Spotify is one of the leading music streaming platforms in the world, offering access to millions of tracks. However, users occasionally encounter the frustrating issue of unplayable songs — tracks they’ve saved or found in playlists that are grayed out and can’t be played. This can be due to various reasons such as licensing restrictions, app glitches, or regional limitations. If you’re facing this issue, don’t worry; there are practical steps you can take to recover or replace these songs.
TL;DR
If you find grayed-out or unplayable tracks in your Spotify library or playlists, the issue could stem from regional licensing, account settings, offline mode errors, or app-related glitches. Solutions include checking availability, enabling local files, updating the app, or even using VPN services if regional restrictions apply. In some cases, the unplayable track may no longer be licensed for your country, in which case finding an alternative version might be the only solution. The following guide explores all the major reasons behind unplayable tracks and how to fix them.
What Are Unplayable Songs on Spotify?
Unplayable songs appear grayed out in Spotify and cannot be clicked or played. They are often found in personal playlists, albums, or when browsing another user’s public playlist. These songs were once playable but have become unavailable due to various reasons. Understanding why songs become unplayable is the first step in resolving the issue.
Common Causes of Unplayable Songs
- Region-Specific Licensing – Copyright laws differ across countries. A song may be available in one region and blocked in another.
- Removed from Spotify’s Catalog – The artist or music label may choose to remove a song or entire album from the platform.
- Network Connection Issues – If you’re offline and haven’t downloaded a song, it won’t be accessible.
- Account Type Limitations – Some songs are only available to Premium users or in countries where Spotify has full service access.
- Settings or Software Glitches – Settings within Spotify or outdated software can also cause playback issues.
Steps to Recover Unplayable Songs
To fix unplayable songs, follow these steps in order until the issue resolves:
1. Make Sure the Song Is Still Available Globally
Start by checking whether the song has been officially removed from Spotify.
- Search for the song using the Spotify search bar.
- Check if it appears under the artist’s main profile and album discography.
- If it’s missing globally, it’s likely been removed or taken down by rights holders.
In this case, there’s unfortunately no way to recover the specific version, but you might find an alternative or similar recording.
2. Enable ‘Show Unplayable Songs’ Setting
Sometimes songs don’t appear at all unless a specific setting is turned on.
- Open the Spotify app.
- Go to Settings > Playback.
- Toggle on “Show unplayable songs in playlists”.
This lets you see what tracks are unplayable and helps confirm if it’s a broader issue or specific to your account or region.
3. Restart or Update the Spotify App
Software glitches can create playback issues. Make sure your app is up to date:
- Log out and log back in to Spotify.
- Ensure you’re using the latest version on iOS, Android, or desktop.
- Restart your device if the problem persists after updating.
An outdated app may have bugs that affect playback capabilities. Always running the latest version of Spotify prevents these problems.
4. Check Your Internet Connection
Sometimes songs won’t play simply because your device isn’t connected properly to the internet or Spotify servers.
- Ensure you’re connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data.
- Disable and re-enable airplane mode to reset connections.
- If offline, verify whether the song was downloaded before or if it’s trying to stream live.
Unplayable songs that turn playable when you’re reconnected are usually due to networking or offline sync issues.
5. Use Local Files Feature
If you own the song or have it in MP3 format, you can use Spotify’s local file integration:
- Go to Settings > Local Files and enable “Show Local Files.”
- Add songs on your computer to a designated local file folder.
- Create a playlist including these local files.
This lets you play even those songs which Spotify doesn’t host anymore, as long as you legally possess the audio file.
6. Change Your Region (Only If Applicable)
If the song is region-locked, it may be available in countries other than yours. One potential solution — with caution — is to:
- Use a trusted VPN to switch to a different country where the track is known to be available.
- Log in to Spotify with VPN active and check if the song is now playable.
Note: Spotify’s terms of service do not encourage VPN use for bypassing regional content restrictions, and prolonged use might lead to account issues. Use this method only for temporary checks.
7. Check Licensing and Artist Rights
In certain cases, artists re-release music under a slightly different profile or label. Use these steps to track it down:
- Search for the song name with additional keywords like “remastered,” “2020 release,” or “live version.”
- Explore remixes or covers that are still available.
- Visit the artist’s official website or social media for Spotify links to newer versions.
This won’t restore the original version but gets you as close as possible to what you’re missing.
8. Use Third-Party Playlists to Find Alternatives
Sometimes, curated playlists by other users or Spotify itself may still contain versions of unplayable songs you’re missing.
- Search for a playlist name that used to contain the unplayable track.
- Look for alternate versions or remixes available there.
Preventing the Problem in the Future
To minimize future problems with unplayable songs, consider these tips:
- Download regularly – Keep downloaded copies of songs you love, especially if they’re rare releases.
- Monitor platform announcements – Artists sometimes alert followers when upcoming content will be removed.
- Keep multiple versions – Add both studio and live versions to your playlists where possible.
When All Else Fails
Despite all efforts, there will be occasions when a song is permanently removed from Spotify. In such cases, you can:
- Use alternative platforms like YouTube Music, Apple Music, or Amazon Music.
- Purchase the track legally from stores such as iTunes or Bandcamp.
- Rip the song from physical media you own, provided it’s for personal use and within legal frameworks.
Preserving beloved music sometimes means going beyond streaming to ensure access isn’t lost over time.
Conclusion
While unplayable songs on Spotify can be annoying, they’re often fixable with a bit of effort. Whether it’s changing settings, checking network conditions, or exploring legal alternatives, users have a variety of options at their disposal. Taking proactive steps not only recovers your music but enhances your overall Spotify experience. Music streaming is not perfect, but with the right knowledge, you’ll never be without your favorite tracks for long.