Spotify hacked? How to spot the signs and protect your account

Spotify is one of the world’s most popular streaming platforms, used by hundreds of millions of people every day to enjoy music and podcasts. But with that level of popularity comes attention from cybercriminals looking for ways to exploit it. From phishing emails to fake apps, hackers are constantly finding new ways to gain access to user accounts — often without you realizing that it’s happened.

If your Spotify account has been hacked, you could find yourself locked out, charged for unexpected subscriptions, or even at risk of your personal and payment details being misused.

In this guide, we explain how Spotify scams and hacks happen, the warning signs to look out for, and some straightforward steps you can take to protect your account and your data.

How can Spotify accounts be hacked?

Spotify hacks usually start in one of four ways: phishing emails or messages, data leaks, malware, or compromised connected accounts. Each of these methods targets users in slightly different ways, but they all share the same goal — to obtain login details and gain control of your account.

Phishing emails and messages

Phishing remains one of the most common tools used by Spotify scammers. You might receive an email or text claiming that your account will be deactivated unless you update your payment information or reset your password.

These messages often look convincing, complete with Spotify branding and official-looking links. However, clicking them can take you to a fake login page where scammers collect any details you enter. If you are ever unsure, check the status of your account directly through the official Spotify app or website rather than following links in a message. Read more about phishing scams here.

Data leaks

Even if you’re careful online, your details could be exposed through a data leak on another service you use. Hackers often test stolen usernames and passwords across multiple platforms to see where they still work — a tactic known as “credential stuffing.”

Because of this, it’s important to use strong, unique passwords for each account and to change them regularly — follow our tips to create a secure password or use our strong password generator for free. You can also use identity-monitoring tools, like those included in F-Secure Total, to alert you if your information appears in a known data breach.

Malware

Fake or outdated apps can also open the door to hackers. Malicious versions of Spotify or related apps appear on unofficial websites, promising things like premium features for free. In reality, these can install malware on your device that records keystrokes or steals login data.

To stay safe, always download Spotify from an official app store and keep your operating system and apps up to date. Removing old, unused apps can also help close potential security gaps.

Compromised connected accounts

Spotify links to other services such as Facebook, Google, and smart-home apps. If one of those accounts is compromised, hackers could use it as a way into your Spotify account.

Think of your security as a chain: it’s only as strong as its weakest link. Make sure all your connected accounts have strong passwords and, wherever possible, enable two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of protection.

Signs your Spotify may be hacked

A Spotify hack can sometimes go unnoticed, especially if the person behind it is only using your account to stream music without drawing attention. But even subtle changes can indicate that something isn’t right.

If your playlists look different, songs you’ve never played are showing up, or your account details have changed, it’s important to act quickly. In some cases, hackers may be after more than free music — your personal information and payment details could also be at risk.

Here are some of the most common warning signs that your Spotify account may have been hacked:

Playlists appear or disappear unexpectedly

If new playlists appear in your library or your existing ones have been deleted, it’s a strong indicator that someone else has access to your account. Spotify doesn’t automatically create or remove playlists, so any unexplained changes are worth investigating.

Your subscription plan changes

Spotify can’t change your plan without your consent. If you notice an upgrade or downgrade — for example, being switched to a Family plan — someone may have altered your settings to share access with others.

Notification emails about unexpected log ins

Spotify sends security emails when it detects a new device or unusual activity: don’t ignore them. If no one in your household has recently logged in, follow Spotify’s instructions to secure your account right away.

Unfamiliar people in your Family plan

For users on a Family plan, a hacker might add themselves or others as new members. Take a moment to review your plan’s user list and remove anyone you don’t know.

Music playing on devices you don’t recognize

If you see a device listed that doesn’t belong to you — or if your account suddenly starts playing music somewhere else — it’s a definite red flag. Check the connected devices in your Spotify account and remove anything unfamiliar.

Your password no longer works

If you try to log in and your usual password doesn’t work, it could mean someone has changed it. In that case, use Spotify’s password reset option right away — and make sure to secure your linked email account too, as it may have been accessed as part of the same breach.

If you notice any of these signs in your Spotify account, it’s likely to have been compromised. Follow these straightforward steps to secure your account.

How to deal with a hacked Spotify account

If you suspect your Spotify account has been hacked, don’t panic. Most cases can be resolved quickly by following a few simple steps to secure your login details and remove any unauthorized access.

• Reset your passwords. Change the password for your Spotify account and the email address linked to it. Make sure the new passwords are strong and unique — avoid reusing old ones.

• Log out on all devices. Use Spotify’s built-in Sign Out Everywhere feature. This immediately ends all active sessions across devices, removing any unauthorized users.

• Check connected apps. In your account settings under “Manage Apps”, review the list of third-party apps connected to Spotify. Remove any you don’t recognise, then update passwords for the ones you keep before reconnecting them.

• Review your subscription and payment details. Check that your plan and billing information haven’t been changed. If you see unfamiliar charges, contact your bank or card provider to dispute them.

This is generally all it takes to remove unwanted users from your Spotify profile.

If you’ve lost access to your account entirely — for example, your password has been changed and you can’t log in — contact Spotify Support directly. They can verify your identity and help you recover your profile.

Once you’ve taken these steps, continue to monitor your account for any unusual activity. It’s also well worth enabling identity protection tools, like those included with F-Secure Total, to keep an eye on potential data leaks that could affect your login credentials in the future.