Table of Contents

How to Play Spotify from Alexa: The Definitive Guide

So, you want to unleash the power of Spotify’s vast music library through the convenience of your Alexa-enabled devices? Excellent choice! It’s a simple yet powerful combination that elevates your listening experience. Playing Spotify from Alexa involves a few key steps, but once set up, it’s seamless. The short answer: Link your Spotify account to your Alexa account in the Alexa app, and then set Spotify as your default music service. Now, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of making musical magic happen.

Setting Up Spotify on Your Alexa Device: A Step-by-Step Guide

Think of this as the Rosetta Stone for decoding your audio desires. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a smooth connection between Spotify and Alexa.

Step 1: Download and Open the Alexa App

First and foremost, you need the Alexa app on your smartphone or tablet. If you haven’t already, download it from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android). Once installed, open the app and sign in with your Amazon account credentials.

Step 2: Navigate to the “Skills & Games” Section

In the Alexa app, look for the menu icon (usually three horizontal lines) in the top left corner. Tap it, and a sidebar will appear. Select “Skills & Games” from the menu. This is where you’ll find the key to unlocking Spotify integration.

Step 3: Search for the Spotify Skill

In the Skills & Games section, use the search bar at the top to type “Spotify”. You’ll see the official Spotify skill appear in the search results. Tap on it.

Step 4: Enable the Spotify Skill

On the Spotify skill page, you’ll see an “Enable to Use” button. Tap this button. This will initiate the linking process between your Alexa account and your Spotify account.

Step 5: Link Your Spotify Account

You’ll be redirected to a Spotify login page. Enter your Spotify username and password (or use your Facebook or Apple login if that’s how you access Spotify) and tap “Log In”. You might be asked to grant Alexa permissions to access your Spotify account. Grant these permissions to allow Alexa to control your Spotify playback.

Step 6: Set Spotify as Your Default Music Service

This is crucial. Once the skill is enabled and your accounts are linked, go back to the Alexa app’s main menu and select “Settings”. Then, choose “Music & Podcasts”. Here, you’ll see a section called “Default Services”. Tap on this. Now, select Spotify as your default music service. This ensures that when you ask Alexa to play music, it automatically uses Spotify.

Step 7: Test the Connection

Now for the moment of truth! Say, “Alexa, play my Discover Weekly playlist.” If everything is set up correctly, Alexa should start playing your Discover Weekly playlist from Spotify. If not, double-check the steps above, especially the default service setting.

Mastering Alexa Voice Commands for Spotify

Once you’re connected, the real fun begins. Here’s a breakdown of some essential voice commands to control your Spotify playback:

“Alexa, play [song name] on Spotify.” (Plays a specific song)
“Alexa, play [artist name] on Spotify.” (Plays music by a specific artist)
“Alexa, play on Spotify.” (Plays a specific playlist)
“Alexa, play [album name] on Spotify.” (Plays a specific album)
“Alexa, play my Daily Mix on Spotify.” (Plays your personalized Daily Mixes)
“Alexa, play some music.” (Plays music based on your listening history if Spotify is the default)
“Alexa, pause.” (Pauses the music)
“Alexa, play.” (Resumes playback)
“Alexa, next.” (Skips to the next song)
“Alexa, previous.” (Plays the previous song)
“Alexa, shuffle.” (Shuffles the current playlist or album)
“Alexa, volume up/down.” (Adjusts the volume)
“Alexa, stop.” (Stops the music completely)

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the best-laid plans, things can sometimes go awry. Here are some common problems and how to solve them:

Alexa says “I can’t find that skill.” Double-check that you’ve spelled “Spotify” correctly when searching for the skill in the Alexa app. Also, ensure your Alexa device is connected to the internet.
Alexa says “I’m not connected to Spotify.” This usually indicates that the linking process between your Alexa and Spotify accounts wasn’t completed successfully. Go back through the steps above and carefully re-link your accounts.
Alexa plays music from a different service. Make sure you’ve set Spotify as your default music service in the Alexa app settings.
Alexa plays the wrong song or playlist. Double-check that you’re using the correct voice command and that Alexa is understanding you correctly. Try speaking clearly and distinctly.
The music keeps cutting out. This could be due to a weak Wi-Fi signal. Try moving your Alexa device closer to your router or troubleshooting your Wi-Fi network.

Spotify Premium vs. Free: What’s the Difference on Alexa?

Using Spotify with Alexa offers distinct advantages depending on whether you have a Spotify Premium subscription or a Spotify Free account.

Spotify Premium: With Premium, you get ad-free listening, on-demand playback (you can choose specific songs and playlists), and higher audio quality. This is the ideal experience for uninterrupted enjoyment.
Spotify Free: With a free account, you’ll hear occasional ads, and on some Alexa devices, you might only be able to listen to playlists on shuffle. You also might not be able to request specific songs on demand.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the process of playing Spotify from Alexa:

FAQ 1: Can I use Spotify Family with Alexa?

Yes! The main account holder will need to link their Spotify account to Alexa. Each member can then control playback using their own voice profile on Alexa (if set up).

FAQ 2: How do I unlink my Spotify account from Alexa?

Go to the Alexa app, navigate to “Skills & Games,” find the Spotify skill, and then choose “Disable Skill.” This will sever the connection between your accounts.

FAQ 3: Can I play Spotify podcasts on Alexa?

Absolutely! Just say, “Alexa, play [podcast name] on Spotify.”

FAQ 4: Why is Alexa not recognizing my Spotify playlists?

Ensure the playlist is publicly available on Spotify. Private playlists may not be accessible to Alexa.

FAQ 5: Can I control Spotify playback on multiple Alexa devices simultaneously?

While you can have Spotify connected to multiple Alexa devices, you can only play music on one device at a time with a single Spotify account. Spotify Premium Family plans allow for simultaneous playback on multiple devices.

FAQ 6: What if I have multiple Amazon accounts in my household?

Each Amazon account will need to link separately to a Spotify account to access Spotify through Alexa.

FAQ 7: Does this work with all Alexa-enabled devices?

Yes, this process should work with all Alexa-enabled devices, including Echo Dot, Echo, Echo Show, and third-party devices that support Alexa.

FAQ 8: Can I use Spotify Connect to control playback on my Alexa device?

Yes, you can use Spotify Connect from your Spotify app on your phone or computer to control playback on your Alexa device. Ensure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network.

FAQ 9: How can I update the Spotify skill on Alexa?

The Alexa app usually updates skills automatically. However, you can manually check for updates in the “Skills & Games” section by finding the Spotify skill and looking for an “Update” button.

FAQ 10: What happens if Spotify changes its API?

Amazon and Spotify usually work together to ensure seamless integration. However, changes to Spotify’s API might temporarily disrupt the connection. Check for updates to the Spotify skill in the Alexa app if you experience any issues.

FAQ 11: Can I use voice commands to queue songs on Spotify through Alexa?

Unfortunately, direct voice commands to queue songs are not natively supported. You’ll need to manage the queue through the Spotify app or Spotify Connect.

FAQ 12: What if I forgot my Spotify password?

You can reset your Spotify password by going to the Spotify website and clicking on “Forgot password?” Enter your email address associated with your Spotify account and follow the instructions to reset it. After resetting your password, you’ll need to re-link your Spotify account to Alexa.

By following these steps and addressing these FAQs, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying your favorite Spotify tunes through the convenience of your Alexa devices. Get ready to fill your home with the sounds you love!