How to Unblock Spotify at School or Anywhere - Updated 2023
- Quick Guide: How to Unblock Spotify Anywhere in 3 Steps
- Best VPNs for Unblocking Spotify in 2023
- ExpressVPN - Smooth, Reliable Connections for Spotify
- CyberGhost - User-Friendly for Accessing Spotify
- Private Internet Access (PIA) - Thousands of Servers for Accessing Spotify
- IPVanish - Reliably Unblocks Spotify
- HideMyAss (HMA) - IP Shuffle to Ward Off Trackers
- Use A VPN to Unblock Spotify Today
- FAQs
Spotify is a music and media streaming service that's popular worldwide for fresh music and the best podcasts across the globe. Unfortunately, whether you're using the free or paid version, some content is subject to geoblocking for licensing and distribution reasons.
While there are some parts of the world where Spotify isn't available, most areas now have access. Still, artists or their labels can block any tracks as they see fit and Spotify has no control over it. That means even if something is available in one part of the US it could be blocked in another, or overseas in say France. That's because the artists and labels retain the rights to their music. If you want to access georestricted tracks, you're going to need a VPN.
With a secure, fast VPN like ExpressVPN, you can unblock Spotify (or any tracks you don't currently have access to due to geoblocking). It has multiple lightning-fast protocol options and offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
Quick Guide: How to Unblock Spotify Anywhere in 3 Steps
- Subscribe to ExpressVPN.
- Download and install the app, then connect to a server in your designated Spotify region.
- Log in to Spotify and enjoy!
Why You Need a VPN to Unblock Spotify
Spotify offers the latest in music and podcasts in 150+ countries and counting. The issue is that due to licensing and distribution rights some tracks may be "greyed out," Spotify's way of letting you know that those tracks aren't available in your country.
Additionally, there are still a few areas that don't offer the service, especially in Africa, Europe, Latin America, and Asia. Spotify is currently available in the countries listed here. While it is working to expand across these regions, that doesn't help if you want access now. If you want to listen, you're going to need a VPN tough enough to bypass georestrictions and provide an IP address in that region.
A high-quality VPN will do more than simply allow you to bypass geo-restrictions. It will also offer powerful encryption to maintain your online privacy and keep your data safe from hackers and third parties. The best VPNs for Spotify will also have unlimited data, speed, and bandwidth, for a smooth listening experience free of interruptions like buffering or loading problems.
Best VPNs for Unblocking Spotify in 2023
1. ExpressVPN - Smooth, Reliable Connections for Spotify
Try Risk-Free for 30 DaysTested July 2023
- 3,000 servers in 94 countries
- 8 devices per license
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Works with: Netflix, Spotify, BitTorrent, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, BBC iPlayer, and more
- Compatible with: Linux, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, routers, and more
With over 3,000 servers in 94 countries, you'll be able to access Spotify content from almost anywhere in the world. It also unblocks some of the most popular streaming services, including multiple Netflix libraries, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and more.
In addition to its proprietary protocol Lightway, ExpressVPN offers both OpenVPN and WireGuard protocol. Lightway is a completely new protocol that offers lightning-fast speeds and secure connections, so you don't have to choose between safety and speed when accessing Spotify.
AES 256-bit encryption and a no-logs policy help ensure your data is safe during transit and never shared with third parties. The automatic kill switch disconnects you from the internet if the VPN fails. ExpressVPN also offers DNS leak protection that blocks DNS requests to any DNS servers outside of its network, to help prevent anyone from tracking your true location.
24/7 live chat support and connections on up to 8 devices per license, mean you can install it on all of your favorite devices and get help any time if you hit a snag. ExpressVPN also backs its stellar service with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can purchase a subscription worry-free.
Listen to Spotify Today with ExpressVPN!
2. CyberGhost - User-Friendly for Accessing Spotify
- 9,487 servers in 91 countries
- 7 devices per license
- 45-day money-back guarantee
- Works with: Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Spotify, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and more
- Compatible with: Windows, Linux, Android, iOS, macOS, routers, and more
CyberGhost has a user-friendly interface that makes it a favorite among our readers, and offers over 9,487 servers in 91 countries. More than enough to help you unblock Spotify tracks on a global scale.
This high-speed VPN features industry standards like OpenVPN protocol, 256-bit AES encryption, and a strict no-logs policy. CyberGhost also has a built-in ad and malware blocker, to help protect you against hackers and scammers. An automatic kill switch and DNS/IP leak protection round out its advanced features.
Listening to Spotify with CyberGhost is a stress-free experience thanks to its broad device compatibility, unlimited data and speed, and use on up to 7 devices per license. You can cover all your favorite devices and know you have the data, speed, and bandwidth to enjoy your favorite tracks interruption-free.
CyberGhost offers 24/7 live chat support and all of its premium plans come with a 45-day money-back guarantee.
Listen to Spotify Today with CyberGhost!
3. Private Internet Access (PIA) - Thousands of Servers for Accessing Spotify
- 29,650 servers in 84 countries
- Unlimited devices per license
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Works with: Spotify, Utorrent, Netflix US, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and more
- Compatible with: Windows, iOS, Android, macOS, some routers, and more
Private Internet Access has the most servers of any of the VPNs on this list, offering 29,650+ servers in 84 countries. The sheer number alone is useful, as you'll be able to swap servers in almost any location it offers if the first one you connect to can't unblock Spotify for any reason.
A built-in ad, tracker, and malware blocker automatically blocks sites that are known for distributing malicious software. It offers encrypted wi-fi, both WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols, and a choice between the default 128-bit, and 256-bit encryption.
PIA can unblock the most popular streaming services like Netflix US and Amazon Prime Video, as well as torrenting platforms like BitTorrent and Vuze. Unlike many VPNs, it offers P2P support and openly supports popular torrenting clients. It gives you unlimited data, speed, and bandwidth, so you can spend hours listening to podcasts without limitations.
You can use the service on up to Unlimited devices per license too, so you listen to Spotify safely on your mobile phone, tablet, and more. Plus, you can try PIA risk-free using its 30-day money-back guarantee.
Listen to Spotify Today with Private Internet Access!
4. IPVanish - Reliably Unblocks Spotify
- 2,200 servers in 75 countries
- Unlimited devices per license
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Works with: Netflix US, Spotify, HBO, DAZN, SlingTV, Hotstar, and more
- Compatible with: Linux, Windows, Chromebook, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and more
IPVanish has 2,200 servers in over 75 countries, the speeds are fast enough to stream tracks without encountering lag or buffering. It works with most major devices and gives you an unlimited number of connections per license.
Install and setup of the app are quick and painless, and it takes less than 3 minutes to connect to a server. It has some of the same advanced features as more expensive VPNs like a kill switch and DNS leak protection. IPVanish also features industry standards like a no-logs policy, OpenVPN, and military-grade encryption.
iOS users can get a free 7-day trial of the service if they install it via the App Store. If you aren't an iOS user, no need to worry. IPVanish offers a 30-day, risk-free, money-back guarantee. That way, if it isn't a good fit you aren't locked into a commitment.
Listen to Spotify Today with IPVanish!
5. HideMyAss (HMA) - IP Shuffle to Ward Off Trackers
- 1,090 servers in 210 countries
- 5 devices per license
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Works with: Hulu, Netflix, Spotify, Amazon Prime Video, and more
- Compatible with: macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, and more
HMA allows you to install the app on an unlimited number of devices per license and use it on up to 5 simultaneously, so you can protect your laptop, desktop, mobile phone, and more with one subscription. It's also compatible with popular platforms and even unblocks some big-name streaming services like Netflix and Hulu.
With over 1,090 servers in 210 countries, you can get access to a broad range of blocked tracks on Spotify. HMA's IP Shuffle feature makes it almost impossible for your ISP or anyone else to know you're using a VPN, or for a specific IP address you use to be blocked by the service. The IP Shuffle feature is completely customizable, giving you the option to set specific times to swap IP addresses like every 10 minutes, once per hour, twice daily, or any other time frame you'd like.
HMA also offers military-grade encryption, multiple protocol options, and a no-logs policy. You can try the service yourself risk-free using its 30-day money-back guarantee, to see why it's a good fit for Spotify.
Listen to Spotify Today with HideMyAss!
Use A VPN to Unblock Spotify Today
Utilizing a fast and secure VPN allows you to effortlessly circumvent geo-restrictions and enjoy uninterrupted access to Spotify, regardless of your location. Not only does it unblock the service in regions where it may not be available, but it also grants you the ability to listen to tracks that might not be accessible in your country.
Not sure which VPN you want to choose for streaming music from Spotify? We recommend ExpressVPN for unlimited bandwidth, powerful encryption, and access to US servers. Plus it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can buy a subscription risk-free.
Listen to Spotify Anywhere with ExpressVPN!
FAQs
Is Spotify free to use?
Spotify does offer a free, limited version of its service but the best content is available on the premium version. With the free version, you're only allowed to skip up to six times per hour, whereas the premium version allows you to skip content an unlimited number of times. The free version is also ad-supported, which means you'll have more than a few interruptions to your streaming.
Can free VPNs unblock Spotify?
Yes. There are a few free VPNs that can unblock Spotify but each one comes with limitations. Free VPNs limit server selection, data, speed, and/or bandwidth until you upgrade to a paid plan, in which case you may as well get a premium service like ExpressVPN. The worst free VPNs could put your devices or data at risk, installing malware or selling your browsing habits to third parties.
There's no reason to risk it with a free VPN. ExpressVPN is strong enough to bypass tough geoblocks, lets you install it on up to 8 devices per license, and backs its service with a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
Is it illegal to access Spotify with a VPN?
No. Accessing geoblocked content on Spotify using a VPN, or using it to download Spotify where it's not yet available, isn't illegal. Listening to music or podcasts from other countries using Spotify isn't the same as pirating music via torrenting or other means. While it may not be encouraged, you won't get in any trouble.
Issues may arise if you live in a country where VPNs are heavily restricted or banned. As of right now, tourists haven't gotten in trouble for using VPNs in these countries but citizens can be subject to fines for using a VPN. It's important to know where VPNs are illegal and using one could get you in trouble.
To summarize, the best VPNs to unblock Spotify in 2023 are:
Your data is exposed to the websites you visit!
Your IP Address:
Your Location:
Your Internet Provider:
The information above can be used to track you, target you for ads, and monitor what you do online.
VPNs can help you hide this information from websites so that you are protected at all times. We recommend ExpressVPN — the #1 VPN out of over 350 providers we've tested. It has military-grade encryption and privacy features that will ensure your digital security, plus — it's currently offering 49% off.
About the Author
Kristina Perunicic is a former editor for vpnMentor. She’s a cybersecurity expert with an interest in VPNs and their importance in the digital privacy landscape.
