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How to Fix “This app is restricted to Premium users only” on Spotify

Lim How Wei
May 25, 2023

Are you getting a “This app is restricted to Premium users only” error on Spotify?

The error message happens when you’re trying to log in to the Spotify desktop app.

It does not affect the iOS and Android versions of Spotify.

Users are unable to log in to the desktop app even though they have Spotify Premium.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to fix “This app is restricted to Premium users only” on Spotify on your PC (Windows/Mac).

Why does Spotify say that the app is restricted to Premium users only?

This app is restricted to Premium users only Spotify

Spotify says that the app is restricted to Premium users only because it has discontinued the support for older Spotify desktop application versions.

If you’re using a version of the Spotify desktop app that’s older than 1.1.59, you won’t be able to log in.

Below is the official explanation by Lyubka, a moderator for the official Spotify forum.

“To pave the way for a broader and better user experience, we have shut down Spotify desktop application versions that have been released before April 2021”.

“That’s why customers who have been using an app version released before then will lose their access to the app”.

“If you own a computer (Mac or Windows) with a version of the Spotify app older than 1.1.59, you need to update the app to the latest version to keep enjoying Spotify”.

“We recommend making sure that your Operating System is updated to the latest version first”.

“In the meantime, you can also enjoy your favorite music and podcasts through the Spotify Web Player”.

How to Fix “This app is restricted to Premium users only” on Spotify

To fix “This app is restricted to Premium users only” on Spotify, you need to uninstall and reinstall Spotify to get the latest version of the desktop app.

Alternatively, you can install Spotify from the Microsoft Store or use the Spotify Web Player.

Fix 1: Uninstall and reinstall Spotify

For Windows:

  1. Close Spotify, open the Start menu, and select “Settings”.
  2. Apps > Apps & Features > Spotify.
  3. Three dots > Uninstall > Follow the on-screen instructions.
  4. Download and install Spotify.

For Mac:

  1. Open Finder > Applications.
  2. Drag the Spotify app into the trash and empty the trash.
  3. Download and install Spotify.

Note: When you uninstall and reinstall Spotify, you’ll automatically get the latest version of Spotify.

Fix 2: Download Spotify from the Microsoft Store

  1. Open the Microsoft Store (the icon should be located on the taskbar).
  2. Search for “Spotify” and click on the “Get” button.
  3. Open Spotify and log in to your account.

Note: Downloading Spotify from the Microsoft Store will ensure that you’re getting the latest version of the desktop app.

Further reading

How to Fix Spotify AI DJ Not Showing

How to Share Spotify Wrapped 2022 on Instagram Story

40+ Free Spotify Premium Accounts

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About the author

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Lim How Wei

Lim How Wei is the founder of followchain.org, with 8+ years of experience in Social Media Marketing and 4+ years of experience as an active investor in stocks and cryptocurrencies. He has researched, tested, and written hundreds of articles ranging from social media platforms to messaging apps.

Lim has been quoted and referenced by major publications and media companies like WikiHow, Fast Company, HuffPost, Vice, New York Post, The Conversation, and many others. One of his articles about the gig economy was quoted by Joe Rogan who hosts The Joe Rogan Experience (arguably the most popular podcast in the world), in the This Past Weekend podcast by Theo Von.

In his free time, Lim plays multiple games like Genshin Impact, League of Legends, Counter-Strike, Hearthstone, RuneScape, and many others. He creates guides, walkthroughs, solutions, and more on games that he plays to help other players with their progression.