How To fix Spotify Firewall Error Code 16?

Published & Fact Checked by
Published on:
Last Updated on March 23, 2024

Ai Disclaimer: We don't use AI for content or research in any way. All of the contents
are researched and written by (Human) our team.

» Home » Error Codes » Internet » How To fix Spotify Firewall Error Code 16?

Recently we have seen many Spotify users reporting the “Firewall error code 16” preventing them to access their Spotify accounts on the desktop client.

According to our research this is an issue with the network firewall that Spotify employs for protection purposes online. However, this might block the connection to the server without any reason in some instances and that is what causes the error code 16.


How to get rid of the Spotify Firewall Error code 16?


Fix 1: Check the Firewall settings

The error code is self-explanatory in the name. The error is related to the firewall and the issues with the firewall.

The first step that you should consider taking in this situation is to check the firewall settings on your device. Launch the firewall settings on the desktop and look for the Spotify Desktop client on the list of websites blocked by the firewall. If the Spotify desktop client is found on the list, this means that the firewall has been cutting off its connection to the internet.

When the Spotify Desktop client does not have access to the internet due to the actions of your device firewall, this is the exact situation where you will face the Spotify Firewall error code 16.

Remove the Spotify Desktop client from the list of blocked websites and add it to the list of allowed ones. This might solve your issue. Now, let’s talk about the solutions to employ when you do not find the Spotify client on the list of blocked websites.


Fix 2: Disable Third-Party Security service software

If you are using third-party security software on your desktop, any anti-virus software for instance, this might be the cause for the Spotify Firewall error 16.

Some users also use anti-malware programs that can cause issues with the Spotify desktop client as well.

We suggest that you disable any third-party security software on your system. However, in case you do not have any other security measures for your device, we will not suggest you to turn this software off.

In these cases, launch the settings for these third-party security services and add the Spotify desktop client to the list of allowed websites. In certain cases, you might still face the issue on Spotify after you add it to the list of allowed websites but it is still worth it if removing the software means exposing your device to a risk of malicious attacks.


Fix 3: Restart the network hardware

The network hardware comprises the hardware tools that help you to connect to the internet. These include the router and the modem.

If you suspect that the network connection is an issue, you can restart the network hardware. A power cycling session on the network hardware will help with the temporary network connection glitches.

You should also check for the latest updates on the network hardware. People often forget that the network hardware also needs regular updates for proper functioning. Out-of-date hardware can cause serious trouble on your internet connection.


Fix 4: Update the Spotify Desktop Client

The Spotify Desktop Client also functions properly only in the cases where it is fed regular updates.

There are many compatibility issues that regularly crop up on the desktop client as the operating systems on the device progress. To combat this compatibility issue, new updates are released for the Spotify desktop client as well.

If you are not updating the Spotify client to the latest version, you are essentially forcing the firmware to go out of whack and cause issues.

When you face this error code, check if there are any new updates available for the Spotify desktop client. Update the software to the latest version and your issue might get resolved immediately.


Fix 5: Reinstall the Spotify Desktop Client

In some instances, there are irreversible damages made to the operational files of the Spotify Desktop Client.

In these instances, there is no other solution except deleting the software and all the files associated with it. 

You can then reinstall the Spotify Desktop client’s latest version without any issues associated with the previous version. It is a win-win situation as you also get the latest version of the software in the end.

The only issue is that all the preferences that you set on the older version of the software will need to be set from scratch after you decide to completely scrap the older version.


Fix 6: Use a VPN

Some users have suggested that they can bypass this issue between the Firewall and the Spotify desktop client by using a virtual private network.

A Virtual Private Network helps you access the Spotify client through a different server without revealing your identity. This helps the users to skirt around the firewall issues and the error code disappears.


Fix 7: Use a different network connection

The network that you use for connecting to the internet also has a separate firewall that is put in place by the internet service provider.

It is possible that the firewall settings set by the internet service provider are cutting off the connection to the Spotify desktop client. You can either talk to your internet service provider or if it is feasible to you, you can switch to a different network.


Fix 8: Disable the IPV6 protocol

Some users have also reported that disabling the IPV6 protocol on their device has helped them get rid of the error code on Spotify.

However, when you choose this option, keep in mind that you are essentially choosing to take your device one level down in terms of network protocol. If this sounds fine to you, you can change the settings and disable the IPV6 protocol on your device.


Fix 9: Contact the Spotify Customer Support team

All the solutions that can help with the Spotify Firewall error code 16 have been discussed in the list above.

If you have tried everything on the list above and you are still facing this error code, chances are that your account is facing some restrictions from Spotify.

Even if that is not the case, at this point only the support team can give you a definite answer about what can help you get rid of the error code. Do not hesitate to contact them.


Like This Post? Checkout More

Photo of author
Falguni Rana is a technology writer who has expertise in software and hardware troubleshooting. She publishes how-to and troubleshooting guides for different apps, websites, games, and consumer hardware products.