As an avid music lover, having Spotify on your Apple Watch is a game-changer. It allows you to listen to your favorite tunes even when your iPhone is not within reach. However, like any technology, there can be occasional hiccups that disrupt the seamless experience. One common issue that users encounter is Spotify Now Playing not working on Apple Watch. But worry not! In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through various troubleshooting steps to resolve this problem and get your Spotify app back on track.
To effectively tackle the Spotify Now Playing problem on your Apple Watch, it’s crucial to understand the underlying causes. Here are some common reasons why Spotify may not be working as expected:
1. Connectivity Issues
One possible reason for the Spotify Now Playing issue is a connectivity problem between your Apple Watch and iPhone. Both devices need to be connected via Bluetooth and on the same Wi-Fi network for seamless functionality. If there’s a disruption in the connection, it can hinder the playback on your Apple Watch.
2. Outdated Spotify App
Using an outdated version of the Spotify app can sometimes lead to compatibility issues with your Apple Watch. Developers frequently release updates to address bugs, enhance performance, and introduce new features. Therefore, it’s essential to ensure that you have the latest version of the Spotify app installed on both your iPhone and Apple Watch.
3. Caches and Glitches
Over time, apps like Spotify can accumulate caches and encounter glitches that affect their performance. These caches can cause the Now Playing feature to malfunction or freeze. Clearing the caches and restarting the app can often resolve this issue.
4. Bluetooth Settings
If the Bluetooth on your Apple Watch is turned off or not properly paired with your headphones, it can prevent Spotify from playing music. Checking and adjusting your Bluetooth settings is crucial to ensure seamless playback.
5. Network Connection
Spotify requires an internet connection to stream music on your Apple Watch. If your iPhone doesn’t have a stable network connection or if you’re using a Spotify Free account, which doesn’t support offline listening, it can result in the Now Playing feature not working.
6. Apple Watch Model and WatchOS Version
Older models of the Apple Watch, such as Series 1 and 2, may not support streaming Spotify. Additionally, if your Apple Watch has an outdated WatchOS version, it may not be compatible with the latest Spotify features. Updating your Apple Watch to the latest WatchOS version is essential for optimal Spotify functionality.
Troubleshooting Steps to Fix Spotify Now Playing on Apple Watch
Now that we have identified the potential causes, let’s dive into the troubleshooting steps to fix the Spotify Now Playing issue on your Apple Watch. Follow these methods in order, and hopefully, one of them will resolve the problem for you:
Method 1: Restart the Spotify App
Sometimes, the simplest solution is the most effective. Begin by restarting the Spotify app on your Apple Watch. This will clear any temporary glitches or caches that may be causing the issue. Here’s how to do it:
- On your Apple Watch, navigate to the app screen by pressing the digital crown.
- Find the Spotify app and swipe up on it to force quit.
- Wait for a few seconds, then relaunch the Spotify app and check if the Now Playing feature is working.
Method 2: Reinstall the Spotify App
If restarting the app didn’t resolve the issue, try reinstalling the Spotify app on both your iPhone and Apple Watch. This step ensures that you have the latest version of the app and eliminates any potential software conflicts. Follow these steps to reinstall the app:
- On your iPhone, press and hold the Spotify app icon until it starts shaking.
- Tap the “x” button on the top left corner of the app icon to delete it.
- Go to the App Store and search for “Spotify.”
- Download and install the Spotify app again.
- Repeat the same process on your Apple Watch by pressing and holding the app icon until it jiggles, then tap the “x” button to delete it. Afterward, reinstall the Spotify app from the App Store on your Apple Watch.
Method 3: Restart Your iPhone and Apple Watch
A simple restart can often resolve software-related issues. Restarting both your iPhone and Apple Watch refreshes their systems, potentially resolving any underlying glitches. Follow these steps to restart your devices:
- On your iPhone, press and hold the power button until the “Slide to power off” option appears.
- Drag the slider to turn off your iPhone.
- Wait for a few seconds, then press and hold the power button again until the Apple logo appears to turn on your iPhone.
- On your Apple Watch, press and hold the side button until the power off slider appears.
- Drag the slider to turn off your Apple Watch.
- Wait for a few seconds, then press and hold the side button again until the Apple logo appears to turn on your Apple Watch.
After the restart, check if the Spotify Now Playing feature is functioning correctly.
Method 4: Check Connectivity Settings
Ensure that both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled on your Apple Watch and iPhone. Follow these steps to verify and adjust the settings:
- On your Apple Watch, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to access the Control Center.
- Tap the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth icons to ensure they are turned on and connected to the same network as your iPhone.
- On your iPhone, go to Settings and tap Bluetooth. Make sure it is turned on and connected to your Apple Watch.
- Additionally, ensure that your iPhone has a stable network connection for Spotify to stream music to your Apple Watch.
Method 5: Update Spotify App and WatchOS
Keeping your apps and devices up to date is essential for optimal performance. Check if there are any available updates for the Spotify app and WatchOS. Follow these steps to update them:
- On your iPhone, go to the App Store and tap the “Updates” tab at the bottom.
- Look for the Spotify app and tap the “Update” button next to it if an update is available.
- On your Apple Watch, open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone.
- Tap “General” and select “Software Update.”
- If there’s an update available, follow the on-screen instructions to update your WatchOS.
Method 6: Reset Sync Data
If all else fails, you can try resetting the sync data between your iPhone and Apple Watch. This can help resolve any underlying synchronization issues that may be affecting the Spotify Now Playing feature. Here’s how to do it:
- On your iPhone, open the Apple Watch app.
- Tap on your Apple Watch and select the “Music” option.
- Toggle off the “Synced Music” option.
- Wait for a few seconds, then toggle it back on.
- After the data is synced, check if the Spotify Now Playing feature is working on your Apple Watch.
Alternative Solutions for Spotify on Apple Watch
If you’re still experiencing issues with the Spotify Now Playing feature on your Apple Watch, there are alternative methods to enjoy Spotify on your wrist without relying on the app itself. Here are a couple of options:
Option 1: Use Bluetooth Headphones
If your Apple Watch is connected to Bluetooth headphones, you can control Spotify playback on your iPhone through your Apple Watch. This allows you to play, pause, skip tracks, and adjust the volume without directly using the Spotify app on your Apple Watch.
Option 2: Download Spotify Music to Apple Watch
Spotify Premium users have the option to download their favorite songs, playlists, and albums for offline listening. By downloading the music directly to your Apple Watch, you can bypass any issues with the Spotify app and enjoy your music without the need for an internet connection. To download Spotify music to your Apple Watch, follow these steps:
- On your iPhone, open the Spotify app and go to the playlist or album you want to download.
- Tap the three dots (…) next to the playlist or album name.
- Select “Download” to start the download process.
- Once the download is complete, open the Spotify app on your Apple Watch and navigate to the playlist or album. The downloaded music should be available for playback.
Conclusion
Spotify Now Playing not working on your Apple Watch can be frustrating, but with the troubleshooting steps and alternative solutions outlined in this guide, you should be able to overcome the issue. Remember to check your connectivity settings, update your apps and devices, and try alternative methods like using Bluetooth headphones or downloading music for offline playback. By following these steps, you’ll be back to enjoying your favorite tunes on your Apple Watch in no time. Happy listening!
Additional Information: It’s important to note that the troubleshooting steps provided in this guide are general solutions and may not resolve all specific cases of Spotify Now Playing issues on Apple Watch. If you continue to experience problems, it’s recommended to reach out to Spotify support or Apple support for further assistance.
Experiencing difficulties with your Device, check out our “How To” page on how to resolve some of these issues.
