Spotify Stops After One Song Heres Why How To Fix It

If you've ever started a playlist or album on Spotify only for playback to halt abruptly after a single track, you're not alone. This issue affects users across smartphones, tablets, desktops, and smart speakers. While frustrating, it's often rooted in simple settings, connectivity issues, or misunderstood features rather than a broken app. Understanding the underlying causes is key to restoring seamless playback.

The good news: most cases are fixable with a few targeted adjustments. Whether you're using Spotify Free or Premium, Android or iOS, the solution typically lies in checking your playback settings, connection stability, or device-specific behaviors. Let’s break down the common culprits and how to resolve them permanently.

Why Spotify Stops After One Song: Common Causes

Spotify isn’t designed to stop after one song unless specific conditions are met. When it does, the cause usually falls into one of several categories:

• Repeat mode is partially enabled – Repeat set to \"One\" will loop a single track but stop after if no further action is taken.
• Autoplay is disabled – Without Autoplay, Spotify won’t suggest additional tracks once your playlist ends.
• Poor internet or Wi-Fi connection – Buffering failures can interrupt streaming after the first song loads.
• Outdated app version – Older versions may have bugs affecting continuous playback.
• Account or subscription issues – Free users face more restrictions, especially around offline listening and shuffle controls.
• Device sleep or power-saving settings – Background app restrictions can pause Spotify unexpectedly.

Identifying which factor applies to your situation is the first step toward resolution.

Tip: Always check if the next track appears in the queue before assuming a technical fault—sometimes playback simply ends because the list was short.

Step-by-Step Fix: How to Restore Continuous Playback

Follow this structured troubleshooting process to diagnose and fix the issue efficiently.

1. Check Repeat Mode
   Open the now-playing screen and look at the repeat icon. If it shows a \"1,\" Spotify is set to repeat the current song only. Tap it once to switch to full playlist repeat (two arrows), or tap again to disable repeat entirely.
2. Enable Autoplay
   Autoplay suggests similar songs after your playlist ends. To turn it on:
   • Tap the “Now Playing” bar.
   • Look for the Autoplay toggle (circular arrow icon).
   • Ensure it’s activated (green or highlighted).
3. Verify Shuffle Settings
   On some devices, especially mobile apps, playlists default to shuffle. If shuffle is off and the playlist has only one playable track, Spotify may stop. Toggle shuffle on to ensure smooth transitions.
4. Test Your Internet Connection
   A weak signal prevents Spotify from loading the next track. Try switching from Wi-Fi to mobile data or vice versa. Restart your router if needed.
5. Update the Spotify App
   Outdated software can cause unexpected behavior. Visit your device’s app store and ensure Spotify is up to date.
6. Clear Cache (Android)
   Go to Spotify Settings > Storage > Delete Cache. This resolves glitches caused by corrupted temporary files.
7. Reinstall the App
   If problems persist, uninstall Spotify completely, then reinstall it fresh from the official store.

Device-Specific Issues and Fixes

Different platforms behave differently. Here’s what to watch for based on your device:

Device	Common Issue	Solution
iPhone/iOS	Background app refresh disabled	Go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh > Enable for Spotify
Android	Battery optimization killing Spotify	Add Spotify to “Don’t optimize” list in Battery settings
Windows/Mac	App stuck in single-track mode	Restart app; check repeat and autoplay icons in player UI
Smart Speaker (e.g., Echo)	Voice command misinterpreted	Say “Play my playlist on repeat” or “Turn on Autoplay”

For voice-controlled devices like Amazon Echo or Google Home, always confirm your verbal commands include “shuffle,” “repeat,” or “keep playing.” Saying “Play this playlist” without context may trigger single-track playback by default.

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Playlist Problem

Sarah, a college student, noticed Spotify stopped after one song every time she played music during study sessions. She assumed it was a glitch. After checking forums, she realized her Android phone’s battery saver mode was restricting Spotify in the background. Once she added Spotify to the “unmonitored apps” list in her battery settings, playback continued uninterrupted. The fix took less than two minutes—but solved weeks of frustration.

“Many Spotify playback issues aren’t app flaws—they’re interactions between user settings and device policies.” — Mark Tran, Mobile Software Support Specialist

Essential Checklist: Prevent Future Playback Interruptions

To avoid recurring issues, follow this routine maintenance checklist monthly:

• ✅ Confirm Autoplay is enabled in the Now Playing view
• ✅ Ensure Repeat is set to “All” or disabled, not “One”
• ✅ Toggle Shuffle on when playing large playlists
• ✅ Update Spotify to the latest version
• ✅ Check that background data and battery optimization allow Spotify
• ✅ Test playback on multiple networks (Wi-Fi, 5G)
• ✅ Reboot your device weekly to clear system-level hiccups

Tip: On shared devices, always log out after use—residual session data can interfere with playback logic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Spotify stop after one song for free users?

No, not inherently. Free users can play full playlists and albums. However, they must listen in shuffle mode on mobile and cannot download music. If shuffle is off or the playlist is misconfigured, it may appear as though playback stops early.

Why does Spotify work fine on Wi-Fi but stop on mobile data?

This usually points to poor signal strength or data-saving settings. Some carriers throttle streaming traffic, and phones often limit background data usage on cellular networks. Disable Data Saver mode and ensure Spotify is allowed to use mobile data freely.

Can Bluetooth disconnects cause Spotify to stop?

Absolutely. If your headphones or car system briefly disconnect, Spotify may pause and not resume automatically. Modern versions attempt to reconnect, but older firmware or unstable connections increase the risk. Keep your audio devices updated and within range.

Conclusion: Take Control of Your Listening Experience

Spotify stopping after one song is rarely a permanent defect—it’s usually a mismatch between expectations and settings. By understanding how repeat, autoplay, and device limitations interact, you regain full control over your music flow. Most fixes take under five minutes and prevent hours of future annoyance.

Don’t let small technical quirks disrupt your favorite playlists. Apply these solutions today, double-check your settings, and enjoy uninterrupted listening across all your devices. Music should move you—not stop you cold.

💬 Did these tips solve your Spotify issue? Share your experience or ask questions in the comments—your insight could help another listener keep the music going.