Encountering the “No Healthy Upstream” error on Spotify can be frustrating, especially when all you want is to enjoy your music. This error message typically indicates that your device is unable to connect to Spotify’s servers. While this is often due to poor internet connectivity or network issues, it could also stem from temporary outages on Spotify’s end or server overload during peak times—such as when Spotify Wrapped is released.
If Spotify’s servers are down, you may need to wait for a few minutes or even a couple of hours before the issue resolves itself. However, if you seem to be the only one facing this error, here’s a detailed guide to help you troubleshoot and get back to your music.
- Fix Network-Related Issues
The majority of “No Healthy Upstream” errors are caused by network problems. Try these solutions:
Restart Your Router
Rebooting your Wi-Fi router can often resolve network glitches. Unplug it, wait for about 30 seconds, and plug it back in.
Check Internet Speed
Run a speed test using tools like Speedtest.net or Fast.com to ensure your connection is stable and fast enough for streaming. If your connection is slow, contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) for support.
Switch Networks
If you’re using home Wi-Fi, try switching to mobile data or another network. If this resolves the error, the issue may lie with your primary network. Contact your ISP or the network administrator for further help.
Clear the DNS Cache
Outdated or corrupted DNS cache data can prevent your device from accessing Spotify. Clear the DNS cache to refresh the connection:
For Windows Users:
Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
Type the following commands, pressing Enter after each:
ipconfig /flushdns
netsh winsock reset
Restart your computer.
For macOS Users:
Open Terminal.
Run the command: sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
Enter your password when prompted and restart your device.
Once done, try accessing Spotify again.
- Troubleshoot Browser Issues
If the error occurs while using Spotify’s Web Player, your browser might be causing the problem. Use these steps to troubleshoot:
Refresh the Page
Sometimes, a simple page reload can resolve temporary glitches.
Close Extra Tabs
If you have multiple Spotify Web Player tabs open, close all but one to avoid conflicts.
Try Incognito Mode
Open an incognito or private browsing tab (Ctrl + Shift + N on most browsers) and access Spotify at open.spotify.com.
Clear Browser Cache and Cookies
Corrupted or outdated data stored in your browser can cause errors. Clear your cache and cookies to fix this:
For Google Chrome:
Press Ctrl + Shift + Del to open the Clear Browsing Data menu.
Set the Time Range to “All time.”
Check the boxes for “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached images and files.”
Click “Clear data.”
Update Your Browser
An outdated browser might not be compatible with Spotify’s Web Player. Ensure your browser is up to date:
On Google Chrome:
Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
Navigate to Help > About Google Chrome.
Chrome will automatically check for and install updates.
If the issue persists, try using another browser such as Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft Edge.
- Check and Update the Spotify App
If you’re using the Spotify app, it’s possible that the app itself is causing the issue. Follow these steps to fix it:
Reinstall Spotify
Performing a clean reinstall can fix corrupted files or settings:
On iOS:
Long-press the app and select “Remove App.”
Tap “Delete App” to confirm.
Reinstall Spotify from the App Store.
On Android:
Press and hold the app icon and select “Uninstall.”
Reinstall Spotify from the Google Play Store.
On macOS:
Quit Spotify if it’s open.
Drag the app from the Applications folder to the Trash.
Download the latest version from the Spotify website and reinstall.
On Windows:
Go to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps.
Find Spotify, click the three-dot menu, and select “Uninstall.”
Download and reinstall Spotify from the official website or Microsoft Store.
Update the Spotify App
Ensure you have the latest version of Spotify installed:
On Mobile: Visit the App Store or Google Play Store and check for updates.
On Desktop: Open Spotify, go to Help > About Spotify (or Spotify > About Spotify on macOS), and follow the prompts to update.
- Verify Spotify’s Server Status
The error might not be on your end. Check Spotify’s server status at Spotify Status or use platforms like Downdetector to see if there’s a widespread outage. If Spotify’s servers are down, all you can do is wait until the issue is resolved.
The “No Healthy Upstream” error can be annoying, but with the right troubleshooting steps, you can often resolve it quickly. Whether the issue is related to your network, browser, or the Spotify app itself, these solutions should help you get back to streaming your favorite music.
