How to Make Spotify The Default Player on iPhone

Are you tired of having to manually select Spotify as your default music player every time you want to listen to your favorite tunes on your iPhone? Well, you’re not alone. Many iPhone users have expressed frustration over the default music app constantly taking over the playback controls. Fortunately, there are several methods that you can try to make Spotify the default player on your iPhone. In this blog post, we will explore these methods in detail and provide step-by-step instructions on how to implement them. So let’s get started and take control of your music listening experience!

Video Tutorial:

What’s Needed

In order to make Spotify the default player on your iPhone, you will need the following:

  1. An iPhone device with the Spotify app installed
  2. A stable internet connection
  3. Basic knowledge of using your iPhone and its settings

What Requires Your Focus?

Before we delve into the different methods of making Spotify the default player on your iPhone, it’s important to understand what requires your focus. Firstly, you will need to access the settings of your iPhone and navigate to the appropriate menus to make the necessary changes. Secondly, you will need to ensure that the Spotify app is up to date and properly installed on your device. Lastly, you will need to follow the step-by-step instructions provided for each method to successfully change the default music player to Spotify.

Method 1: Using Siri Shortcuts

If you’re using iOS 13 or later, you can take advantage of Siri Shortcuts to make Spotify the default player on your iPhone. The Siri Shortcuts feature allows you to create custom voice commands and automate tasks on your device. Here’s how you can use Siri Shortcuts to make Spotify your default music player:

  1. Open the App Store on your iPhone and search for the "Shortcuts" app
  2. Download and install the Shortcuts app on your device
  3. Launch the Shortcuts app and tap on the "+" icon to create a new shortcut
  4. Tap on "Add Action" and search for "Open App" in the actions list
  5. Select "Open App" and choose Spotify from the list of installed apps
  6. Tap on the three-dot menu icon and select "Add to Home Screen"
  7. Enter a name for your shortcut and tap on "Add" to add it to your home screen
  8. Now, whenever you want to open Spotify, simply tap on the shortcut icon on your home screen

Pros & Cons:

ProsCons
1. Quick and easy access to Spotify from the home screen.1. Requires additional setup and installation of the Shortcuts app.
2. Can be customized with different voice commands and actions.2. Limited functionality compared to the default music app.
3. Provides a convenient way to launch Spotify without navigating through menus.3. May not work perfectly with all versions of iOS or on all iPhone models.

Method 2: Via Siri Voice Commands

If you prefer using Siri to control your iPhone, you can make Spotify the default player by utilizing Siri voice commands. Siri is Apple’s intelligent voice assistant that can perform various tasks and interact with apps on your device. Here’s how you can use Siri to make Spotify the default music player:

  1. Activate Siri by saying "Hey Siri" or by long-pressing the Home button (iPhone models with Home button) or the Side button (iPhone models without Home button)
  2. Say the command "Play [song/artist/playlist/album] on Spotify"
  3. Siri will automatically open Spotify and start playing the requested content
  4. Once you’ve used Siri to open Spotify, it will become the default player for subsequent voice commands

Pros & Cons:

ProsCons
1. Easy and convenient way to control Spotify using voice commands.1. Requires activation of Siri and internet connection for voice commands to work.
2. Allows for hands-free operation of Spotify while driving or doing other activities.2. Limited control options compared to using the Spotify app directly.
3. Integrates seamlessly with other Siri-enabled devices and services.3. May not recognize certain song titles or artist names accurately.

Method 3: Using the Control Center

Another method to make Spotify the default player on your iPhone is by utilizing the Control Center. The Control Center provides quick access to various settings and controls, including music playback. Here’s how you can make Spotify the default player using the Control Center:

  1. Unlock your iPhone and swipe up from the bottom of the screen (or swipe down from the top-right corner on iPhone models with Face ID)
  2. In the Control Center, locate the music playback controls
  3. Tap on the music playback controls to expand the interface
  4. Tap on the "Devices Available" button located at the bottom-right corner of the expanded interface
  5. Select your iPhone from the list of available devices
  6. Tap on the Spotify logo to switch the music playback to Spotify

Pros & Cons:

ProsCons
1. Quick and easy way to switch to Spotify from the Control Center.1. Requires manual selection of Spotify every time you want to switch.
2. Provides access to music playback controls without opening the Spotify app.2. Limited functionality compared to using the Spotify app directly.
3. Works seamlessly with other music apps installed on your iPhone.3. May not support advanced features or personalized recommendations in Spotify.

Method 4: Via the Settings Menu

If you prefer a more permanent solution to make Spotify the default player on your iPhone, you can make the necessary changes in the Settings menu of your device. Here’s how you can make Spotify the default player through the Settings menu:

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone
  2. Scroll down and tap on the "Music" option
  3. Under the "Audio" section, tap on the "Default Music App" option
  4. Select "Spotify" from the list of available music apps
  5. Exit the Settings app and open Spotify to confirm the changes

Pros & Cons:

ProsCons
1. Permanent change to the default music player on your iPhone.1. Requires navigating through the Settings menu to make the change.
2. Ensures that Spotify is always the default player for music-related tasks.2. Limited flexibility to switch to other music apps without changing settings.
3. Provides a consistent music playback experience across different apps.3. May require adjustments if you want to switch back to the default music app.

Why Can’t I Make Spotify the Default Player on iPhone?

There are a few reasons why you might be unable to make Spotify the default player on your iPhone. Here are some of the common issues and possible fixes:

  1. 1. Lack of iOS compatibility: Some older iPhone models or iOS versions may not support certain features or settings. Ensure that your iPhone is running on the latest iOS version to access all the necessary options to make Spotify the default player.
  2. 2. Incorrect app installation: Make sure that you have properly installed the Spotify app on your iPhone from the App Store. If the app is not installed correctly, it may not appear in the list of available music apps in the settings menu.
  3. 3. Software bugs or glitches: Occasionally, iOS updates or app updates may introduce new bugs or glitches that can interfere with the default player settings. Restarting your iPhone or reinstalling the Spotify app can help resolve any temporary software issues.

Pros & Cons:

ProsCons
1. Provides possible reasons why you might be unable to make Spotify the default player.1. Requires troubleshooting and potential technical knowledge to fix the issues.
2. Offers potential fixes for each issue to help you make Spotify the default player.2. May not cover all possible reasons for the problem.
3. Helps you understand if the issue is related to your device or the Spotify app.3. Certain issues may require contacting Apple or Spotify support for assistance.

Implications and Recommendations

Now that you know how to make Spotify the default player on your iPhone, let’s explore some implications and recommendations:

  1. 1. Customization and personalization: By making Spotify the default player, you gain access to its extensive music library, personalized recommendations, and advanced features. Take advantage of these features to create custom playlists, discover new artists, and enhance your music listening experience.
  2. 2. Integration with other devices and services: Spotify offers seamless integration with various devices and services, including smart speakers, streaming platforms, and other apps. Explore the different integrations available to expand your music listening options and make the most out of your Spotify subscription.
  3. 3. Regular app updates and bug fixes: To ensure a smooth experience with Spotify as your default player, make sure to regularly update the app to the latest version. App updates often bring bug fixes, performance improvements, and new features that can enhance your overall music playback experience.

5 FAQs about Making Spotify the Default Player on iPhone

Q1: Is it possible to change the default player to Spotify on older iPhone models?

A: Yes, as long as your iPhone is running on a compatible iOS version, you should be able to change the default player to Spotify using the described methods.

Q2: Can I use Siri voice commands to play specific songs or artists on Spotify?

A: Yes, Siri voice commands can be used to play specific songs, artists, playlists, or albums on Spotify. Simply state your request to Siri, and it will automatically open Spotify and start playing the content.

Q3: Will changing the default player to Spotify affect my access to other music apps?

A: No, changing the default player to Spotify will not affect your access to other music apps. You can still use other music apps on your iPhone, but Spotify will be the default player for tasks initiated through Siri, Control Center, or other system-wide music controls.

Q4: Can I revert back to the default music app after making Spotify the default player?

A: Yes, you can revert back to the default music app by following the same steps outlined in the methods above. Simply select the default music app (e.g., Apple Music) instead of Spotify in the settings or control options.

Q5: How can I troubleshoot issues if I’m unable to make Spotify the default player?

A: If you’re experiencing difficulties in making Spotify the default player, try restarting your iPhone, updating the Spotify app to the latest version, or reaching out to Apple or Spotify support for further assistance.

Final Words

Changing the default music player on your iPhone to Spotify can greatly enhance your music listening experience. Whether you prefer using Siri voice commands, creating custom shortcuts, or utilizing the Control Center, there are various methods available to make Spotify the default player. Experiment with these methods and find the one that best suits your needs and preferences. With Spotify as your default player, you’ll have quick and easy access to your favorite songs, playlists, and podcasts whenever you want.