Don’t Panic: Steps to Take If Your Spotify Account Gets Hacked

In a world where we stream more than we download, losing access to your Spotify account can feel like someone just walked off with your entire music library. Whether you use it for daily focus playlists, gym motivation, or late-night unwinding, a hacked account is more than an inconvenience; it’s a security risk. Here’s what to do if your Spotify account has been compromised and how to protect it going forward.

Step 1: Act Fast - Sign Out Everywhere

The first sign your account has been hacked might be unfamiliar playlists, music you didn’t play, or strangers using your account. If you're still logged in, head to your Spotify account page via a web browser and click “Sign out everywhere”. This immediately kicks out any unauthorised users.

You can do this by logging in at spotify.com/account, navigating to the “Security and Privacy” section, and selecting “Sign out everywhere.”

Step 2: Reset Your Password Immediately

Once you’ve signed out, change your password. Make it unique, long, and difficult to guess. If your Spotify login was connected via Facebook or Google, change that password too. If the hacker changed your email or password and you can’t access your account, go to Spotify’s Account Recovery Form right away.

Step 3: Check Linked Devices and Apps

Hackers often link new devices or third-party apps to hijacked accounts. Review your connected devices and apps with access from your account settings.

Remove any unfamiliar devices or third-party apps.

Deauthorise apps you don’t remember linking—some might have excessive permissions.

Step 4: Contact Spotify Support

If you’re locked out entirely or notice account activity you can’t explain, contact Spotify Support. You can do this via live chat or email through their support portal. Spotify can restore your account, playlists, and playback history—but it’s best to act before too much damage is done.

Step 5: Check Your Email for Other Breaches

If someone accessed your Spotify account, there’s a chance they got in through your email. Check if your email address has been involved in a data breach by using a tool like Have I Been Pwned.

If it has, update your email password and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) if your email provider supports it.

Step 6: Enable Extra Security Measures

Spotify doesn’t currently offer built-in 2FA, but you can strengthen your defences by:

• Using a password manager to create and store strong, unique passwords.
• Avoid using public Wi-Fi when logging into accounts.
• Not reusing passwords across platforms.

Step 7: Review Your Subscription Details

Check your billing details to ensure no one’s changed your plan, added family members, or made unauthorised purchases. If your payment information was compromised, alert your bank or card issuer and consider replacing the card.

Prevention Tips for the Future

• Use strong, unique passwords for every service, not just Spotify.
• Stay vigilant for phishing emails or suspicious login attempts.
• Update your apps regularly to ensure you have the latest security patches.

Having your Spotify account hacked is frustrating, but recovery is possible—and often quick—if you act fast. By securing your account now and practising good digital hygiene, you can keep the music playing safely and uninterrupted.