. My guide to clearing the Spotify cache on phone and computer shows the steps.

Reinstalling comes last because Spotify says you need to re-download any downloaded music and podcasts afterwards. That's a pain if you've saved a lot for a trip, so exhaust the quicker fixes first.

Using Spotify offline on purpose without getting stuck

Offline mode isn't a fault. It's a feature that lets you listen to what you've downloaded without using a connection. The trick is to download before you need it, and to remember to switch Offline mode off when you're back online.

If you want to prepare for a flight or a patchy rural signal, my walkthrough on downloading songs on Spotify covers the steps, and Spotify's page on listening offline has the official detail.

When Spotify offline problems need more help

If you've been through every step and Spotify still says it's offline while everything else works, check Spotify's status account and the Ongoing Issues board in its Community. If your problem is marked as under investigation, Spotify asks you to add your vote. Beyond that, contact Spotify support through its help centre.

Frequently asked questions

How do I turn off Offline mode on Spotify?

On a phone, tap your profile picture, then Settings and privacy, then Data-saving and offline, and switch Offline mode off. On a computer, use the menu at the top of the app.

Why does Spotify say offline when my internet works?

Offline mode may be switched on, or your device may not be getting a connection. Spotify suggests checking whether other apps and web pages work.

Why are my songs greyed out?

Spotify says anything you haven't downloaded is greyed out and unavailable when Offline mode is on.

Can I log in with Facebook or Apple while offline?

No. Spotify says you can't log in with Facebook or Apple in offline mode, but you can use an email address and password.

Can a firewall make Spotify offline?

Yes. Spotify says to check your firewall has Spotify set as an exception.

Will reinstalling fix it?

It can, but Spotify says you need to re-download any downloaded music and podcasts afterwards, so try the quicker fixes first.