Tesla Spotify is a feature that allows Tesla drivers to access and stream music directly from the car’s infotainment system. It is a built-in music streaming service that is available in most Tesla models. With Tesla Spotify, drivers can listen to a wide range of music, podcasts, and other audio content while on the road.
Tesla Spotify is integrated into the car’s infotainment system, which means that drivers can control it using the car’s touchscreen, voice commands, or steering wheel controls. They can also use their Tesla mobile app to control the music playback and browse different playlists and stations.
Tesla Spotify requires an internet connection to work, which can be provided either through Wi-Fi or a cellular data plan. It also requires a Spotify Premium subscription, which allows for ad-free listening and access to additional features such as offline playback and high-quality audio streaming.
Tesla Spotify not working: what to do?
So, first, (maybe we have newcomers here), let’s define what Spotify means!
Spotify is a must-have app that we use when driving Tesla or other cars. It’s fair to say that Spotify problems don’t occur very often, but it always raises a lot of confusion and questions.
In fact, there aren’t a lot of solutions to the Spotify issue, and you can do them all quickly enough. Be sure that one of them will definitely work.
However, first, you need to understand the very causes of such problems. By the way, there are only 3 ones.
Tesla Spotify doesn’t work for three reasons!
In fact, globally, the reasons why Spotify does not work in your Tesla may be only 3:
1. Problems with TCU and AT&T
The reason Spotify in the machine doesn’t seem to respond to your commands has to do with TCU and AT&T network chip maintenance issues.
If most often the problem with Spotify occurs when you leave the parking lot or garage – most likely this is your real cause.
The TCU (Telematics Control Unit) handles and configures telematics services at Tesla. On the other hand, AT&T’s service provides access to internet browsing capabilities.
Thus, for obvious reasons, in the garage, the system goes into sleep mode due to a lack of network.
As long as your car is underground or between thick walls, the infotainment IP services (which run Spotify) are turned off, and it won’t turn on until the car detects the TCU connection.
2. Need the latest update
We often neglect the latest updates, but as practice shows – this is a big mistake! Now we can say with complete certainty that the later you update the app, the worse Spotify will work. It’s not a guess, it’s a direct relationship. So don’t delay with that!
3. Hitch due to MCU
All cars, including Tesla, have an MCU, also known as the Media Control Unit. This system helps perform the right tasks when working with HVAC, Maps, Media, and entertainment tools such as Netflix.
Often, updating MCU 1 can lead to problems with Spotify. This leads to the fact that the system does not play certain songs properly.
Almost all kinds of glitches, including Spotify’s Tesla Model 3 boot error, are due to the MCU 1 system.
Fixing Tesla Spotify
By the way, the first thing you should do is check your internet connection. Many forget this in a hurry. Agree, it will be quite stupid if you spend the whole day looking for a solution to the problem, which was to connect to the network.
Here we collect a few solutions from the official Tesla forum, that help when Tesla Spotify isn’t working:
- Restart Tesla.
- Reset your Tesla Spotify password.
- Software updates.
- Reset Tesla.
- Upgrade to MCU 2.
These fixes are necessary when the TCU and AT&T literally stop working or a new update appears on the screen. Sometimes the MCU causes a Spotify problem because it needs to be promoted.
Let’s take a closer look at these solutions.
Perhaps the best way to solve the Spotify problem is to reset the settings, which eliminates 75% of the problems at once. Another 25% can be solved if you upgrade, check your Internet connection, restart or reinstall the app, or restart your car.
To do this, follow these tips. It is important not to break the sequence of the list and to do everything carefully, without haste.
-
Turnkey
- Check the Internet connection (Wi-Fi) on your Tesla.
- Log out of your Spotify account and then log in.
- Turn off the Tesla and then press the brake pedal after 5-6 minutes.
-
Reboot
- Click on the Tesla icon> Display> Language and click on it to change the language to another.
- You’ll then see a pop-up “Change Language” panel with two options (“CANCEL” and “OK”).
- Click OK and wait 5 seconds for Tesla to restart.
- When the screen turns on, tap the Tesla > Display > Language icon again.
- After that, change the language to English (depending on your preferred language).
- Press “OK” again and the problem will be solved when the screen turns on.
3. Factory reset
- Click on the “more” option (3 dots) below the Tesla screen.
- Click the Spotify icon, just don’t enter your password and email address.
- Use your phone to go to Spotify on your most visited website.
- Click on the settings panel and advanced options in the corner.
- Click on the “Login” line.
- Scroll down to find “Forgot Password” and you’ll find the “Reset Password” option.
- Enter your email address and click ReCAPTCHA in order to authenticate.
- Click Send to successfully reset your password.
- Then enter your (new) email address and password on the Tesla > Spotify screen. Check if the song plays smoothly or not.
You can also create a new account on Spotify.
4. Software Updates
- Turn on Bluetooth on your Tesla screen and phone.
- On your phone, open the Tesla app and check the “Software Update” checkbox at the top.
- Click on it and click on the installation panel.
- Wait for the Tesla app to update.
- Enter your Tesla car and click on “Manage” > “Software” > “Available Software”.
- If you find any software that needs updating, just click on it to update it.
5. Tesla Reboot
- Press and hold the 2 scroll buttons on the steering wheel for 10 seconds to reboot the system.
- Hold the brake pedal with your foot. During this process, press the scroll buttons (left and right side) at the same time.
- Wait 10 seconds and do not touch anything except the brake pedal and scroll buttons.
- When the screen goes out, remove your foot from the brake pedal.
- Wait for the screen to turn on.
- Then check if Spotify works or not.
6. Upgrade from MCU1 to MCU2
If nothing works and you still face the same error when trying to log into your Spotify account, then it’s time to quickly update the MCU block. This usually takes a couple of hours, but remember that this is a paid service. To do this, you will have to visit a service center. Unfortunately, you will not be able to complete this point yourself.
The good news is that the first 5 points are likely to take effect before you have to spend money!
FAQs
How to make Spotify work at Tesla?
Did you know you could play a song on Spotify even if you don’t have Premium Connectivity? You don’t have to pay $99 a year. To do that, you only need an internet connection at your Tesla. Here’s how to do it:
- Turn on the hotspot for your phone and connect to Tesla, or connect to Wi-Fi if you can.
- Find a media player to access Spotify. Click here.
- You’ll find 2 options: “Use a Tesla Account“ (gray tab) and “Sign in” (blue tab).
- Click Use a Tesla Account to play the music at random.
- Now you can access Spotify to randomly play any song by an artist by just clicking on it. Done!
If you didn’t know that, now is going to be a revelation for you! You don’t need a premium connection to connect to Spotify! It’s true that you basically won’t need Premium Connectivity to open and run a song from Spotify on your Tesla.
But there are some rare features it offers that you’ll miss out on if you don’t use them. Take a look at the traits it includes in Premium Connectivity for Spotify:
- You can make your own playlist.
- The ability to monitor performers in your own account.
- Make a list of songs in your library.
- Possibility to share playlists from your phone or laptop to Tesla via Spotify.
- Listen to the home podcasts you left on your Tesla Spotify when it connects.
Watch this video to know more about the service:
Conclusion
These problems and their solutions are described here in sufficient detail. That’s all you can do without the intervention of the service, however, I assure you, in 98% it will work!
Just give it a try, and when you can fix the problem yourself, you’ll feel great! As if it’s time for you to open your own service center! Ha-ha)
It’s also worth noting that Spotify in Tesla has some limitations, such as the inability to download songs for offline playback and limited access to certain features. If you continue to experience issues with Tesla Spotify, you may want to consider using an alternative music streaming service or playing music from a different source, such as a USB drive or Bluetooth-connected device.
READ ALSO: Tesla changes body color at the touch of a button (video)
