Spotify Error Code 3 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Spotify Error Code 3 means Spotify cannot log you in. This usually means you entered the wrong username or password, or that your account has an issue. It can also appear when Spotify's servers are having temporary problems. Resetting your password almost always resolves this error.

Affected Models

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

Common Causes

The username or password entered is incorrect
You are trying to log in with an email address on an account that was created through Facebook or Apple
Your Spotify account has been temporarily locked after too many failed login attempts
Spotify's login servers are temporarily experiencing an issue
A corrupted Spotify login cache is preventing a successful login

How to Fix It

Double-check your username and password. Remember that Spotify usernames are not always the same as your display name or email address.

If you signed up through Facebook, your Spotify username is a random string of numbers. Use the 'Log in with Facebook' button instead.
Reset your password. Go to spotify.com, click Log In, then 'Forgot your password?' Enter your email address and follow the reset link sent to your inbox.

Check your spam folder if the reset email does not arrive within a few minutes.
If you created your account using Apple or Google, use the 'Continue with Apple' or 'Continue with Google' buttons on the login screen — not the username/password fields.

Accounts created through a third-party service do not have a Spotify password — they authenticate through that service.
Clear the Spotify cache. On Windows: go to %appdata%\Spotify\Users\ and delete the folder inside. On Mac: go to ~/Library/Caches/com.spotify.client and delete its contents.

A corrupted cache can store bad login session data that prevents new logins.
Check Spotify's status page at spotify status on Twitter (@SpotifyStatus) or downdetector.com. If Spotify is having server issues, wait and try again later.

Server-side login problems usually resolve within an hour.

When to Call a Professional

Error Code 3 is almost always a login credentials issue that you can fix yourself. If your account appears to have been compromised (someone changed your password), contact Spotify Support immediately. Do not share your Spotify password with anyone claiming to offer account help.

Frequently Asked Questions

I know my password is correct but I still get Error Code 3. Why?

If your password is correct but you keep getting Error 3, your account may be temporarily locked. This happens after several failed login attempts as a security measure. Wait 30 minutes, then try again — or use the password reset link to create a new password and unlock the account.

Can someone else logging into my account cause Error Code 3 for me?

Yes. If someone logs into your account from another device, Spotify may flag the account for unusual activity. If you suspect unauthorized access, reset your password immediately and check your account at spotify.com to see connected devices. Remove any devices you do not recognize.

I never set a Spotify password — I always used Facebook to log in. What do I do?

If your Facebook account is disconnected or you deactivated Facebook, you will need to set a Spotify password. Go to spotify.com, click 'Log in', then 'Forgot your password?', and enter the email address associated with your Facebook account. Spotify will send a reset email that lets you create a standalone Spotify password.