In short: Your account is disabled because Spotify has detected a possible fraudulent activity on your account, or you keep missing payments during your renewal date.
You open Spotify one day only to find your account disabled. What should you do? It’s not the end of the world. In this article, I will discuss all the ways you can get banned on Spotify.
How to get banned on Spotify
When your account is banned, you cannot access Spotify. If you get an email or error message that your Spotify account has been disabled, it’s likely due to one of the following reasons.
1. Using an ad-blocker
Have you been using third-party software that blocks ads on Spotify? If yes, then Spotify has the right to suspend or terminate your account. They do not allow ad blockers.
Spotify has taken a more solid stance on ad blockers in its updated terms of service which were released in March 2019. According to the new guidelines, blocking ads simply means:
“Circumventing or blocking advertisements in the Spotify Service, or creating and distributing tools designed to block advertisements in the Spotify Service.”
If Spotify detects you have blocking ads on Spotify, you may receive “immediate termination or suspension of your Spotify account.”
Yes, Spotify ads are annoying, but it is part of their revenue stream. If you can’t stand it, you can upgrade to Premium. Just keep in mind you will still get ads on podcasts even on Premium.
2. Stealing Spotify’s content
Spotify is a music streaming service. You are allowed to listen to songs and podcasts, but you are not allowed to “steal” their content. If you do, your account will likely get disabled.
Downloading and converting songs from Spotify is considered fraudulent activity. You are basically copying files you don’t have legal rights to.
There are plenty of music downloaders and converters out there.
For example, if you use third-party software like Audials (a paid app that finds, records, saves, and converts content from Spotify) your Spotify account can get banned.
Spotify is very clear about the consequences. If they detect any possible fraudulent activity on your account or anything else that violates our terms and conditions, they will disable it.
Thankfully, as music streaming services like Spotify continue to increase in popularity, music piracy has been declining. But there are still some people who still download music illegally.
3. Using a modified version of Spotify
Are you using an unofficial Spotify app to enjoy Premium benefits without paying for them? If yes, your account could soon get banned from the platform.
Many users install Spotify using a Mod APK, which is a modified application. It is created to provide users with better features or features that are not available in a particular region.
With the modified version of Spotify, you can simply sign in with your account using your username and password, then listen to the service ad-free without having to pay.
I don’t recommend using modified versions of Spotify apps because Spotify is cracking down on users doing this illegal activity. If you’re using it, you might get an email that sounds like this:
“We detected abnormal activity on the app you are using so we have disabled it. Don’t worry – your Spotify account is safe. Simply uninstall any unauthorized or modified version of Spotify.”
– Spotify terms of service
All you have to do next is to download the official app to regain access to your account.
Spotify warns that if they detect repeated use of unauthorized apps in violation of their terms, they reserve all rights, including suspending or terminating your account.
4. Missing payments
During the renewal date, Spotify will charge you based on the payment method you choose (credit card, debit card, or online payment service, like PayPal).
If the monthly payment fails, don’t worry, you won’t immediately lose your Premium account because Spotify will try to take the payment again over the next few days.
However, if the payment continues to fail, Spotify will disable your account. You can restore your account by logging into your account and paying your dues.
Here are some resources for failed Spotify payments:
- Spotify not accepting my credit/debit card
- Spotify gift card not working
- Spotify pay by mobile not working
- Spotify PayPal not working
5. Buying fake followers
Buying fake followers may sound like an easy path to Spotify fame and popularity, but the potential fallout isn’t worth the risk because it can get your account banned.
While most casual listeners do not buy fake followers and streams, some artists who want to make it big on the platform buy them. They want to become popular overnight.
If Spotify finds out that you’re getting fake followers or streams, you may get banned and lose your chance to appear on the platform’s homepage, organic playlists, and search results.
6. Using explicit language
If you use cuss words that are deemed inappropriate by Spotify on your display name, you might get banned. The same thing goes for the playlists you create on the platform.
While you cannot change your username (generated automatically by Spotify), you can change your display name. Avoid using words that are laced with hate speech and violence.
Spotify never released a statement about this issue, but it’s good practice to keep things polite, especially when you’re online and interacting with other people in a community.
Can artists get banned from Spotify?
Yes, an artist can get banned from Spotify.
This generally happens when the artist violates Spotify’s terms of service, such as by using explicit content, hate speech, or copyrighted material without proper authorization.
Furthermore, artists may also get banned from the Spotify platform if they engage in fraudulent activities, such as artificially inflating their stream numbers and followers.
How to unblock a Spotify account
If you are confident that you have never done any fraudulent activity and you have been paying your Premium membership on time, you can contact Spotify to clear up any confusion.
Keep in mind that you may have to provide Spotify with proof of account ownership, or purchase or payment details. Before you contact Spotify, prepare them in advance.
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