Fixed: Spotify Black Screen on Mobile/Desktop/Web/TV

Sometimes, Spotify just won’t show up right. Maybe the app loads, but the moment you hit play, everything disappears. Perhaps the screen flickers and goes completely dark, leaving only the play, pause, and skip buttons behind. Or maybe nothing appears at all, even if you just installed the app. Possibly, some of you might also see an error code flashing in red or yellow on the Spotify screen.

These are called the Spotify Black Screen issue. And it doesn’t matter where you use the Spotify app, this issue is common and happens because of compatibility issues between your system and the Spotify app. We’ll walk you through every possible fix. And also show you how to take all your Spotify music offline, so you can listen anytime—even if the app refuses to cooperate.

Before diving into more technical solutions, it’s essential to run a few preliminary inspections that could be triggering black display screens.

Check for Spotify Downtime

No matter where you launch Spotify, whether on the desktop app, web player, mobile, or even TV. If all you’re met with is a complete screen blackout, the first step is to check Spotify’s service status.

Head to downforeveryoneorjustme.com and enter “Spotify” in the search field. This will confirm whether the blackout is widespread or specific to your device. And in case the issue is server-side, all you can do is wait until normal service is restored.

Check Network Connection

A weak or disrupted internet link can cause Spotify to freeze, fail to refresh, or result in a persistent black display. To rule this out:

• Go to Speedtest.net to check your connection speed.
• Restart your router or modem to re-establish a stronger connection.

Note: It is advisable to switch off the VPN to determine its impact on Spotify, as it could interfere with Spotify’s server communications.

A completely dark screen on Spotify’s Windows and Mac app isn’t tied to a single cause. It could happen after a system update or an app upgrade, or even happen randomly without warning.

No matter the reason, we’ll go through targeted solutions to fix Spotify black screen issues on the computer by addressing the root cause at a system level.

Fix 1. Disable Hardware Acceleration

Spotify enables hardware acceleration by default to improve animations and reduce lags. While this works well on high-end computers, it often causes rendering issues on older hardware or outdated graphics drivers. The result? An empty interface or a completely blacked-out window.

If GPU conflicts are causing the problem, switching this feature off can instantly restore the normal display.

On Windows 11/10

• Click your three dots icon at the top-left corner. 
• Choose Helpfrom the drop-down.
• There, hover to the Troubleshooting option and click on Disable Hardware Acceleration and Restart.

Once relaunched, the app should now load normally, with animations restoring smoothly.

On Mac

• With Spotify open, click Spotify in the top menu bar.
• In the drop-down, make sure the Hardware Acceleration is unchecked.

Close and restart Spotify to apply the change.

Fix 2. Enter Offline Mode and Clear Spotify Cache

Many Spotify users on community forums and Reddit threads have solved the black screen issue by temporarily entering Offline Mode, flushing out temporary data, and then returning to online mode. This forces Spotify to refresh its interface, discard corrupted files, and reestablish a stable connection.

Here’s how to put this fix into action and see if it brings back Spotify’s missing visuals:

Step 1. Enter Offline Mode

On Windows, the setting is tucked inside the menu bar.

• At the top-left, click on the three-dot menu and hover over File.
• Among the options, you’ll spot Offline Mode. Click it and Spotify will immediately disconnect from the internet.

On Mac, click on the Spotify menu in the top-left corner.

• From the drop-down list, select Offline Mode.

The app will switch to Offline Mode, showing a confirmation message.

Step 2: Clear the Cache

Now that Spotify is offline, let’s remove any cached files that could be messing with its display. Follow these steps on Mac or Windows Spotify app:

• Head to Settings, then scroll all the way down until you reach Storage.
• You’ll see a Clear Cache option. Click it, and when the confirmation pops up, proceed with clearing it.

Fix 3. Zoom Out Spotify

Zooming in or out will force Spotify to re-render the interface, fixing display glitches that are often caused by resolution conflicts. There are dedicated options for this in both Windows and Mac Spotify apps, but a quicker approach is using built-in keyboard shortcuts.

For Windows:

• Press Ctrl + Minus (-) to zoom out.
• Press Ctrl + Plus (+) to zoom in.

Once the visuals return, you can press Ctrl + 0 to reset the zoom level if needed.

For Mac:

• Press Cmd + Minus (-) to zoom out.
• Press Cmd + Plus (+) to zoom in.
• Press Cmd + 0 to restore the default zoom.

Note: Some Mac users report that Cmd + Shift + (0/-/+) is the correct shortcut to change the Zoom levels. So, you can try this if the above doesn’t work.

Fix 4. Delete Spotify Folder in Application Support

Spotify stores settings, login details, and other preferences in a folder on Mac and Windows. Over time, outdated and damaged files in this folder can interfere with Spotify’s visuals, leading to black screen or becoming unresponsive.

So, you can manually remove the application support folders from your computer and force Spotify to reset its settings as new.

On Mac:

• Open a new Finder window and press Command + Shift + G to access the Go to Folder function. In the search bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/
• Find the Spotify folder in the list.
• Right-click on it and select Move to Trash.
• Empty the Trash to completely remove Spotify’s cached data.

On Windows:

• Launch File Explorer and navigate to: C:/Users/YOUR-USERNAME/AppData/Roaming/
• Find the Spotify folder and delete it completely.

Heads up: If you installed Spotify directly from the official website instead of the Microsoft Store, the file path will be different.

Once the Spotify folder is deleted on Windows or Mac, Spotify will log you out. Plus, it will automatically open in case it was open. Simply, reopen the application, log back in and the black screen issue will be fixed if it was caused by corrupted data.

Fix 5. Restart Video Driver

Sometimes the display settings (resolution, refresh rate, or scaling) could become unstable. Or, you might have changed them recently. Such changes could interfere with how Spotify loads visuals, causing a black screen.

A quick way to refresh these display settings is to restart the graphics drivers, which will also force the Spotify app to reload its interface, which can fix the issue.  

On Windows:

Windows has a built-in command that resets the graphics driver instantly:

• Press Win + Ctrl + Shift + B at the same time.

The screen will briefly go dark, followed by a beep—confirming that the reset was successful.

On Mac:

You can simply restart the Mac to reset the graphics drivers.

If you are a power user and know what you’re doing, simply force quit the WindowServer in Activity Monitor. This will completely refresh the display system on macOS.

Fix 6. Grant Spotify Access Through Firewall

At times, Spotify blank screen is accompanied by Error Code: 30 or Error Code: auth:15. This usually means that Spotify is being blocked by your firewall, preventing it from connecting it to its servers properly. Here’s how you can remove these restrictions:

On Windows

• Use the Windows search bar to find Firewall & Network Protection.
• Select Allow an app through the firewall from the options.
• Look for Spotify in the list and ensure it’s checked under both Private and Public networks. If not, click Change settings and check both options. Then, confirm with OK.

On Mac

• Open System Preferences and navigate to Network settings.
• Head to Firewalland then select Firewall Options.
• Click Spotify in the list. Then, select Allow incoming connections.

Fix 7. Check Anti-virus Software

Beyond system firewalls, third-party security software can also mistakenly flag Spotify as a restricted application, which will block its access to communicate and result in black screen with only the close/minimize buttons visible.

• To rule out antivirus interference, temporarily deactivate threat detection tools and restart Spotify.

If the app loads correctly, it confirms that the security program is limiting Spotify’s functionality. In that case, modify Spotify status to Trusted or Allowed (exact option and the method depends on your security provider). You can check your antivirus provider’s official website for detailed steps.

Regardless of which browser you use, if Spotify Web Player is stuck on a black screen or fails to load, one of these three fixes should restore normal functionality.

Fix 1. Delete Browser Cookies and Cache

Just like the Spotify app on Windows and Mac, your browser stores cached files to remember your logins and site preferences. Over time, this stored data can create conflicts if Spotify has updated its web player. So, if the screen remains black or pages don’t load properly, refreshing the browser cache can help.

On Chrome, Brave, or Edge

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete (Cmd + Shift + Delete on Mac) to bring up the Clear Browsing Data panel.
• Choose All Time as the time range.
• Make sure the Cached images and files optionis selected.
• Click Clear Data to remove stored files and force a fresh session.

Fix 2. Plug HDMI Cable into HDMI Port

One increasingly common issue users report is Spotify working fine on the primary screen but failing to load on an external monitor. This often comes down to HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) compatibility.

Put simply, it means that the external display should be connected to the HDMI or DisplayPort that supports HDCP 2.2. The good thing is most modern devices include at least one HDCP-compliant port. So, try switching to a different HDMI port on your PC. If your PC lacks one, the only workaround is using an external HDCP 2.2 adapter.

Fix 3. Change to Another Browser

If clearing cache data doesn’t help, simply switch to a different browser. If Spotify works on another browser, update or reinstall the previous browser and check if it fixes the blank screen issue.

Or, you can continue using Spotify Web Player on the second browser.

Whether Spotify’s screen blackout appears on the login screen or the app has suddenly stopped displaying any content, these three solutions will help restore functionality on both iPhone and Android.

Fix 1. Update Phone OS

Staying on the latest system version is critical for maintaining compatibility with the Spotify app updates.

To check for updates on iPhone or Android:

• Open Settings.
• Type Software Update in the search bar.

If an update is available, install it and restart your device. Once the update is complete, Spotify black screen issue should be fixed.

Fix 2. Clean Reinstall Spotify App

Besides the aged OS update, another common culprit behind Spotify’s screen blackout on smartphones is the residual data from past installations. These leftover files (cached data and outdated configurations) can conflict with new app updates, leading to display glitches.

The solution? A clean reinstallation. Unlike a regular reinstall that simply replaces the app, this process wipes out all files related to the Spotify app, ensuring a fresh start on your device. Here’s how to do it:

On iPhone

Clean the cache if you can interact with Spotify’s in-app settings page. Even if you couldn’t see anything within the app, don’t worry! You can follow these steps:

• Open the Settings app on your iOS device.
• Choose General> iPhone Storage.
• From the list of apps, tap Spotify.



• Select Delete App and confirm when prompted.
• Power down your iPhone completely and leave it off for 30 seconds. This will remove background caches and lingering files.
• Power back on. Go to App Store, search for Spotify, and install it.

On Android

• Head to the system settings and find Apps or Application Manager. Inside the installed app list, choose Spotify. 
• On the App info page, find and tap Storage.



• Locate the Clear Cache and Clear Data options, tap both, one after the other.
• Return to the app info page and select Uninstall.



• Open your Files app and navigate to: Android > data.
• Look for a folder named com.spotify.music. Delete it completely.



• Once removed, power off your device and leave it idle for 30–40 seconds before restarting.
• Then, install Spotify from Play Store.

That’s it! The clean reinstall should fix the black screen issue and bring back the graphics.

Spotify’s TV apps aren’t immune to display issues. In fact, Spotify on smart TVs experiences black screens or becomes unresponsive more frequently than on other devices. Here are some quick and effective fixes.

Fix 1. Restart Apple TV

A system refresh clears device memory, resolving minor software hiccups that arise after prolonged use. Here’s how to do it on Apple TV:

• Go to Settings > System > Restart.

Once the TV powers back on, relaunch Spotify and check if the visuals are restored.

Fix 2. Close Other Apps

A black screen accompanied by Error code: 202 usually means Spotify isn’t getting enough system resources to function properly. This is a common issue on smart TVs where multiple apps continue running in the background, consuming memory.

Follow these steps to quit background apps on Apple TVs and fix Spotify’s black screen issue:

• On your Apple TV remote, press the Home button twice to bring up the App Switcher.
• Choose an app and swipe up to push it off the screen, closing it completely.
• Do the same for any other running apps.

Return to the home screen and relaunch Spotify. The interface should now display correctly.

Fix 3. Update tvOS and Reinstall Spotify

Many times, Spotify’s black screen issue on the TV stems from compatibility issues. The best fix? Ensure both are up to date.

Update Your TV Software

• Navigate to Settings > System > Software Update.
• Select Update Software and then choose Download & Install.

When the update is complete, launch Spotify and check if the issue is resolved.

Reinstall Spotify on Your TV

• On the apps menu, locate Spotify.
• Using your remote, press and hold the touch surface (or clickpad center) until the app starts jiggling.
• Select Delete App.

Then, open the App Store and reinstall Spotify.

The up-to-date tvOS and Spotify app prevents any compatibility issues and fixes the black screen issue in most cases.

Some days, you just want to hit the Play button and let Spotify music flow, and don’t want to deal with troubleshooting. The easiest way to keep things seamless for those days is to bring your Spotify music outside the app, so it’s always ready.

And with StreamFox for Music, saving Spotify songs as MP3 or WAV files is really simple. It comes with its own built-in Spotify player. While you can listen to Spotify songs directly within StreamFox, its main function is to let you pick any playlist, album, or track and effortlessly save it in open formats on your device. With 10x conversion speed and batch processing, you can quickly export multiple playlists and albums, getting your entire offline collection ready in no time.

StreamFox for Music

• Every converted song keeps the original details intact, like the artist name, album title, and even album art.
• The highest sound quality stays intact during conversion, delivering crisp, 320kbps playback.
• No Spotify Premium is required to convert unlimited Spotify tracks to your device.
• The converted files are organized automatically on your computer.

Download Download

Steps to Convert Spotify Music and Listen Without Issues

Step 1. Click on the installer above: Mac or Windows, depending on your device. Once StreamFox is downloaded and installed, open it and select Spotify from the main screen.

Step 2. You’ll see the fully functional built-in Spotify browser. Click Log In and enter your Spotify Free or Premium credentials to gain access.

Step 3. Select any playlist, album, song, podcast, or audiobook and drag it to the plus (+) button at the top right of the interface.

Step 4. Once all selections are in place, click Convert All. StreamFox will convert and save the songs in 320kbps MP3 by default.

Step 5. Once the conversion is complete, navigate to the Downloads directory. Locate StreamFox output folder and import its content to any other media player. That’s it! You can enjoy Spotify music without any issues.

Wrap Up

And on that note, we are done. From your phone to your computer, from the web player to your TV, you’ve now got everything you need to effectively tackle Spotify’s black screen issues.

If you’d prefer to store your music always with you, you can use StreamFox for Music. Without the need for Spotify Premium, it lets you convert Spotify music in 320 kbps and save it in open audio formats like MP3, FLAC, WAV, and more. So, you can listen to your favorite songs using any app.