How to Use a VPN With Spotify

Spotify is currently available in nearly 180 countries, providing high-quality music access to millions of users around the world. Unfortunately, people in some regions, including China, India, and Russia, still can’t access the service due to local restrictions. Thanks to modern technology, you can bypass regional restrictions using a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

In this guide, we’ll explain how to access Spotify from any location using a VPN on mobile devices and computers. Additionally, we’ll answer some of the most common questions related to the topic. Keep reading to access your favorite tunes regardless of where you live.

How to Use a VPN and Unblock Spotify From an iPhone

The first thing you need to access Spotify from an unsupported country is to choose a reputable VPN provider. ExpressVPN is one of the most trustworthy and popular VPN services on the market, so we’ll provide its instructions as an example. However, you’re free to choose any other provider you consider suitable. Follow the steps below to set up a VPN on your iPhone and unblock Spotify:

1. Choose your preferred ExpressVPN plan and subscribe to it. You will be prompted to register after making the purchase.
   
2. Download the ExpressVPN mobile app from the AppStore. The app is supported by all iPhones starting with iPhone 6.
   
3. Launch the app on your iPhone and log in with the account credentials you’ve entered when registering.
   
4. Tap the locations bar and select any server location Spotify is available at.
   
5. Press the large power button on the ExpressVPN dashboard to connect to the chosen server.
   
6. Download Spotify and register while connected to the chosen server.
   

Note: You can use this guide to access Spotify on an iPad, too.

How to Use a VPN and Unblock Spotify From an Android Device

If you own an Android phone or tablet but can’t access Spotify due to regional restrictions, a VPN can help. One of the most secure and user-friendly VPN services currently available is ExpressVPN, so we’ll use it as an example in our guide. However, you can choose any other VPN provider you like. Follow the instructions below to unlock Spotify in your region:

1. Sign up for an ExpressVPN plan and register following the instructions provided on the website.
   
2. Visit the Google Play Store and download the ExpressVPN mobile app. The app is compatible with all Android devices starting with Android 5 Lollipop.
   
3. Launch the mobile app and log in with your account credentials.
   
4. Expand the dropdown server locations menu on the ExpressVPN app dashboard and select a country where Spotify is available.
   
5. Tap the large power button on the main page to connect to the selected server location.
   
6. While staying connected to the chosen server, download Spotify and register. You will need to keep the VPN on while listening to the app.
   

How to Use a VPN and Unblock Spotify From a Windows PC

A VPN service can help you bypass Spotify’s regional restrictions, not only on a mobile device but also on a PC. You can choose any VPN provider you consider trustworthy, but we’ll use ExpressVPN in our example. Follow the steps below to install a VPN on your Windows PC and access Spotify:

1. Select the preferred ExpressVPN plan
   
2. Register your ExpressVPN account on the website when prompted.
3. Sign in to your account and click “Download for Windows” on the dashboard.
   
4. Take a note of the activation code shown in your browser window or leave the window open. You’ll need it later.
   
5. Find the ExpressVPN installation file you’ve downloaded in Step 3 and run it. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
   
6. When prompted, click “Sign In” and paste your activation code (see Step 4) into the dedicated field, then click “Continue.”
   
7. Open the ExpressVPN app and expand the dropdown server locations menu. Select a server location where Spotify is available.
   
8. Click the large power button on the dashboard connect to the chosen server.
   
9. Head to Spotify’s desktop app and register. Stay connected to the VPN server while using the app.
   

Note: ExpressVPN is only compatible with Windows 7 or above. It can’t be used with Windows XP or Vista.

How to Use a VPN and Unblock Spotify From a Mac

You can access Spotify on your Mac from any location if you have a VPN. ExpressVPN is among the most secure, trustworthy, and fastest VPN services currently available. However, you’re free to choose another VPN provider if you want to. We’ll use ExpressVPN as an example for our instructions. Follow the steps below to install a VPN on your Mac and unblock Spotify:

1. Order the preferred ExpressVPN plan from the official website and register by following the provided instructions.
   
2. Sign in to your account and click “Download for Mac” on the ExpressVPN main page.
   
3. You’ll see an activation code for the ExpressVPN app. Keep the browser window open or take a note of the code.
   
4. Run the ExpressVPN installation file and follow on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
   
5. Click “Sign In” at the end of the installation process and paste the activation code you’ve copied in Step 3.
   
6. Click “Continue.”
   
7. Open the ExpressVPN app and expand the dropdown menu on the main page.
8. Select the preferred server location from the suggested list. Make sure that Spotify is available in the chosen country.
   
9. Click the large power button on the ExpressVPN dashboard to connect to the server.
   
10. Stay connected to VPN while using Spotify on your Mac.

Note: Your Mac must be updated to macOS 10.11 or above to use ExpressVPN.

How to Use a VPN and Unblock Spotify From a Chromebook

Chromebooks run on the ChromeOS developed by Google, so they utilize the Google Play Store for app installation. That means installing and setting up a VPN on your Chromebook is extremely simple. We’ll use ExpressVPN in this example as it’s one of the best services currently available on the market, but you’re free to make your own choice. Follow the instructions below to install a VPN and access Spotify on your Chromebook:

1. Select an ExpressVPN plan and register an account following the on-screen instructions.
   
2. Open the Google Play Store app on your Chromebook and search for “ExpressVPN.”
   
3. Click “Install” to download the ExpressVPN app from Google Play Store.
   
4. Click “Open” to launch the app on your Chromebook.
5. Click “Sign In” on the ExpressVPN app main page.
   
6. Sign in with the account credentials you entered when registering in Step 1.
7. Expand the dropdown menu on the app’s dashboard and select a server location where Spotify is available.
   
8. Click the power button on the dashboard to connect to the chosen server location.
   
9. Stay connected to the server when using Spotify on your Chromebook.

How to Use a VPN and Unblock Spotify From a School Computer

Installing a VPN on your personal computer or mobile device is simple. But what if you’d like to access Spotify via your school computer? You can’t legally install any software on a computer that doesn’t belong to you. Thankfully, you can connect the school computer to your own mobile Wi-Fi protected by a VPN. Follow the steps below to do that:

1. Select your preferred ExpressVPN plan and register an account following the provided instructions.
   
2. Search for “ExpressVPN” in the AppStore if you have an iPhone or Google Play Store if you have an Android phone.
   
3. Download the ExpressVPN mobile app and sign in with your account credentials.
4. Expand the server locations dropdown menu on the ExpressVPN app dashboard and select a location where Spotify is available.
   
5. Tap the large power button to connect to the chosen server.
   
6. Head to your phone Settings app and enable hotspot. Make sure your hotspot is visible to other devices.
   
7. Connect your school computer to your mobile hotspot. Your connection will now be protected by a VPN.
8. Head to Spotify’s desktop app from your school computer. Stay connected to your mobile hotspot while using it.

FAQ

Read on to find out more about using a VPN to access Spotify.

What Are Other Perks of Using a VPN?

Bypassing regional restrictions isn’t the only advantage of using a VPN. A VPN also keeps your network secure and anonymous, allowing you to browse the web without worrying about your data privacy. For instance, it reduces the risk of your payment data getting stolen when shopping online. Furthermore, a VPN helps you avoid bandwidth throttling when you reach your data limit.

How Do I Turn On Hotspot on an Android Phone?

If you have a VPN app installed on your Android phone, you can access Spotify from any device connected to your mobile hotspot. Follow the instructions below to enable mobile tethering on your Android phone:

1. Open the Settings app.

2. Navigate to “Wireless & Networks.”

3. Tap “Tethering & Portable Hotspot.”

4. Shift the toggle button next to “Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot” to enable mobile tethering.

Bear in mind that the instructions may vary slightly depending on your phone model. On some Android devices, you can enable the hotspot faster:

1. Swipe from the top to the middle of your screen to access the Quick Settings menu.

2. Tap “Hotspot.”

Where Is Spotify Available?

Knowing where Spotify is available is necessary to select the right server location when using a VPN. As of 2021, Spotify is available in 40 African countries, all of Europe, and numerous regions in Oceania, North America, South America, and Asia. The full list of countries supporting Spotify can be found on Spotify’s official website.

Give Spotify a Shout

Now that you know how to bypass Spotify’s regional restrictions, you can enjoy your favorite music regardless of your location. However, don’t hesitate to contact Spotify with a request to make the service available in your country. Sometimes, regional restrictions are related to local legislation, and in this case, your request won’t help much. But in other cases, Spotify may just not realize how large of a market they’re missing out on. Maybe it’s time for Spotify to expand!

Why do you think Spotify isn’t available in your region? Are you hoping the service will be available to you soon? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.