When opening the Spotify app, you may be asked to give Spotify access to your camera. But wait a second. Why would a music streaming app like Spotify need access to your camera?
Why does Spotify need access to my camera?
Spotify needs access to your camera to scan Spotify Codes. They work like QR codes, which allow you to share and discover amazing content on Spotify. It’s as easy as taking a picture.
A Spotify Code looks like this:
You can share songs, albums, podcasts, playlists, and profiles with anyone using Spotify Codes. All the other person has to do is open their camera and scan the unique Spotify Code.
There are also rumors that Spotify is planning to allow people to upload their own profile picture, which would require granting permission to allow Spotify to access your camera roll.
Should Spotify have access to my camera?
It’s optional to give Spotify access to your camera. You don’t need to give Spotify access to your camera to enjoy its music streaming service unless you want to use Spotify Codes.
If you want to use the Spotify Codes feature (share music with friends and family using unique barcodes), then you should give Spotify access to your camera.
However, if you do not plan to use the Spotify Codes feature, then you should not give Spotify access to your camera due to privacy concerns. You never know what Spotify can “see”.
How do Spotify Codes work?
Spotify Codes is a unique barcode and album cover image for every song, album, artist, playlist, and profile. Someone else can scan that code and instantly be taken to that specific music.
Basically, every Spotify Code is a scannable image that works like a QR code. To be able to scan a Spotify Code, your Spotify app needs to have access to your device’s camera.
1. How to get a Spotify Code
To create a Spotify Code, just tap the “three dots” button on the right side of the screen while playing a song, or looking at an artist or playlist. You can then share this code with anyone.
2. How to scan a Spotify code
To scan a Spotify Code, open the Spotify app on your mobile phone and go to the search bar. Tap the camera icon then hover the camera over a code on the unique Spotify Code.
You also can upload a screenshot or photo of a Spotify Code to scan it when you see it shared in another app like Instagram or over a text message. You can try scanning this Spotify Code:
Try opening this article on your desktop or computer, then scan the above Spotify Code using the Spotify app on your mobile phone. The music will immediately open on your app.
How to allow Spotify access to your camera
To allow Spotify access to your camera, open the Spotify app on your mobile phone and go to the search bar. Tap the camera icon. You may be asked to give Spotify access to your camera.
Is it dangerous to give Spotify access to my camera?
Generally, it’s not dangerous to give Spotify access to your camera. I can also confirm that Spotify cannot override the permissions you have set for the app, including your camera.
The only concern is that Spotify may share information with advertising partners in order to send you promotional communications about Spotify or to show you more tailored content.
This may include relevant advertising for products and services that may be of interest to you, and to understand how you interact with advertisements.
Don’t worry, though. The information Spotify shares with its partners is in a de-identified format (for example, through the use of hashing) that does not personally identify you.
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