We all know how frustrating it can be when streaming services start cracking down on people sharing accounts. With Netflix and Disney+ leading the charge, it seems like the streaming apocalypse is upon us. But fear not, because we’ve got a hot tip for you Spotify users out there!
If you’re wondering why you might want to stream from one Spotify account on multiple devices at the same time, well, there are a few reasons. Maybe you’ve got a family member or friend who can’t afford their own subscription, or maybe you just want to be able to listen to your favorite tunes no matter where you are.
Before we dive in, let’s quickly go over Spotify’s plans. In the United States, an individual Premium plan costs $10.99 a month, the Premium Duo (for two people) is $14.99, and the Premium Family plan (for up to six accounts) is $16.99. While Spotify’s terms of service say that multi-account plan users must reside at the same address, it’s a bit trickier to enforce when everyone is streaming on mobile devices.
So, what’s the trick?
Well, it involves downloading your content and switching to offline mode to avoid any limitations. But first, let’s talk about Spotify Connect.
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What is Spotify Connect: Friend or Foe?
Spotify Connect is like a double-edged sword. It’s a handy feature that allows you to control what you’re listening to across multiple devices, but it’s also the very thing that limits you to one active audio stream at a time.
When you head into the “Now Playing” section, you’ll see an option to switch between different devices that are connected to the same Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or other networks. It’s great for seamlessly transitioning your tunes from one device to another, but it also serves as a subtle reminder that you can only have one active stream playing at any given time.
How to Stream Spotify on Multiple Phones at the same Time?
So, how do we break free from these limitations? By going off the grid, of course! Here’s what you need to do:
Step 1: Download Your Content:
Before you can stream on multiple devices simultaneously, you’ll need to download all the content you want to listen to. But first, make sure you’ve selected the audio quality you want your downloads to be in.
Go to Spotify’s settings (the gear icon on mobile or Ctrl/Cmd + P on desktop), scroll down to the “Audio Quality” section, and choose your preferred quality for downloads. Keep in mind that higher quality means larger file sizes, so you might want to strike a balance between quality and storage space.
Once you’ve set your audio quality, start downloading your playlists, albums, podcasts, and audiobooks. You can download entire playlists, albums, and audiobooks, or individual podcast episodes.
Step 2: Enable Offline Mode:
After you’ve downloaded your content, it’s time to go off the grid. On your mobile device, head back to Spotify’s settings and toggle on “Offline Mode” under the “Playback” section. This will ensure that Spotify only shows the content you’ve downloaded and saved to your library.
On desktop, there’s no dedicated “Offline Mode” toggle, so you’ll need to use your machine entirely offline or stick with your mobile device.
Once you’re in Offline Mode, you’ll be able to stream your downloaded content to your heart’s desire, without any limitations or interruptions.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind While this workaround is a great way to stream Spotify on multiple devices simultaneously, there are a few caveats to be aware of:
- Limited Content: When you’re in Offline Mode, you’ll only have access to the content you’ve downloaded. That means no “radio” playlists, no AI DJ, and no other online features.
- 30-Day Limit: Spotify requires you to bring your “offline” device back online every 30 days to continue accessing your downloaded content.
- Music Discovery: Since you’ll be offline, you won’t be able to easily discover new music or add songs to your playlists while you’re listening.
- Potential Interruptions: If someone else on your account starts streaming while you’re listening offline, it could interrupt your music until you switch back to Offline Mode.
Despite these limitations, this workaround is still a great way to get the most out of your Spotify subscription, especially if you’re trying to save money by sharing an account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stream Spotify on multiple devices with a free account?
Unfortunately, no. The ability to download content and stream offline is only available to Spotify Premium subscribers.
How many devices can I stream Spotify on at the same time?
While Spotify’s terms of service don’t explicitly state a limit, it’s generally recommended to stick to a reasonable number of devices (e.g., 2-3) to avoid any potential account issues.
Can Spotify detect if I’m streaming on multiple devices?
Spotify can detect when multiple devices are streaming simultaneously, but it’s not always easy for them to determine if the devices belong to different users or not. That being said, it’s always best to use this workaround responsibly and avoid any potential abuse that could lead to account suspension.
So there you have it, folks! A neat little trick to help you get the most out of your Spotify subscription. Just remember to use it responsibly and enjoy those tunes wherever you go!