Listening to music on your phone or computer is great, but sometimes you want that big, bold sound that only a good set of speakers can provide. Connecting Spotify to your TV is an easy way to pump up the volume on your favorite playlists and get the party started.
In this complete guide, the SpotifyErrors team will walk through 8 simple methods for streaming Spotify through your television – no matter what devices you own.
Plus, we’ve included some bonus tips to improve your Spotify TV experience. Let’s get started!
Method 1: Use a Smart TV’s Built-In Spotify App
Many smart TVs like Samsung, LG, Sony, and VIZIO now come pre-installed with a Spotify app. This makes streaming Spotify through your TV incredibly straightforward:
Step 1: Using your TV remote, go to the Apps or Smart Hub section and look for the Spotify app.
Step 2: Open the Spotify app and log in using your Spotify username and password.
Step 3: Select a playlist or album to start streaming Spotify music directly through your smart TV’s speakers.
The built-in Spotify app allows you to browse and control your Spotify account directly from your TV. Just link your Spotify premium account and you’re ready to rock. It doesn’t get much easier than that!
Method 2: Connect via Chromecast
Chromecast is an easy way to cast Spotify from your mobile device to your TV. Here’s how to set it up:
Step 1: Plug your Chromecast device into your TV’s HDMI port.
Step 2: Connect Chromecast to the same WiFi network as your phone or tablet.
Step 3: Open up the Spotify app on your mobile device.
Step 4: Tap the Spotify Connect icon (it looks like a TV screen with WiFi bars).
Step 5: Select your Chromecast device.
Step 6: Play a song or playlist and it will start streaming from your TV speakers.
The Spotify app for Android and iOS allows you to control playback from your phone, even while the audio plays from your TV’s speakers. Chromecast is an affordable way to wirelessly sync Spotify across devices.
Method 3: Use Spotify Connect with Smart Speakers
If you own a smart speaker like Sonos or Amazon Echo, you can also broadcast Spotify using WiFi and the Connecting Spotify feature:
Step 1: Connect your smart speaker to your home WiFi network.
Step 2: Open the Spotify app on your phone, tablet, or laptop.
Step 3: Tap the Spotify Connect icon.
Step 4: Choose your smart speaker as the audio output device.
Step 5: Start playing music and it will stream from your speaker, even though you’re controlling it from your phone.
This allows you to access Spotify on your smart speakers while using your mobile device as the remote control. It’s like having a personal DJ in your pocket!
Method 4: Connect Laptop to TV via HDMI Cable
For wired connectivity, you can directly link your laptop to your television using an HDMI cable:
Step 1: Connect one end of the HDMI cable to your laptop’s HDMI output port.
Step 2: Connect the other end to an available HDMI input port on your TV.
Step 3: Open Spotify on your laptop and start playing music.
Step 4: On your TV, select the HDMI input that the laptop is connected to.
The Spotify audio should now start streaming from your TV’s speakers, while the app controls remain on your laptop screen. Just sit back on the couch and enjoy controlling your Spotify playlists right from your computer.
Method 5: Cast from Mobile with Roku Streaming Stick
The Roku Streaming Stick plugs into your TV’s HDMI port and adds smart functionality, like the ability to stream Spotify from your phone:
Step 1: Insert your Roku Streaming Stick into an open HDMI port on your TV.
Step 2: On your mobile device, download and install the Roku mobile app.
Step 3: Open Spotify on your phone and start playing a song.
Step 4: In the Spotify app, tap Devices Available and select your Roku device.
Step 5: The Spotify music will start playing from your TV speakers while the Roku streams the audio.
Roku allows you to cast Spotify from your mobile device to home entertainment systems. Like Chromecast, you can control playback from your phone even while the sound comes from your TV.
Method 6: Use Spotify Connect with a Wireless Speaker
Wireless speakers like Sonos or Bose SoundLink can also connect directly with the Spotify app for wireless music streaming:
Step 1: Connect your wireless speaker to your WiFi network.
Step 2: Open Spotify on your phone or computer.
Step 3: Tap Devices Available.
Step 4: Select your wireless speaker.
Step 5: Music will now start playing from your wireless speaker while you retain control through the Spotify app.
This method gives you whole-home audio without any cables. Just make sure your speaker and controlling device are on the same WiFi network.
Method 7: Link Spotify to TV Using Bluetooth
If your TV has Bluetooth support, you can also stream Spotify by pairing your mobile device:
Step 1: On your TV, open Bluetooth settings and set to pairing or discoverable mode.
Step 2: On your phone, open Bluetooth settings.
Step 3: Select your TV name from the device list.
Step 4: Open Spotify on your phone and start playing a song.
Step 5: The music will now start playing from your TV speakers.
Bluetooth is useful for older televisions that lack smart connectivity. Just note that control is limited to your mobile device when streaming over Bluetooth.
Method 8: Connect the Computer to TV via Bluetooth
Similarly, you can go wireless by pairing your computer with the TV via Bluetooth:
Step 1: Turn on Bluetooth pairing mode on your TV.
Step 2: On your laptop, go to Bluetooth settings.
Step 3: Select your TV device name to pair.
Step 4: Open Spotify on your computer and start playing audio.
Step 5: The Spotify audio will stream from your TV speakers while maintaining app control on your laptop.
Bluetooth gives you the ability to roam and stream Spotify untethered from across the room. Just be sure your TV and computer are within 30 feet of each other.
Bonus Tips for Streaming Spotify to Your TV
Beyond getting Spotify connected to your television, here are some additional pointers for an optimal music streaming experience:
- For the best audio quality, use an HDMI wired connection or WiFi streaming over Sonos, Chromecast, or Roku. Bluetooth can degrade music quality if the signal is too far.
- Consider getting a soundbar or home theater system to enhance the audio performance compared to your TV’s built-in speakers.
- Adjust audio settings like EQ and loudness on your TV to optimize Spotify music playback.
- Position your TV’s speakers/soundbar strategically to take advantage of surround sound capabilities.
- If you can’t see what’s playing on a small TV, consider screen mirroring your laptop or mobile device so you can view Spotify on the big screen.
- For parties or filling large spaces with sound, group multiple wireless speakers on the same WiFi network for synchronized multi-room playback.
- Upgrade to a Spotify Premium plan for perks like ad-free listening, downloads, and unlimited skips.
So there you have it – with the right devices and steps, you can be wirelessly streaming Spotify music from your phone to your home theater in no time. Trust us, once you have your playlists pumping through surround sound, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner. The TV is the heart of your home entertainment system after all. So complete the experience by adding audio from your favorite music app.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What do I need to connect Spotify to my TV?
To get Spotify streaming on your TV, you need an active Spotify app/account on your phone, tablet, or computer and a TV with built-in Spotify support, Chromecast, Roku, smart speakers, or Bluetooth connectivity. An HDMI cable will also work for wired connections.
Does Spotify work on all TVs?
Spotify has apps built for many smart TV platforms like Android TV, Samsung Tizen, LG webOS, VIZIO SmartCast, and Fire TV. On other TVs, you can connect Spotify using a streaming device like Roku or Blu-ray player. Simply having Bluetooth or an HDMI port also lets you pair with phones or laptops.
Is Spotify available for free on TV?
Spotify Free and Spotify Premium accounts both work for streaming music to your TV. However, free users will experience ads and limited skips. Premium provides ad-free uninterrupted listening.
Can I still use my phone if Spotify plays through my TV?
When streaming Spotify via Bluetooth, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, etc. you can control playback from your phone or casting device, even while the audio plays from your TV speakers.
How do I get the best sound quality when streaming Spotify to my TV?
For optimal audio quality, use an HDMI or WiFi connection if available. Bluetooth can degrade quality if your TV and streaming device are too far apart. Also, consider attaching external speakers like a soundbar.
Conclusion
Streaming Spotify to your television is easier than ever thanks to the many built-in smart features of modern TVs. With the tap of an app, the plug of a cable, or the pair of Bluetooth devices, you can start listening to personalized playlists, albums, and podcasts directly through your home theater speakers.
Whether you utilize a direct HDMI connection, wireless Chromecast streaming, a smart speaker, or the Spotify app on a Smart TV, you have more options than ever to enhance your audio experience. With the tips and methods outlined in this article, you can quickly get Spotify pumping through your entertainment system and take your music enjoyment to the next level.