In short: You’ll need to download the Android version of the Spotify app from the Google Play Store or use the Web Player to get Spotify to work on a Chromebook.
Using Spotify on a Chromebook is not as simple as downloading the app. You’ll have to go through a few hoops to get things going. Here’s why Spotify isn’t working on Chromebook.
Does Spotify work on Chromebook?
Spotify works on Chromebook, but you either have to use the Spotify Web Player or install the Android version of Spotify, since Spotify doesn’t have an official Chromebook app.
Chromebooks run on the Google operating system Chrome OS, which means that Windows and macOS programs, like Spotify, don’t work on these devices.
Many Chromebooks are also intended for school or work, so there may be settings that prevent you from using the device for other things, like Spotify, in the meantime.
Why isn’t Spotify working on my Chromebook?
Chromebooks are made for school and work, not music. If you have trouble running Spotify on your Chromebook, here are a few reasons why along with their solutions.
1. Chromebook doesn’t have an official Spotify app
According to Spotify, they don’t have an official Chromebook app yet. You have two options. One is to use the Spotify Web Player. Two is by installing the Android version of Spotify.
The Web Player is similar to the full desktop version of Spotify. All you need to do is to navigate to open.spotify.com. Then, you can simply log in to your Spotify account.
Once you log in, you’ll be able to use Spotify from your browser.
However, some people have said that the browser version of Spotify on Chromebooks doesn’t work well, so it’s better to install the latest Android version of Spotify instead.
First, you’ll need to make sure your Chromebook is Google Play Store Enabled.
At the bottom right, select the time and then go to Settings. In the “Google Play Store” section, next to “Install apps and games from Google Play on your Chromebook,” select Turn on.
If you can’t find this option, your Chromebook doesn’t work with Android apps.
Once your Chromebook is Google Play Store Enabled, you can download the Android version of the Spotify app from the Google Play Store and use Spotify normally.
I love to use the Android version of Spotify on my Chromebook. This Spotify version is made for mobile devices so it’s not only compact but it packs some extra features over the Web Player.
You’ll also be able to download music for offline listening.
2. You didn’t allow Spotify to play protected content
Many Chromebooks are intended for school or work, so there may be settings that prevent you from using the device for other things in the meantime.
These can be games, but also music streaming services such as Spotify, YouTube Music, Apple Music, and more. To solve this issue, you’ll need to allow these apps to play protected content.
Here’s how to allow Spotify to play protected content on a Chromebook:
- Open the Spotify app on your Chromebook.
- Click the three dots menu in the right-hand corner.
- Choose “App Info”.
- Click “Allow Protected Content”.
- Refresh the Spotify app.
Here’s how to do it if you’re using the Spotify Web Player:
- Go to chrome://settings/content in the web browser.
- Click on “Additional Content Settings”.
- Navigate to “Protected Content”.
- Select “Sites can ask to play protected content”.
Tweaking the above setting should allow Spotify to work properly (not skipping songs) on Chromebook, whether you’re running the Android app or the Web Player.
3. Your Chrome browser isn’t up to date
If you’re allowed Spotify to play protected content, but the Web Player is still not working, make sure your Chrome browser is up-to-date.
You can check and update the Chrome browser in the Help section. You can also try opening the Spotify web player in a private/incognito window to see if that solves the issue.
4. Spotify is no longer compatible with your Chromebook
Another reason why Spotify is not working on Chromebook is that both are no longer compatible. While this is rare, it could happen to you.
For example, some people have reported that their Asus C720 is no longer compatible with Spotify. There were no further OS updates available (stuck with a version).
I think it’s ridiculous that someone would need to buy a newer version of Chromebook just to play Spotify, but as I said before, Chromebooks are mostly designed for school and work.
5. Shared or public networks can restrict Spotify access
Spotify may not work due to the way a Chromebook is set up and configured by your school or workplace. Some shared or public networks can restrict access to certain services.
If your Chromebook is issued by your school or workplace, you may be limited in what apps can be installed or used on the device. Maybe they’ve restricted music streaming apps like Spotify.
Make sure you’re not connected to a network that is limiting traffic to Spotify.
If you don’t own the Chromebook and you can’t take it home, there is, unfortunately, no other way to listen to Spotify unless you use your own device.
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