Spotify Search in Playlist Not Working? How to Fix the Issue?

Looking for Spotify search in playlist not working? This article will explore the potential causes and provide solutions to fix errors and allow Spotify users to search their playlists effectively.

by Abinaya | Updated May 03, 2023

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About Spotify

Spotify, founded on April 23, 2006, by Daniel Ek and Martin Lorentzon, is a Swedish audio streaming and media services provider. It has become one of the largest music streaming service providers with over 515 million monthly active users, including 210 million paying subscribers, as of March 2023. Spotify is listed on the New York Stock Exchange through a Luxembourg City-domiciled holding company called Spotify Technology S.A.

The platform offers digital copyright-restricted recorded audio content, such as more than 100 million songs and five million podcasts, from record labels and media companies. It operates as a freemium service, with basic features offered for free with advertisements and limited control, while additional features, such as offline listening and commercial-free listening, are available via paid subscriptions. Spotify users can search for music based on artist, album, or genre, and create, edit, and share playlists.

Spotify Search in Playlist Not Working

There could be several reasons why the Spotify search in the playlist is not working. It could be due to an issue with the Spotify app itself, such as bugs or glitches, or it could be a problem with your device's internet connection or settings. It's also possible that there's a problem with your Spotify account, such as validation issues or outdated cache data.

Checking for updates, signing out and back in, resetting your internet connection, and clearing your cache data are some steps you can take to resolve these issues. Spotify has become one of the largest music streaming services in the world since its creation in 2006, thanks to its seamless functionality across multiple platforms. However, some users have recently reported issues with the search function, hindering their ability to use the app effectively. Although it is unclear why the search function is not working, there are some solutions available to fix the problem.

How to Fix Spotify Search in Playlist Not Working?

While Spotify's recommendation algorithm does a great job of suggesting songs and podcasts based on your interests, you might have to use the search function to find a particular artist, album, or track. However, if you encounter issues with the Spotify search tool, it shouldn't hinder you from exploring new music and artists. In this context, let's delve into some helpful tips to fix the Spotify search tool on your Android or iPhone.

1. Configure your Internet Connection

When you have issues with a streaming service like Spotify, you should first rule out any internet-related concerns. To test your internet connection, open any app on your Android or iPhone and see if it works properly. You can also use your phone to perform an internet speed test to determine whether your connection is dependable and provides consistent speeds.

2. Deactivate Offline Mode

Although Spotify's offline mode allows you to listen to your favorite songs without being connected to the internet, you can't search for songs or podcasts that aren't on your phone. While searching, if Spotify is set to offline mode, you will see a message that says, 'Go online to search again." Download the Spotify app on your iPhone or Android device and smash the Settings (gear) icon in the upper-right corner. Then, in the Spotify app's Settings menu, disable the offline mode toggle and try using the search tool again.

3. Enable Spotify Camera Permission

Are you having difficulty recognizing a Spotify code using the search tool? Because Spotify does not have access to your phone's camera, this could happen. Here's how you can make a difference.

Android

Step 1: From the resultant menu, long-press on the Spotify app icon and select the info icon.

Step 2: Navigate to Permissions.

Step 3: Select Camera and then 'Allow only while using the app.'

iPhone

Step 1: On your iPhone, open the Settings app and scroll down to Spotify.

Step 2: Turn on the camera toggle.  When you return to the Spotify app, you should be able to scan a Spotify code.

4. Sign Out and Re-Sign In

To fix validation issues with your Spotify account that may cause the search tool to stop working, sign out of your account by tapping the gear icon in the top-right corner, scroll down and tap "Log out," then sign back in and try using the search tool again. 

5. Check your Phone's Date and Time

Incorrect date and time settings on your phone can cause Spotify to fail to communicate with its servers and load search results. To avoid this issue, use the automatic date and time feature on your phone.

Android

Step 1: Open your phone's Settings app and navigate to General Management.

Step 2: Tap on Date and Time and toggle on 'Automatic date and time.'

iPhone

Step 1: On your iPhone, open the Settings app and go to General. 

Step 2: Select Date & Time and then activate the switch next to Set Automatically.

6. Verify that Spotify is Down.

If you are unable to download songs or use the search tool in the Spotify app, it might be due to server outages. You can check if others are facing similar issues on a website like Downdetector. If the servers are down, you will have to wait until Spotify fixes the issue.

7. Clear the Spotify app cache.

Spotify stores cache data on your phone to improve the overall app experience, but if it becomes outdated or corrupted, it can interfere with the app. Spotify allows users to clear cache data directly from the app's settings menu.

  • To delete the Spotify cache on your Android or iPhone, follow these steps.

Step 1: Launch the Spotify app on your phone and tap the gear icon in the upper right corner.

Step 2: Scroll down and select Clear Cache. When prompted, select Clear Cache once more.

After that, restart the Spotify app to see if the search tool works properly.

8. Update the  Spotify App

  • When it comes to resolving known app difficulties, Spotify is usually quick to respond. If you haven't updated the Spotify app in a while, you may be missing out on important bug fixes and performance improvements.
  • Go to the Play Store or App Store and update the Spotify app to see if that resolves the issue.

Why is Spotify Search Not Working?

The causes for Spotify Search Not Working are;

  • Slow or inconsistent internet connection.
  • Offline mode is activated, preventing the search tool from working properly.
  • Spotify does not have access to the phone's camera to scan Spotify codes.
  • validation issues with the Spotify account.
  • Incorrect date and time settings on the phone.
  • Spotify server outages.
  • Outdated or corrupted cache data is interfering with the app.
  • The app is outdated and needs to be updated to resolve known issues.
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Spotify Search in Playlist Not Working - FAQs

1. What are some of the possible causes of Spotify search not working in playlists?      

There could be a number of causes, including problems with the Spotify app, the device's internet connection or settings, or issues with the Spotify account.

2. How can I solve the Spotify search in a playlist that isn't working?  

Configuring your internet connection, deactivating offline mode, enabling Spotify camera permission, signing out and re-signing in, checking your phone's date and time, validating if Spotify is down, and emptying the Spotify app cache are all possible fixes.

3. What should I do if my phone's Spotify search in playlists does not work?  

Checking your internet connection, disabling offline mode, enabling camera permission, signing out and signing back in, checking date and time settings, verifying if Spotify is down, and cleaning cache data are all possible fixes.
 

4. How do I remove the cache in the Spotify app?  

Launch the Spotify app on your Android or iPhone, hit the gear symbol in the upper-right corner, scroll down, select Clear Cache, and then click Clear Cache again when prompted.
 

5. What exactly is Spotify?  

Spotify is a well-known digital music, podcast, and video streaming service that gives users access to a large library of songs and other audio content from around the world.