Spotify Error Code 116 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Spotify Error Code 116 is a timeout error — Spotify tried to connect to its servers but the connection took too long and gave up. This is most often caused by a slow internet connection or a temporary problem with Spotify's servers. It usually resolves on its own, but there are steps you can take to fix it faster.

Affected Models

Spotify on Windows
Spotify on macOS
Spotify on iPhone
Spotify on Android

Common Causes

Your internet connection is slow or unstable, causing requests to time out before completing
Spotify's servers are temporarily overloaded or experiencing issues
Your router or modem needs to be restarted after running continuously for a long time
A VPN is adding enough latency to cause Spotify connections to time out
Too many devices on your home network are using bandwidth at the same time

How to Fix It

Check your internet connection speed at fast.com or speedtest.net. Spotify needs at least 0.5 Mbps for standard quality and 5 Mbps for high quality streaming.

If your speed is below these minimums, the timeout is being caused by your connection speed.
Restart your router and modem. Unplug both from the power outlet, wait 30 seconds, plug them back in, and wait for them to reconnect.

Routers that run for weeks without restarting can develop slow connection issues that a simple restart fixes.
Close other apps and tabs that are using bandwidth. Video streaming, large downloads, or file-sharing apps can consume most of your bandwidth and cause Spotify to time out.

Even a streaming video in another tab can interfere if your internet plan has limited bandwidth.
If you are using a VPN, try disconnecting it and see if Spotify connects successfully. VPNs add latency that can cause timeout errors.

If the VPN is required, try switching to a VPN server that is geographically closer to you.
Check Spotify's server status. Visit downdetector.com and search for Spotify, or check @SpotifyStatus on Twitter. If Spotify is having issues, wait and try again later.

Server-side problems usually resolve within an hour.

When to Call a Professional

Error Code 116 almost never requires professional help. If your internet connection works fine for everything else and only Spotify consistently times out, contact Spotify Support. If your internet is generally slow, contact your internet provider to investigate your connection quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Error Code 116 only happens at certain times of day. Why?

If the error happens at peak hours (evenings, weekends), your internet connection is likely congested. Many people streaming at the same time slows down the shared network infrastructure. This is common with cable internet providers — the speed you get depends on how many neighbors are online at the same time.

Does Error Code 116 affect my downloaded songs?

No. If you have downloaded songs for offline listening, they will still play normally even when this error occurs. The error only affects streaming — your downloaded content is stored locally on your device.

Can switching from Wi-Fi to mobile data fix Error Code 116?

Yes. If the error is caused by your home network, switching to mobile data will bypass the problem. If Spotify works on mobile data but not Wi-Fi, the issue is with your home network or router — restarting the router should help.