To scan a Spotify code, open the Spotify app on your iPhone or Android and use the built-in scanner. Scanning a Spotify code instantly takes you to the linked song, album, or artist profile so you can start playing it right away.
What a scan Spotify code does
Scanning a Spotify code takes you straight to a song, album, or artist profile in the Spotify app. A Spotify Code is a unique image that resembles a bar of sound waves. These codes are unique sound-wave patterns that contain the metadata of the linked content. Spotify codes can only be read using the in-app scanner inside the Spotify app, you cannot scan them with your phone’s native camera app or any third-party QR reader. Spotify Codes were introduced in 2017.
How to scan a Spotify code on iPhone and Android
The steps are identical on both iPhone and Android. You only need the Spotify app installed and camera permission granted.
- Open the Spotify app.
- Tap Search.
- Tap the search bar.
- Tap the camera icon in the top-right corner of the search area.
- Point the camera at the Spotify code and let the app open the linked content.
Once scanned, the app will recognize the code and take you directly to the song, album, or artist profile. The content will start playing automatically.
What you need to scan Spotify codes
You need an iPhone or Android phone with the Spotify app installed. You need an iPad in addition to an iPhone or Android phone to scan codes. Scanning works only through the in-app scanner, there is no desktop or web player support for scanning codes. You cannot scan Spotify codes using the desktop or web player. Both free and premium Spotify accounts can scan codes without any restrictions.
How to get a Spotify code to share
Spotify codes are generated from the share menu for songs, albums, or artist profiles on mobile. To create a code, open the Spotify app, find the item you want to share, and open its share or more-options menu. The official Spotify help page documents that codes can be used for songs, albums, and artist profiles. For detailed generation steps beyond this, refer to Spotify’s official help resources. On PC, you generate a code by copying the song link from the desktop or web player, pasting it on the SpotifyCodes website, customizing colors, and downloading the image.
Spotify codes can be shared through social media platforms like Instagram stories or via SMS, making them a convenient way to share music with friends. This feature is part of the broader set of Spotify mobile features that make sharing and discovering music seamless on the go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I scan a Spotify code with my regular camera app?
No. Spotify codes can only be scanned using the built-in scanner inside the Spotify app. Your phone’s native camera app or third-party QR scanners will not recognize them.
Can I scan a Spotify code on a desktop computer?
No. Scanning Spotify codes is not supported on the desktop app or web player. You must use the Spotify app on an iPhone or Android device.
Do I need a premium subscription to scan Spotify codes?
No.
Can I generate a Spotify code for a playlist?
How do I share a Spotify code after generating it?
After generating a code, you can share it through social media platforms like Instagram stories, via SMS, or any other method you would use to share an image.
For the wider topic, see Spotify mobile features.
