Many Spotify users have been running into a confusing bug that’s telling them that they can’t listen anymore because they’ve been using the app abroad for 14 days. The problem? Users haven’t actually left their home country.
People from various locations, including the Philippines, Italy, Germany, and Canada, found themselves unexpectedly locked out of their accounts. The app displayed an error stating, “You can only use Spotify abroad for 14 days. Update your location at Spotify.com to continue using it.”
For many users, especially those on Spotify’s free tier, this message is usually linked to a real travel restriction. The platform allows free users to stream music internationally for up to two weeks. After that, they typically need to log in from their home country or update their account settings to confirm their location. However, the current wave of complaints involves users who insist they haven’t traveled at all.
Frustrated users quickly turned to online forums, like Spotify’s own Community pages and Reddit, seeking answers. One user, airzono, posted, “I got forced logged out and I can’t sign in because of the 14 days abroad thing even though Im NOT in abroad and I did not even travel.” Another user from Italy, gallo2, shared a similar experience: “I have a problem with accessing Spotify because it tells me that I used Spotify for 14 days abroad even though I didn’t do it and I always remained in Italy.”
Affected listeners confirmed they tried the usual troubleshooting steps. They checked that no VPN services were active, which can sometimes mask a user’s true location. They attempted to update their location settings through Spotify’s website, often using different browsers or private windows as suggested. Many also tried switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data, all without success. The app stubbornly refused access, insisting they were abroad.
Initially, community moderators on the Spotify forums offered standard advice. But as the number of identical reports grew, it became clear this wasn’t isolated user error. Luckily, a Spotify mod then eventually confirmed to users on the forum, “Spotify is currently looking into this issue.”
While the company investigates the root cause of this strange location bug, affected users are left waiting for a fix. For now, the music has stopped for some, even though they never took a trip. We’ll keep track of the situation and will post an update if and when there are any further developments.
Dwayne Cubbins
845 Posts
For nearly a decade, I've been deciphering the complexities of the tech world, with a particular passion for helping users navigate the ever-changing tech landscape. From crafting in-depth guides that unlock your phone's hidden potential to uncovering and explaining the latest bugs and glitches, I make sure you get the most out of your devices. And yes, you might occasionally find me ranting about some truly frustrating tech mishaps.
Follow Us
