Fix: “A firewall may be blocking Spotify” Error When Logging into Spotify

Spotify fails to load after you try to log in and displays the message: “A firewall may be blocking Spotify” stopping you from accessing the platform. This error appears when the app cannot connect to Spotify’s servers because something on your network is blocking it.

The most common reason is strict firewall settings, but using a VPN, proxy, or an outdated version of Spotify can also cause this problem.

In this article, we will discuss different ways to solve this error.

1. Allow Spotify Through Your Firewall

Since the error indicates that a firewall might be blocking Spotify, the first step is to ensure the app is permitted through your firewall. This process allows Spotify to communicate freely over the internet.

1. Right-click the Start button and select Run.
2. In the Run dialog, type firewall.cpl and press Enter.

   

3. Select Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall from the left panel.

   

4. Click on Change settings in the Allowed apps tab.
5. Ensure that Spotify is checked on both Public and Private networks.

   

6. Click OK to save your changes.

2. Change Your Account Country

A mismatch between your registered country and your current location can prevent you from accessing Spotify. Updating your account’s country setting can help in fixing this error.

1. Open the Spotify application and log in with your email address and password.
2. Click the Profile dropdown menu, then select Account.
3. Choose Account overview from the left panel.

   

4. Select the Edit profile option.

   

5. Choose your current country or region from the drop-down menu.
6. Click Save Profile to apply the changes.

3. Adjust Proxy Settings

Misconfigured proxy settings can block Spotify from connecting to its servers. Modifying these settings is often effective.

1. Launch the Spotify app and log into your account, but do not play music yet.
2. Go to your Profile icon and select Settings at the bottom.

   

3. Ensure that there is no proxy set.
4. Scroll to the Show Advanced Settings option and click to expand.

   

5. Under Proxy type, open the dropdown and select No proxy.

   

Check if Spotify now works.

4. Disable Third-party VPN

VPN services may conflict with Spotify and cause access issues. Disabling or uninstalling VPN software can help in solving this error.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Select Network & Internet.

   

3. Click on VPN.
4. Toggle off the Allow VPN option.

To uninstall third-party VPNs:

1. Open Windows Settings.
2. Go to Apps, then select Apps & features.

   

3. Find your VPN software in the application list.
4. Click the three dots next to it and choose Uninstall.

   

Once VPN interference is eliminated, Spotify should run without the firewall error.

5. Update the Spotify App

Using an outdated Spotify app can result in connectivity and performance issues. Keeping Spotify updated ensures you have the latest fixes and compatibility.

1. Click Start and locate the Microsoft Store.
2. Click your Profile icon.
3. Select Downloads and Updates.

   

4. Click Check for Updates.
5. If an update for Spotify is available, click the download arrow to begin installation.
6. Allow the process to complete, then restart your system if necessary.

6. Flush the DNS Cache

An overloaded or corrupted DNS cache can interfere with Spotify’s ability to reach the server. Flushing the DNS ensures connection issues are resolved.

1. Type cmd into the Windows search box and press Enter.
2. Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.

   

3. Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.

   

4. Once complete, type netsh winsock reset and press Enter.

   

5. Close the Command Prompt when finished.
6. You should see a confirmation message that the DNS Resolver Cache was successfully flushed.

Restart your computer and check if Spotify functions correctly. This removes obsolete DNS data that can create connection problems.

7. Change the DNS Server

Certain DNS server issues can trigger network errors. Switching to a reliable DNS provider, such as Cloudflare, can resolve Spotify connectivity issues.

1. Open Windows search, type Control Panel, and press Enter.
2. Choose Network & Internet, then Network and Sharing Center.

   

3. Click Change adapter settings.
4. Right-click your Wi-Fi connection and select Properties.

   

5. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.

   

6. Choose Use the following DNS server addresses, enter 1.1.1.1 as the preferred DNS, and 1.0.0.1 as the alternate DNS.
7. Close all open windows and restart your computer.

8. Disable Third-party Proxy Servers

If Spotify’s internal proxy setting is already set to No Proxy but problems persist, a third-party proxy server application may be active. Disabling this proxy might restore access.

1. Press Win+I to open Windows Settings.
2. Select Network & Internet.

   

3. Click Proxy.
4. Under Proxy, toggle off Use a proxy server.

   

5. Click Save.

Relaunch Spotify and see if you can now stream without errors.

9. Edit the Hosts File

Occasionally, your system’s hosts file may block Spotify’s servers. Editing or removing problematic entries helps eliminate connectivity problems:

1. Open Notepad as an administrator.
2. Press Ctrl + O to open a file.
3. Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc.
4. Change file type to All Files.
5. Double-click the hosts file.
6. Search for the entry 0.0.0.0 weblb-wg.gslb.spotify.com0.0.0.0.
7. If found, delete this entry.
8. Save the file with Ctrl + S.
9. Restart Spotify and check for errors.

10. Reinstall the Spotify Application

If the error persists after all previous methods, reinstalling Spotify can resolve any residual bugs or corrupted files.

1. Open Windows Start and click Settings.
2. Go to Apps > Apps & features.

   

3. Find Spotify in the list, then click it.
4. Select Uninstall.

   

5. After uninstallation, reinstall Spotify through the Microsoft Store.