If Spotify pauses or completely stops the moment your phone switches from Wi-Fi to mobile data (or the other way around), you’re not imagining it. This usually happens during a network handoff, when the app briefly loses connection and fails to recover on its own.
The quick fix in many cases is simply reopening playback after the connection stabilizes. But if it happens often, something in the app or network settings is interrupting streaming.
Why this happens
When your device moves between networks, it drops one connection before establishing another. Most apps reconnect automatically, but Spotify is sensitive to even short interruptions — especially if background data limits, battery controls, or data-saving features are active.
Common triggers include:
- Data Saver or Low Data Mode restricting background streaming
- Battery optimization temporarily pausing Spotify
- Unstable Wi-Fi signals causing repeated reconnect attempts
- Spotify cache conflicts after network changes
- VPN or private DNS interruptions
Start with a quick reset
- Pause Spotify completely.
- Close the app from recent apps (don’t just minimize it).
- Wait about 10 seconds.
- Open Spotify again and press play.
If playback resumes normally after switching networks, the issue was likely a stalled connection session.
Turn off Data Saver restrictions
Phones often block streaming briefly when switching to mobile data.
On iPhone:
- Go to Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data Options.
- Disable Low Data Mode.
On Android:
- Open Settings → Network & Internet → Data Saver.
- Turn Data Saver off, or allow unrestricted data for Spotify.
Disable battery optimization for Spotify
Aggressive power management can pause playback during connection changes.
Android:
- Settings → Apps → Spotify → Battery.
- Select Unrestricted or Don’t Optimize.
iPhone:
If Low Power Mode is enabled, try turning it off temporarily in Settings → Battery.
Clear Spotify’s cache
Cached streaming data sometimes conflicts when the network changes mid-song.
- Open Spotify.
- Go to Settings.
- Scroll to Storage.
- Select Clear Cache.
This does not remove downloads or playlists.
Check Wi-Fi assist or smart switching features
Some phones automatically jump between weak Wi-Fi and mobile data repeatedly, which interrupts playback.
- On iPhone, check Settings → Cellular → Wi-Fi Assist.
- On Android, look for Adaptive Connectivity, Smart Network Switch, or similar options.
Try disabling it briefly and see whether playback stays stable.
One practical tip
If you regularly leave home or commute, start playback after the network switch finishes rather than during it. Spotify reconnects more reliably when the signal has already stabilized.
Once Spotify can maintain playback while moving between Wi-Fi and mobile data without stopping, no further changes are needed.