Home > Guide > Fix Spotify Playlist Empty Issues

Have you ever been in a situation where you're getting ready for a workout and open up your carefully crafted Spotify playlist? You open Spotify, hit play, and silence. Your Spotify playlist is empty. Talk about a motivation killer, right? You are not alone. This is a situation that is all too common for Spotify users. People find their beloved collection of tracks mysteriously gone.

But before you give up and rebuild your musical masterpiece from scratch, take a deep breath. In most cases, this is a problem that can be fixed. This article will give you a few solutions to fix Spotify playlist empty issues, and you can try them one by one. By the time you are done reading this article, you will have the knowledge to not only recover your lost playlists but also prevent this frustrating problem from happening again with this nifty method. Read the detailed steps below.

Part 1: Common Causes of Empty Spotify Playlists

Before we jump into solutions, it's helpful to understand why your Spotify playlists might suddenly appear empty. Here are some of the most common culprits:

Syncing Issues: Sometimes, Spotify struggles to sync your playlists across devices or after an app update.

Cache Problems: Your app's cache can get clogged up, like a drain of hair. When this happens, it might not display your playlists correctly.

Network Connectivity: A weak or unstable internet connection can prevent Spotify from loading your playlists. (Wish to enjoy Spotify offline? → use this tool.)

Account Glitches: Occasionally, there might be a hiccup with your Spotify account that causes playlists to appear empty.

App Bugs: Like any software, Spotify isn't immune to bugs. Sometimes, a pesky little bug can cause big playlist problems.

Server Issues: Spotify's servers might be having a bad day. When this happens, it can affect your ability to access your playlists.

Outdated App Version: If you're running an older version of Spotify, it might not play nice with the current playlist system.

Regional Restrictions: Some songs in your playlist might not be available in your current location, causing them to disappear. (Use this method to play favorite Spotify lists without region restrictions.)

After understanding the possible reasons that may cause Spotify playlists to be empty, we can solve them in a targeted manner. First, let's take a look at some simple quick fixes.

Part 2: 7 Quick Fixes to Try First

When you're faced with an empty Spotify playlist, don't panic! There are several quick and easy solutions you can try that often resolve the issue. Let's dive in:

2.1 Restart the Spotify App

Sometimes, the simplest solution is the most effective. Close the Spotify app completely (make sure it's not running in the background) and then reopen it. This can often refresh your connection and restore your playlists.

2.2 Check Your Internet Connection

A weak or unstable internet connection can prevent Spotify from loading your playlists. Try switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data, or move closer to your router. You could also try the old "airplane mode on, airplane mode off" trick to reset your connection.

2.3 Log Out and Log Back In

This method can help resync your account and refresh your playlists.

Step 1 Open the Spotify app.

Step 2 Click on the user avatar and tap "Log Out".

Step 3 Close the app completely. Then, reopen Spotify and log back in.

📕 You might be interested in: 9 Methods to Get Spotify Premium for Free

2.4 Update the Spotify App

An outdated app can cause all sorts of issues. Make sure you're running the latest version of Spotify:

For mobile devices: Check your device's app store for updates.

For desktop: Spotify usually updates automatically, but you can check by clicking the bell icon next to your profile picture at the top. If there is an update, choose "Update Spotify now".

2.5 Clear Spotify Cache

Clearing the cache can resolve many Spotify issues.

On Android:

Step 1 Go to Settings > Apps > Spotify.

Step 2 Tap Storage > Clear Cache.

(Unfortunately, iOS doesn't allow direct cache clearing. Instead, you'll need to delete and reinstall the app.)

On Desktop:

Step 1 Tap on your avatar from the Spotify app, and then select Settings.

Step 2 Under "Storage", click "Clear cache".

📕 You might be interested in: How to Delete Your Spotify Account?

2.6 Check Spotify's Server Status

Sometimes, the issue might be on Spotify's end. Check if Spotify is experiencing any server issues by visiting their official status page or checking their social media accounts.

2.7 Disable Hardware Acceleration (Desktop Only)

If you're using Spotify on a computer, try turning off hardware acceleration:

On Windows:

Step 1 Open the Spotify desktop app and click on the three-dot icon at the top-left of the screen.

Step 2 Go to Edit > Preferences.

Step 3 Scroll down to "Show Advanced Settings".

Step 4 Toggle off "Enable hardware acceleration".

If you're using macOS, just click "Spotify" on the menu bar, and click on "Hardware Acceleration" to toggle the setting off.

These 7 quick fixes often do the trick. If your playlists are still empty after trying these methods, don't lose hope! We've got more advanced troubleshooting techniques coming up next.

Part 3: Fix Spotify Playlist Empty via 5 Advanced Troubleshooting Methods

If the quick fixes didn't solve your empty playlist problem, it's time to roll up your sleeves and dive into some more advanced troubleshooting. Don't worry, we'll walk you through each step.

3.1 Edit the Hosts File (Windows)

This method has worked for many users experiencing the empty playlist issue.

Step 1 Open Notepad as an administrator (right-click and select "Run as administrator").

Step 2 Go to File > Open and navigate to "C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc"

Step 3 Choose "All Files" instead of "Text Documents" in the file type dropdown.

Step 4 Open the file named "hosts".

Step 5 Look for any lines containing "spotify" (e.g., 0.0.0.0 weblb-wg.gslb.spotify.com).

Step 6 If you find any, delete these lines. Next, save the file and restart Spotify.

3.2 Reinstall Spotify

Sometimes, a clean slate is what you need.

Step 1 Uninstall Spotify from your device.

Step 2 Delete the Spotify folder. The operating procedures on Windows and Mac computers are slightly different.

On Windows, also delete the Spotify folder in "C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Roaming\"

On Mac, delete the Spotify folder in "~/Library/Application Support/"

Step 3 Restart your device. Then, download and install the latest version of Spotify from the official website.

3.3 Check and Update Country/Region Settings

If you've recently moved or are traveling, your country settings might be causing issues:

Step 1 Visit your account page.

Step 2 Go to Account Overview > Edit Profile.

Step 3 Scroll down to Country or region and select your current location.

Step 4 Save changes and restart Spotify.

3.4 Force Account Sync

This method can help resolve syncing issues:

Step 1 Go to your Spotify account settings on a web browser.

Step 2 Select "Sign out everywhere".

Step 3 Wait a few moments, then log back into Spotify on your device.

Step 4 Open the app and refresh your playlist view.

📕 You might be interested in: How to Log Out of Spotify Everywhere on Different Devices

3.5 Check for Regional Restrictions

Some songs might be unavailable in your region. Try these steps:

Step 1 Create a new, empty playlist.

Step 2 Add a few songs to it that you know are available in your region.

Step 3 If these songs appear and play, the issue might be regional restrictions on your other playlists.

Part 4: How to Prevent Future Spotify Playlist Empty Issues

As the old saying goes, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." While it's great to know how to fix empty playlist issues, it's even better to prevent them from happening in the first place. Here are some proactive steps you can take to keep your Spotify playlists accessible:

Method 1: Keep Spotify Updated

Regularly updating your Spotify app ensures you have the latest bug fixes and improvements.

Method 2: Maintain a Stable Internet Connection

A stable internet connection is crucial for Spotify to sync and load your playlists properly. If you frequently experience connectivity issues, consider upgrading your internet plan.

Method 3: Regularly Clear Cache

Make it a habit to clear your Spotify cache periodically. This prevents the build-up of outdated data that could interfere with app performance.

Method 4: Avoid Using Modded Versions of Spotify

Avoid Using Modded Versions of Spotify, such as xManager, Spotify++, etc. Modded versions can cause unexpected issues and may violate Spotify's terms of service.

Method 5: Be Mindful of Regional Restrictions

If you travel frequently, be aware that some songs might not be available in all regions. Consider creating travel-friendly playlists with widely available tracks.

Method 6: Limit Simultaneous Device Usage

While Spotify allows multiple device usage, too many devices playing at once can cause syncing issues. Try to limit active playback to one device at a time.

Method 7: Regularly Log Out and Log Back In

Periodically logging out and back into your Spotify account can help maintain a fresh connection and prevent syncing issues.

Method 8: Use Spotify's Offline Mode Wisely

If you frequently use Spotify's offline mode, remember to go online periodically to sync your playlists and library.

Ultimate Fix: Backup Spotify Playlists as MP3

If you're looking for a permanent solution, consider downloading Spotify playlists to MP3. Use a reliable Spotify downloader to save Spotify playlists in a normal format to your computer desktop to create a local music library. You can play these songs freely on any player on your computer without an internet connection.

The tool that can help you solve the problem of Spotify playlist empty is TunePat Spotify Converter. As a powerful tool that supports free users to get ad-free Spotify songs, you can use it to quickly and batch obtain Spotify audio content with original sound quality, such as albums, playlists, podcasts, audiobooks, and radios. These local music files you get can be collected, played, and used by you permanently. You can read these files on any device or player you like. To be compatible with different devices, TunePat supports six different commonly used output formats, including MP3, FLAC, WAV, M4A, AIFF, and ALAC.

Step 1 Launch TunePat & Connect to Spotify

‣ Open TunePat Spotify Converter on your computer.

‣ Choose to use either the Spotify app (for best audio quality at 320 kbps) or the Spotify web player (embedded in TunePat). You can change the audio sources by clicking the "Switch to App" or "Switch to Web player" button.

‣ Log in to your Spotify Premium or free account as prompted.

Step 2 Adjust Your Settings

‣ Click the "Settings" button.

‣ Customize preferences like output format (MP3, FLAC, etc.), bit rate, sample rate, output folder, and more to match your needs.

Step 3 Add Spotify Playlist to TunePat

‣ Go to Spotify (app or web player) and pick the songs or playlists you want.

‣ Click the blue "Click to add" button in Spotify. TunePat will scan the songs.

‣ Select the tracks you want and click "Add" to add them to TunePat for conversion later.

Step 4 Convert Your Spotify Playlists to Local Computer

‣ Need more songs? Click "Add More" to repeat Step 3.

‣ Ready to convert? Click the "Convert" button. TunePat will process and download the music automatically.

Step 5 Save & Enjoy Your Spotify Playlists

‣ Once converted, your songs are saved locally on your computer. If needed, you can check the conversion history by clicking the "Converted" tab.

‣ Even if Spotify has issues later (like Spotify search errors, keep playing suggested songs, Spotify keep crashing, Spotify songs grayed out, etc.), your downloaded Spotify songs stay safe and accessible!

Conclusion:

Encountering empty playlists on Spotify can be a frustrating experience. Do not panic when you see that dreaded "Spotify playlist empty" message. In this article, we've covered a range of solutions, from quick fixes like restarting the app and checking your internet connection, to more advanced troubleshooting methods like editing the hosts file and forcing account syncs. We've also discussed preventive measures to help you avoid future playlist problems.

The biggest gain should be the magical tool TunePat Spotify Converter introduced in this article. In addition to helping you back up your favorite Spotify playlists, this tool can help you achieve more music play, such as importing your favorite Spotify to CapCut as the BGM of a video, importing it to USB, and then play on Tesla, etc. Just click "Download" below to get it!