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Though Spotify assures users that its service is secure, there's a possibility someone can nab your login credentials elsewhere. Often, data breaches on other sites lead to emails and passwords being collected by criminals. Presuming you have access, scan your account details under Settings to review your email address and plan type. Scroll through the "Jump back in" and "Recently played" sections on your main screen.Īccording to Spotify's help center, other indicators that a stranger may have taken over your account include changes to your subscription plan, music playing randomly without your control and email alerts about weird login credentials. If you see something that you or Spotify didn't curate and there are songs nowhere near what you'd normally listen to, an outsider may have gained access. Another obvious clue that your account has been accessed without your knowledge is the addition or removal of playlists. The same goes for the "Jump back in" section where you may find songs or mixes that arouse suspicion. For instance, click on your "Recently played" row and see if it is out of whack. Otherwise, if you still have access to your account, the other user may have been more subtle, and so there are other things you should check. Sadly, the company does not offer two-factor authentication, so the onus is on you to monitor your credentials.
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In that case, you won't be able to update the password or email address on your own and you will need to contact Spotify. While you should ordinarily be able to request a new password (and then change it as below), it's possible that a freeloader has stolen your original login details. If your password and/or email suddenly don't work, count that as a double red flag.
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The most obvious sign that someone is using your account is the inability to log in to Spotify. In any case, if you suspect a stranger has infiltrated your account, here's how to handle it. It's so much more than just a minor annoyance! In some cases you may not have even been hacked, but simply left your account logged in by accident. Now imagine someone hacking into your Spotify account, rearranging your library, creating new playlists or locking you out by changing the password. And at the end of the year when Spotify sends out your personalized Wrapped roundup, you may even feel a frisson of excitement. Or perhaps you have a favorite podcast, or have even mastered all the cool tricks on the music streaming service. Many of you probably have playlists for the gym, meditation, road trips, household chores, parties or the ride to the grocery store.
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As an avid Spotify user, I hold my account – and my playlists – dear. Music streaming has become essential in helping listeners discover artists, access new releases or turn into homegrown DJs.
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