How to Fix Spotify's Volume Button Glitch: Get Your Music Back Under Control

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Spotify is the go-to app for music lovers worldwide, but even the best apps have their hiccups. One issue that’s been driving iPhone users up the wall is the sudden inability to control Spotify’s volume using the physical volume buttons. If you’ve found yourself repeatedly pressing those buttons only to have nothing happen, you’re not alone. But don't worry—there's a fix! Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting your volume buttons back in sync with Spotify.

 What’s Causing the Issue?

Before diving into the solution, let’s quickly understand what’s going wrong. The problem stems from a recent update that affects how Spotify integrates with iOS, particularly with the Spotify Connect feature. Spotify Connect lets you control music on other devices (like smart speakers) through your phone, but this update has somehow broken the connection between the volume buttons and the Spotify app.

When you try to adjust the volume while playing music on Spotify, iOS no longer sends those button presses directly to Spotify. Instead, it seems to focus on the system volume or the last app that had control, leaving Spotify out in the cold.

 Workaround Solutions to Fix the Volume Button Issue

While Spotify and Apple work on a permanent fix, here are a few workarounds you can use to regain control of your volume.

 1. Reboot Your iPhone

Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the most effective. Restarting your iPhone can refresh all the processes running in the background, including any that might be conflicting with Spotify.

Steps to Reboot:

- Press and hold the power button and either volume button until the “slide to power off” slider appears.

- Drag the slider, then wait 30 seconds for your device to turn off.

- To turn your device back on, press and hold the power button until you see the Apple logo.

 2. Close and Reopen the Spotify App

If a reboot didn’t do the trick, try closing Spotify completely and then reopening it. This can force the app to reconnect to the iPhone’s media controls.

Steps to Force Close Spotify:

- On iPhones without a home button: Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause in the middle. On iPhones with a home button: Double-click the home button to bring up the app switcher.

- Swipe left or right to find the Spotify app.

- Swipe the app up to close it.

- Reopen Spotify from your home screen.

 3. Disconnect from Spotify Connect Devices

If you’re connected to another device via Spotify Connect (like a smart speaker), try disconnecting and then using Spotify solely on your iPhone. Sometimes, the issue is linked to the interaction between your iPhone and the connected device.

Steps to Disconnect:

- Open Spotify and tap on the “Devices Available” icon (it looks like a little speaker in the bottom-left corner).

- Select “This iPhone” to ensure your music is playing directly on your device.

- Now try adjusting the volume with the physical buttons.

 4. Reinstall Spotify

If the problem persists, it might be worth uninstalling and reinstalling Spotify. This can help eliminate any bugs or corrupt files that may be causing the issue.

Steps to Reinstall:

- Press and hold the Spotify app icon until a menu appears.

- Tap “Remove App,” then confirm by selecting “Delete App.”

- Open the App Store, search for Spotify, and reinstall it.

 5. Check for Updates

It’s always a good idea to ensure both iOS and Spotify are up to date. Developers often release patches for known issues, so keeping everything current is key.

Steps to Update iOS:

- Go to Settings > General > Software Update.

- If an update is available, tap “Download and Install.”

Steps to Update Spotify:

- Open the App Store and tap on your profile picture in the top right.

- Scroll down to see if Spotify has an update available. If it does, tap “Update.”

 6. Enable Background App Refresh

There’s a chance that Spotify isn’t staying properly active in the background, which could interfere with its connection to the volume buttons.

Steps to Enable:

- Go to Settings > Spotify.

- Ensure “Background App Refresh” is turned on.

 7. Toggle Bluetooth Off and On

If you're using Bluetooth devices with your iPhone, sometimes a quick Bluetooth reset can help.

Steps to Reset Bluetooth:

- Go to Settings > Bluetooth.

- Toggle the Bluetooth switch off, wait a few seconds, and then toggle it back on.

 8. Use the Control Center

If none of the above fixes work, you can always use the Control Center to adjust your volume while listening to Spotify.

Steps to Use Control Center:

- Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen (on iPhones with Face ID) or up from the bottom (on older iPhones).

- Use the volume slider to adjust your sound.

 Why These Fixes Work

Each of these solutions targets a different potential cause of the issue. Whether it’s a software glitch, a background process conflict, or an issue with Spotify Connect, one of these workarounds should address the problem. The goal is to reset the connection between Spotify and the iPhone’s system controls, allowing your volume buttons to work as they should.

 Looking Ahead: Permanent Fixes

As of now, Spotify and Apple are likely aware of the issue and might be working on a permanent fix. Keeping your apps and iOS updated will ensure you receive any patches or updates as soon as they’re released.

In the meantime, these workarounds will help you keep your tunes under control. So, go ahead, try them out, and get back to enjoying your music without missing a beat!