Back to Amazon Guides
Amazon

Why Is My Echo Show Not Playing Music From Spotify or Apple Music

Amazon GuideSmart Displays
easy difficulty 5-10 minutes 63 views 2 found helpful Updated
This guide applies to: Amazon Amazon Echo Show (Echo Show 15, Echo Show 10, Echo Show 8 3rd Gen, Echo Show 5 3rd Gen)
At a glance — most common causes
  • Spotify or Apple Music not linked in Alexa app
  • Default music service still set to Amazon Music
  • Spotify premium subscription expired
5-10 minutes11 solutions coveredeasy level

Expert Review & Technical Scope

DeviceAmazon Amazon Echo Show
Model CoverageEcho Show 15, Echo Show 10, Echo Show 8 3rd Gen, Echo Show 5 3rd Gen
Fix Time5-10 minutes
DifficultyEasy
Required ToolsNo special tools required
Network / ProtocolWi-Fi / app-based troubleshooting context

Problem Description

Echo Show does not play music when you ask Alexa to play from Spotify or Apple Music. Alexa says she cannot play that or the music starts then stops immediately. Amazon Music works fine but third party services fail.

Symptoms

  • Alexa says I cannot play that from Spotify
  • Music starts then stops after 2 seconds
  • Amazon Music works but Spotify fails
  • Alexa says service not available right now
  • Apple Music linked but will not play
  • Asking by song name plays wrong service

Recognize these? Here's what usually causes it.

Common Causes

  • Spotify or Apple Music not linked in Alexa app
  • Default music service still set to Amazon Music
  • Spotify premium subscription expired
  • Account linked but authorization token expired
  • Third party service having outage
  • Specific song not available on requested service

Most fixes happen in the first 3 steps.

Warning

Linking a music service gives Alexa access to your account. If you share the Echo with others they can see your playlists and listening history.

Step-by-Step Solution

1

Link Music Service

Open Alexa app then Settings then Music and Podcasts. Tap Link New Service and select Spotify or Apple Music. Sign into your account. If already linked unlink and relink to refresh the connection.

2

Set Default Service

In Alexa app Music settings tap Default Services. Change the default music player from Amazon Music to Spotify or Apple Music. Now saying play jazz will use your preferred service without specifying the name.

3

Verify Subscription

Spotify requires Premium for Alexa integration. Free Spotify does not work with Echo devices. Check your subscription is active and payment current. Apple Music also requires active subscription.

4

Reauthorize Account

If linked but not working unlink the service then relink. Authorization tokens expire periodically. Relinking generates a fresh token. After relinking say Alexa play on Spotify to test.

5

Use Specific Commands

Say Alexa play rock music on Spotify to specify the service. If you just say play music Alexa uses the default service. Being explicit avoids confusion between multiple linked services.

Quick Solutions

Link music service in Alexa app
Set default music service to Spotify
Relink account to refresh authorization
Check subscription is active
Specify service name in voice command
Restart Echo Show

Still having issues? This is usually the deeper cause below.

If this comes back after following these steps, check whether a recent app or firmware update reset a default setting — the fix works, but the setting gets reverted silently.

Pro Tip

You can set different default music services per Echo device. Set the bedroom Echo to Spotify and the kitchen Echo to Apple Music in each device's settings.

Real-World Insight

This issue almost always looks more complex than it is — the majority of cases trace back to a single setting, a stale credential, or a default that shipped wrong.

What Usually Goes Wrong
  • Spotify or Apple Music not linked in Alexa app
  • Default music service still set to Amazon Music
  • Spotify premium subscription expired
  • Account linked but authorization token expired
  • Third party service having outage

Official Manufacturer Manual

If you need the complete manufacturer documentation for advanced setup, wiring diagrams, or detailed specifications, you can download the official manual below. The manual includes full technical instructions directly from the manufacturer and may help if your issue requires deeper troubleshooting.

Download the Official Amazon Echo Show Manual

Source: amazon.com

Need More Help? Amazon Support

Note: The contact information below connects you directly to Amazon's official customer support team, not Trunetto. They can help with warranty claims, device replacements, and advanced technical issues.