As the leading global streaming platform with hundreds of millions of monthly active users, Spotify accounts become potential targets for hackers aiming to manipulate streaming numbers. By repeatedly playing the same song, obscure tracks can generate a significant boost in revenue for artists. However, free Spotify accounts are not exempt from risk.
Hackers target Spotify accounts for various reasons. They focus on accounts with Spotify Premium to exploit the features without paying. In some instances, hackers allow account owners to retain access while using their accounts without permission. Alternatively, they may change the password and upgrade the subscription tier, effectively locking the account owner out. Sometimes, hackers even sell account credentials.
The good news is that you have all the necessary tools for Spotify account protection, all you need is knowledge. We can compensate for the knowledge gap.
How to Prevent Unauthorized Access to Your Spotify Account?
#1 Log Out of All Devices and Reset Password
To halt the takeover, take these steps: shut down Spotify on all devices and change your password. Spotify recommends changing your password in an incognito window when you open the reset password link. Additionally, update passwords for external services like Facebook, Google, and Apple, which are linked to your Spotify account.
Here’s what you need to do: Log in to your Account page under your Profile using a web browser. Scroll down and click “Sign Out Everywhere.” This action will log you out of Spotify on the desktop version, web player, phone, and tablet.
#2 Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
An additional layer of security is provided by two-factor authentication. With 2FA, you are required to have not only a password but also a unique code that is sent to your mobile device before logging in. While Spotify does not currently offer a built-in 2FA feature, it is recommended that you enable it for your connected email account.
#3 Activate VPN
One of the main reasons why your account was hacked is because you were using an unsecured connection. A VPN such as VeePN, even in the free trial period, encrypts data during transmission. Without it, when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, your data may be intercepted or your connection ID and cookies may be forged. Advanced VPNs like VeePN can even offer ad-free Spotify without purchasing a Premium subscription. One of its features is to block Spotify ads and ads on other sites to make your next music binge a worry-free experience.
#4 Contact Spotify
If you are locked out of your Spotify account because someone changed the email address and password, or if you have other urgent issues related to a possible hacked account, it’s recommended to contact Spotify for assistance. Customer support can help you recover lost playlists, resolve compromised login credentials, and address billing errors. Unfortunately, Spotify’s customer service team is not available through phone calls. However, you can reach out to them using the chat feature or by contacting them on Twitter (@SpotifyCares) or the SpotifyCares Facebook page.
#5 Remove Access to 3rd Party Apps
If an unauthorized person gains access to your account, we suggest you remove any third-party apps that have access to your Spotify, as they may have been compromised. You have the option to grant them access again if you wish.
#6 Avoid Public Wi-Fi Networks
When you connect to public Wi-Fi networks, potential eavesdroppers can gain access to your device and digital activity. They can intercept login credentials that are transmitted on these networks, which then allows them to gain unauthorized access to accounts like Spotify. To ensure your protection, it is advisable to either avoid using public Wi-Fi whenever feasible or utilize a VPN to establish a secure connection. You have the option of VPN free download for any device, so there is no reason to give up protection. If you buy a VPN, you can connect up to 10 devices to one account.
#7 Protect Your Email Account
Safeguarding the email address linked to your Spotify account is crucial. Make sure to create a strong password, enable two-factor authentication, and be cautious of phishing emails that may request personal information or login credentials.
#8 Log out of your Account on Shared Devices
To protect your account from unauthorized access, remember to log out of Spotify when using it on public or shared devices such as work, school, or library computers. You can conveniently log out of all devices and web pages simultaneously by following these steps:
- Access your account page and log in.
- Navigate to the Security and privacy settings.
- Choose the option “Sign out everywhere.”
- Click on “Sign out everywhere” to confirm.
Please note that this method does not apply to partner devices like speakers, game consoles, and TVs. For those, visit your apps page and select “REMOVE ACCESS.”
Conclusion
Your Spotify account contains some valuable private information and it’s worth protecting it. Plus, you often pay for subscriptions and content creators earn money from your listening. This means that hackers are interested in hacking accounts to increase income. But there is no reason to worry because if you take into account the tips listed above, your Spotify account will be safe.