How To Fix Spotify Error Code 4 Issue The Easy Way

Spotify is a digital music streaming service that provides access to millions of songs and content to its subscribers. It’s available on most platforms ( Windows, MacOS, Linux,  iOS, and Android) and there is a free version that is supported by ads, and a paid premium version that has several extra features and does not have ads. Using this service is quite easy although there are times when certain issues can occur. In this latest installment of our troubleshooting series we will tackle the Spotify error code 4 issue.

How To Fix Spotify Error Code 4 Issue

Before performing the recommended troubleshooting steps for this particular problem I suggest that you try restarting your computer first. This will refresh the operating system as well as remove corrupt temporary data and is quite effective in fixing most software related issues.

There are several factors that can cause this particular problem ranging from a DNS issue to a proxy setting. Listed below are the troubleshooting steps you need to do to fix the problem.

Try using a different DNS

One of the main factors that can cause this problem is an issue with the DNS. To check if this is the culprit you can try using the Google DNS settings.

  • Use the Windows + R key combo which should immediately open the Run dialog box
  • Type ‘ncpa.cpl’ in the bar and click OK in order to open the Internet Connection settings item in Control Panel.
  • Double-click on your active Network Adapter and click on the Properties button.
  • Locate the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) item on the list. Click on it in order to select it and click the Properties button below.
  • Stay in the General tab and switch the radio button in the Properties window to “Use the following DNS server addresses”
  • Set Preferred DNS server to 8.8.8.8 and the Alternate DNS server to 8.8.4.4
  • Make sure the “Validate settings upon exit” option is checked and click OK in order to apply the changes immediately.

Check if the Spotify error code 4 issue still occurs.

Change the Proxy Type in Spotify

  • Open Spotify by double-clicking its shortcut on the Desktop
  • From the failed login page where you should see the Spotify error code 4, open the Settings by locating its button anywhere around the window. In Settings, under the Proxy type option, click on the drop-down menu and choose an option from it ( try switching from auto detect, No Proxy, HTTP, Socks4, Socks5).
  • Apply the changes

Check if the Spotify error code 4 issue still occurs.

Add Spotify to the exception list of your antivirus software

There’s a possibility that the antivirus software of your computer is causing the error code 4 issue. If this is what’s causing the problem then you should add Spotify executable file to the exception list.

Windows Defender

  • Click the Windows button and in the search bar type “Windows defender”.
  • Open the application named “Windows Defender Security Center”.
  • Select the option “Virus and threat protection”.
  • Go to Virus and Threat Protection Settings. Windows may prompt you to allow an administrator access to use this feature. If so, press Yes.
  • Search the window which says “Add or remove exclusions”. Click it and you will be navigated to a menu where you can add exclusions.
  • Click on the option which says “Exclude a folder” and navigate to your Spotify directory. Once you reach the location select the folder and save changes.

Bitdefender

  • Open Bitdefender and go to the Protection Window by clicking the shield icon shown below in the picture.
  • Click on the link which says View Modules.
  • Click on the Settings icon which you can see on the upper right corner of the antivirus.
  • Go to the Exclusions tab present in the window.
  • Click on “List of files and folders excluded from scanning”.
  • Click on the ADD button. Navigate to your Spotify directory and select the folder to exclude it from the scanning process. You should also select the Both option before you add an exception
  • Click Add and save changes.

Avast Antivirus

  • Open the Avast interface.
  • Click on Settings found at the bottom left corner of the screen.
  • From Settings, browse to General and scroll down the options until you find Exclusions.
  • Expand the section and you will see a dialogue where you can add global exceptions. Navigate to your Spotify directory using the option of Browse.
  • Once you have selected the folder, click on ADD found at the bottom left side of the screen. Press OK and it is now added to global exceptions of Avast antivirus.

McAfee Antivirus

  • Open McAfee Antivirus by clicking on its icon present on the toolbar on the bottom right side of your Windows.
  • Click on Manage Security.
  • Select the option of Schedule and run scans option present in the box of Virus and Spyware Protection.
  • Select the option of Schedules scans from the list of options that follow. A new window will open and from there you will see the Add button present under the tab of Excluded Files and Folders. Select the Spotify directory after clicking Add through the file explorer.
  • Once you reach the location select the folder and save changes.

Kaspersky AV

  • Open Kaspersky AV from the icon present in your taskbar at the bottom right of the screen.
  • Navigate to the Settings menu.
  • Select the tab of Additional and select the tab of Threats and Exclusions from the list of options given.
  • Click on the Configure Exclusions present in the middle of the screen.
  • Select the option of Add present in the bottom right of the screen.
  • Now navigate to the Spotify directory using the Browse button. Once you reach the location select the folder and save changes.

Check if the Spotify error code 4 issue still occurs.

Reinstall Spotify

In case the above steps fails to fix the problem then you should try to uninstall the Spotify app from your computer then reinstall the latest version.

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