Playing Spotify on your Alexa device is generally straightforward, but there can be a few hiccups along the way. This guide will walk you through the process, troubleshoot common issues, and help you enjoy your favorite tunes seamlessly.
Setting Up Spotify on Alexa
First, ensure you have both the Spotify app and the Amazon Alexa app installed on your smartphone or tablet. You’ll need a Spotify account, but a free account will work with some limitations.
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Link Spotify to Alexa: Open the Alexa app, go to “More,” then “Skills & Games.” Search for “Spotify” and tap “Enable to Use.” Follow the on-screen prompts to log in to your Spotify account and authorize the connection.
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Set Spotify as Your Default Music Service (Optional): In the Alexa app, navigate to “Settings,” then “Music & Podcasts,” and choose “Default Services.” Select Spotify for both “Music” and “Podcast” if desired. This allows you to simply say “Alexa, play [song/artist]” without specifying Spotify.
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Control Spotify Playback with Your Voice: Once linked, you can use voice commands like:
- “Alexa, play [song name] on Spotify.”
- “Alexa, play [artist name] on Spotify.”
- “Alexa, play on Spotify.”
- “Alexa, play some music.” (If Spotify is your default service)
- “Alexa, next song.”
- “Alexa, pause.”
- “Alexa, resume.”
- “Alexa, volume up/down.”
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, getting Spotify to play on Alexa can be tricky. Here are some solutions to common problems:
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Free Spotify Limitations: While a free Spotify account works with Alexa, it only allows shuffle play based on artists, albums, or playlists. You can’t request specific songs and will hear ads. For full control, consider a Spotify Premium subscription.
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Network Connectivity: Ensure your Alexa device and your phone or tablet are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Network issues can disrupt playback.
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Sonos Integration: If you’re using Sonos speakers with Alexa, ensure Spotify is added and set as the default music service in both the Sonos and Alexa apps. Verify your Alexa-enabled Sonos groups are correctly configured for playback. In the Sonos app, under “System,” you can find “Voice Services” to set up Alexa. Setting playback options to “Always” within the Alexa group settings will enable playback without needing to specify the group name in your voice command.
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Account Linking Issues: If you’re still having trouble, try disabling and re-enabling the Spotify skill in the Alexa app (as described in the setup steps).
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Contact Support: If none of these solutions work, contact either Spotify or Amazon support for further assistance. They may have specific troubleshooting steps for your device or account.
Enjoying Spotify on Alexa
Once you have Spotify and Alexa working together, you can enjoy a hands-free music experience. Explore Spotify’s vast library, create custom playlists, and control your music with simple voice commands. Enjoy your listening experience!
