Spotify Error Code 4 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Spotify Error Code 4 means the app cannot connect to the internet. Spotify tried to reach its servers and got no response. This is almost always a network issue — not a problem with your account or the app itself.

Affected Models

Spotify on Windows
Spotify on Mac
Spotify on Android
Spotify on iPhone

Common Causes

Your device is not connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data
A firewall or security software is blocking Spotify
Your DNS settings are causing connection failures
A VPN or proxy is interfering with Spotify's servers
Spotify's servers are temporarily down

How to Fix It

Check that your device is connected to the internet. Open a browser and try loading any website.

If the browser also fails, the problem is your internet connection — not Spotify.
Close Spotify completely and reopen it. On Windows, right-click the taskbar icon and choose Quit.

A full restart clears any stuck connection attempts.
Disable any VPN or proxy you have running. Then try Spotify again.

Spotify blocks some VPN connections. Turning it off usually fixes Error 4 immediately.
Check your firewall settings. Make sure Spotify is listed as an allowed application.

On Windows: go to Windows Security > Firewall > Allow an app through the firewall.
Change your DNS to Google's public DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) and try again.

Bad DNS settings are a common but overlooked cause of Error Code 4.

When to Call a Professional

This error is almost always something you can fix yourself. If you have tried everything and nothing works, contact your internet service provider. They can check if something on your network is blocking streaming services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Error Code 4 mean my Spotify account is banned?

No. Error Code 4 is purely a network connectivity error. It has nothing to do with your account status. If your account were suspended, you would see a different message.

Why does Spotify show Error 4 when my internet is working fine?

Your internet may be working, but something is blocking Spotify specifically. This is usually a firewall, VPN, or DNS problem. Try disabling your VPN first — that fixes it for most people.

Can Error Code 4 happen on mobile too?

Yes. On mobile, the most common cause is switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data. Turn airplane mode on for ten seconds, then off. This forces your phone to reconnect to the network.