Spotify Cannot Fast Forward – How to Fix It

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If Spotify is not allowing you to fast forward songs or podcasts, it could be due to playback restrictions, account limitations, or app-related issues. This guide provides step-by-step solutions to fix the issue and regain control over fast-forwarding.

Check Your Spotify Subscription

Free vs. Premium Features
  • Spotify Free users cannot fast forward songs in shuffle mode.
  • Premium users can skip and fast forward without restrictions.

Check if You Are on a Premium Plan
  1. Go to Spotify Account Page.
  2. Under Your Plan, check if you are subscribed to Spotify Premium.
  3. If you are on Spotify Free, upgrade to Premium to unlock fast-forwarding.

Verify Playback Controls

Fast Forwarding Podcasts
  • Fast forwarding is allowed on both Free and Premium accounts for podcasts.
  • If you cannot fast forward a podcast, try playing a different episode to check if the issue is specific to one file.

Fast Forwarding Downloaded Songs
  • If you are trying to fast forward an offline song, ensure the download is not corrupted.
  • Try deleting and re-downloading the song.

Restart Spotify and Device

Restart the Spotify App
  1. Close Spotify completely.
  2. Restart the app and try fast-forwarding again.

Restart Your Device
  1. Restart your phone, tablet, or computer.
  2. Open Spotify and test fast-forwarding.

Check for App Updates

Update Spotify on Mobile
  1. Open Google Play Store or App Store.
  2. Search for Spotify and tap Update if available.

Update Spotify on Desktop
  1. Open Spotify.
  2. Click Profile > Check for Updates.

Clear Spotify Cache

Clear Cache on Mobile
  1. Open Spotify > Settings.
  2. Tap Storage > Clear Cache.
  3. Restart the app and try fast-forwarding.

Clear Cache on Desktop
  1. Open Spotify > Settings.
  2. Scroll to Storage and click Clear Cache.
  3. Restart Spotify.

Check if Fast Forward is Blocked for Certain Content

Some Songs Have Playback Restrictions
  • Some Spotify playlists and albums prevent fast forwarding due to licensing agreements.
  • Try playing a different song or album to see if the issue persists.

Ads Cannot Be Skipped
  • If you are on Spotify Free, you cannot fast forward through ads.

Reinstall Spotify

Reinstall on Mobile
  1. Delete Spotify from your phone.
  2. Restart your phone.
  3. Reinstall Spotify from the App Store or Google Play Store.

Reinstall on Desktop
  1. Uninstall Spotify via Control Panel (Windows) or Applications (Mac).
  2. Delete the Spotify cache from: 
    %AppData%\Spotify (Windows)  
~/Library/Application Support/Spotify/ (Mac)
  3. Restart your computer and reinstall Spotify.

If Spotify still cannot fast forward, contact Spotify Support for further assistance.