Spotify Error Code 101 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Spotify Error Code 101 means Spotify cannot establish a connection to the internet. Even if your browser works fine, Spotify uses its own connection method that can be blocked by firewalls or proxy settings. Adjusting your firewall or proxy settings almost always fixes this error.

Affected Models

Spotify on Windows 10
Spotify on Windows 11
Spotify on macOS

Common Causes

Your firewall is blocking Spotify from accessing the internet
A proxy server is configured on your computer that Spotify cannot connect through
Your antivirus software is blocking Spotify's connection
The Windows Hosts file has been modified to block Spotify's servers
A VPN is preventing Spotify from connecting correctly

How to Fix It

Open Spotify settings (click the down arrow next to your name at the top > Settings). Scroll to the Proxy section. Set Proxy Type to 'No Proxy' and click Restart Spotify.

A proxy setting left over from a different network is a very common cause of Error 101.
Check your Windows Firewall settings. Go to Control Panel > Windows Defender Firewall > Allow an app through Windows Defender Firewall. Make sure Spotify is checked for both Private and Public networks.

If Spotify is not in the list at all, click 'Allow another app' and add the Spotify executable.
Temporarily disconnect any VPN you may be running. If Spotify works without the VPN, the VPN is the cause. Try a different VPN server or configure your VPN's split-tunneling feature to exclude Spotify.

Some VPNs interfere with Spotify, especially if the VPN routes all traffic including app connections.
Check the Windows Hosts file. Open Notepad as administrator, then open C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts. Look for any lines mentioning Spotify and delete them.

Some ad-blocking software or malware adds Spotify entries to the Hosts file, blocking its connection.
Reinstall Spotify. Fully uninstall it including AppData folders, then download and install fresh from spotify.com.

A fresh install resets all connection settings to their defaults, clearing any configuration that may be causing Error 101.

When to Call a Professional

Error Code 101 is a connectivity problem that you can fix yourself in most cases. If you are on a work or school network, a network administrator may have blocked Spotify at the firewall level. In that case, only your network admin can unblock it.

Frequently Asked Questions

My browser can access spotify.com but the app shows Error 101. How is that possible?

Browsers and apps use different connection methods. A firewall or proxy can block Spotify's desktop app while allowing web browser access to the same servers. This is why fixing the firewall or proxy setting in Spotify resolves the issue even when the web version works fine.

Can my internet provider block Spotify?

In most countries, internet providers do not block Spotify. However, some restricted networks (schools, workplaces, hotels) do block streaming services. If you are on a public or managed network and Spotify does not work, the network administrator may have blocked streaming apps.

I'm getting Error 101 on my home network but not on mobile data. What does that mean?

This means the problem is with your home network, not with Spotify or your computer. Try restarting your router (unplug it for 30 seconds). If that does not help, your router may have a firewall setting blocking Spotify — log in to your router's admin panel and check its firewall rules.