To show only local devices in the Spotify devices menu on an iPhone, open Spotify, tap your profile picture, tap Settings and privacy, tap Apps and devices, and turn on Local device visibility. The Connect menu then lists only devices on your current Wi-Fi network, so other people’s speakers and TVs stop showing up.
Spotify documents this setting in its Spotify Connect support article. If the receiving device plays songs out of order, see turning off Shuffle and Smart Shuffle in Spotify.
How to Show Only Local Devices in Spotify
Use this on a shared network, such as an office, dorm, or hotel, where other people’s speakers and TVs show up in your list.
- Open Spotify and tap your profile picture.
- Tap Settings and privacy.
- Tap Apps and devices.
- Turn on Local device visibility.
The Connect menu now lists only devices on your current Wi-Fi network. Turn the switch back off if a device you own, such as a speaker you’re signed in to, disappears. To remove a device you don’t recognize, tap the three dots next to it and choose Log out of this device, or unlink Spotify in the manufacturer’s app (such as Amazon Alexa). For extra safety, use Sign out everywhere on your Spotify account page and change your password.
What Spotify Connect Does
Spotify says Connect lets you use one device to remotely control listening on another. To check whether a speaker, TV, or other device supports it, see Spotify’s Connect device list or ask the device’s manufacturer.
How to Use Spotify Connect
- Connect your phone and the other device to the same Wi-Fi network. Spotify says this is required the first time you connect.
- Open Spotify on the TV, console, or computer, or turn on your speaker.
- On your phone, open Spotify and play something.
- Tap the Connect device icon at the bottom of the screen.
- Choose the device. The music moves to it, and your phone works as the remote.
Spotify notes that if you pause for more than 10 minutes, you might need to reconnect. If you’d rather not show what you’re playing to followers, you can start a Private Session.
Listen in Lossless on a Connected Device
On supported devices, tap the device icon while a song plays, select the playing device, tap Change quality settings, and select Lossless. Spotify says you need to switch from your mobile device, and not all devices support lossless. For quality on your phone itself, see how to increase streaming quality in Spotify on iPhone.
If Your Device Doesn’t Show Up
- Sign in on the device. Spotify says logging in to the device with your Spotify account lets it appear in the app even if it isn’t on the same Wi-Fi.
- Give Spotify local network access on iPhone. Go to iPhone Settings > Spotify > Local Network and turn it on.
- Check Local device visibility. In the Spotify app, go to Settings > Apps and devices. Turning Local device visibility off lets the app see devices that aren’t on your current Wi-Fi.
- Seeing two devices with the same name? Try connecting to each one in turn.
- Restart and update. Restart the Spotify app, the speaker or display, and your phone. Make sure Spotify and all devices are up to date.
- Check your Wi-Fi. Connect both devices to the same network, restart your router, or try a different network.
- Android TV: allow Spotify to display over other apps in TV Settings > Apps > Special app access > Display over other apps.
In the Spotify web player, Spotify says you can only use devices you’ve already signed in to, or Google Cast devices on your current network if you use Chrome.
Volume Buttons Not Working on iPhone?
Spotify explains that Apple discontinued the technology that let iPhone volume buttons control connected devices. Use the Spotify app instead: press a volume button to bring up a slider at the bottom of the screen, or open the Connect menu from the Now Playing bar and use its volume slider.
Spotify Connect vs. Bluetooth
- Connect uses your phone as a remote for a device that plays Spotify itself.
- Bluetooth sends audio from your phone to the speaker, so the phone has to stay close. Spotify’s Bluetooth help recommends keeping devices within about 1 meter (3 feet) and notes some speakers allow only one connection at a time.
Use Connect when the device supports it, and Bluetooth for headphones, cars and speakers without Wi-Fi.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I see devices that aren’t mine in Spotify?
Spotify lists devices you’ve signed in to and devices on the Wi-Fi network you’re using. On a shared network, that can include other people’s speakers and TVs. Turn on Local device visibility to hide devices outside your network, and choose Log out of this device from the three dots menu for any device you don’t recognize. To filter songs on connected devices, see how to block explicit content in Spotify.
Related: how to connect Spotify to Google Maps on iPhone.
Matthew Burleigh is the founder, head writer, and editor of Solve Your Tech, which he launched in 2012. He has written technology tutorials since 2008 and worked in IT since 2003, including small-business support, IT management, and consulting. He holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science from Arizona State University.
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