How to Fix Spotify Account Locked due to ‘Abroad for 14 Days’ Error?

Problem Description

A significant number of Spotify users worldwide—including those in the Philippines, Italy, Germany, and Canada—are being locked out of their accounts by a persistent error:

“You can only use Spotify abroad for 14 days. Update your location at Spotify.com to continue using it.”

Key facts

• This restriction is intended for free-tier users who actually travel abroad, limiting use to 14 days outside their registered country.
• The current bug is affecting users who have not left their home country, causing confusion and frustration.
• Common troubleshooting steps (disabling VPNs, updating location, switching networks, reinstalling the app) have failed for many.
• Spotify has acknowledged the issue and is investigating.

Why Is This Happening?

• Normal Behavior: Spotify uses your IP address to check your location. Free accounts can stream abroad for up to 14 days before requiring you to confirm your location or update your account settings.
• Current Bug: The app is mistakenly identifying users as being abroad, even when they are not, likely due to a backend or location-detection error.
• Premium Users: This restriction should not apply to Premium subscribers. If you’re Premium and experiencing this, verify your subscription status.

Solution 1: Update Your Account’s Country Settings

1. Log in to your Spotify account at spotify.com.
2. Go to Account > Edit Profile.
3. Scroll to Country or Region and ensure it matches your actual location.
4. Save changes and restart the app.

Solution 2: Use a VPN as a Temporary Workaround

1. Download a reputable VPN (e.g., ProtonVPN, Windscribe).
2. Connect to a server in your registered country.
3. Log into Spotify while the VPN is active.
4. Once logged in, you can usually disconnect the VPN and continue using Spotify.

Solution 3: Reinstall or Update the Spotify App

1. Uninstall Spotify from your device.
2. Download the latest version from the official app store.
3. Log in again, preferably on a stable Wi-Fi network.

Solution 4: Switch Networks

Try logging in on a different Wi-Fi or mobile data connection, as some users found success this way.

Solution 5: Use the Web Player

Some users report that the web player (open.spotify.com) still works even when the app is locked out.

Solution 6: Upgrade to Premium (If Feasible)

Premium accounts are not subject to the 14-day abroad restriction. Upgrading may resolve the issue immediately.

Solution 7: Contact Spotify Support

If all else fails, reach out to Spotify support and reference the ongoing bug investigation. Provide screenshots and details of your issue.

While this bug is undeniably frustrating, you’re not alone—Spotify is actively investigating the issue, and most users have found temporary workarounds to restore access. Following the above steps should get your music playing again until Spotify releases an official fix.