How to Get Spotify on Smart TV – Complete Guide 2025 (6 Methods)

Last month, I was hosting a dinner party when my phone’s tiny speakers just weren’t cutting it for the background music. That’s when I realized I needed to figure out how to get Spotify playing through my smart TV’s superior sound system.

After trying multiple methods, I’ve compiled this guide to help you connect Spotify to your TV quickly and easily.

Why Spotify on Smart TV is Worth It

Streaming Spotify through your smart TV offers:

• Superior Audio Quality: Better speakers than phones or tablets
• Hands-Free Control: Control from your phone while audio plays through TV
• Visual Experience: Album artwork and lyrics on the big screen
• Perfect for Gatherings: Background music everyone can enjoy

What you’ll need is pretty basic: a decent internet connection (I’d say at least 5 Mbps for smooth streaming), a Spotify account (free works, but Premium is way better for TV use), and one of the methods I’m about to show you.

Beginner tip: Don’t worry if this seems complicated at first. I always tell people to start with Method 1 (the TV app) since it’s the easiest. If that doesn’t work, we’ll find another way that does.

Method 1: Direct Spotify TV App Installation

Most smart TVs from 2018 have native Spotify apps:

Samsung Smart TVs: Press Home → Apps → Search “Spotify” → Install → Log in

LG Smart TVs: Home → Content Store → Search “Spotify” → Install → Sign in

Sony Smart TVs: Google Play Store → Search “Spotify” → Install → Authenticate

Other Brands (TCL, Hisense, Roku): Check your TV’s app store for Spotify

Troubleshooting: Update TV software if app won’t install, or try the methods below.

Compatible Smart TV Brands and Platforms

Before diving into the setup, here’s a quick compatibility check:

✅ Fully Supported (Native Apps Available):

• Samsung Smart TVs (2018 ) – Tizen OS
• LG Smart TVs (2018 ) – webOS
• Sony Smart TVs (2016 ) – Android TV
• TCL Smart TVs (2019 ) – Roku TV or Android TV
• Hisense Smart TVs (2019 ) – Android TV or VIDAA
• Roku TVs (All models with Roku OS)
• Fire TV Edition TVs (Amazon Fire TV OS)

⚠️ Limited Support:

• Older Samsung TVs (2015-2017) – May require alternative methods
• Older LG TVs (2016-2017) – Spotify app might be available but limited
• Vizio Smart TVs – Depends on the platform (SmartCast vs older systems)

❌ No Native Support:

• Most TVs from 2015 and earlier
• Some budget smart TV brands
• Non-smart TVs (obviously)

Don’t worry if your TV falls into the limited or no support categories – I’ve got several workarounds that work just as well.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

For Samsung Smart TVs (Tizen OS):

1. Power on your TV and ensure it’s connected to Wi-Fi
2. Press the Home button on your Samsung remote (the house icon)
3. Navigate to “Apps” – you’ll see this in the bottom menu bar
4. Open the Samsung App Store by selecting the Apps icon
5. Search for Spotify – use the search function (magnifying glass icon)
6. Select and install – click on the Spotify app and press “Install”
7. Launch the app once installation completes
8. Sign in with your Spotify account credentials

For LG Smart TVs (webOS):

1. Turn on your LG TV and connect to your home network
2. Press the Home button on your LG Magic Remote
3. Open LG Content Store – look for the shopping bag icon
4. Search for Spotify – use the search bar at the top
5. Install the app – select Spotify and click “Install”
6. Wait for download – this usually takes 1-2 minutes
7. Open Spotify from your home screen
8. Log in with your account details

For Sony Smart TVs (Android TV):

1. Ensure your Sony TV is online and updated
2. Access the Google Play Store – find it in your apps section
3. Search for “Spotify” in the Play Store
4. Install the application – select “Install” and wait
5. Open Spotify once installation finishes
6. Sign in to your Spotify account

For TCL and Other Roku TVs:

1. Go to the Roku Channel Store from your home screen
2. Search for Spotify in the Music category
3. Add the channel to your Roku
4. Launch and authenticate with your Spotify login

Pro Tips for Direct Installation

Optimize your experience:

• Update your TV’s firmware before installing – this prevents most compatibility issues
• Use a wired internet connection if possible for the most stable streaming
• Clear cache regularly if you notice the app becoming sluggish
• Log out and back in if you experience sync issues with your phone

Common installation problems and fixes:

• “App not found”: Your TV might be too old or incompatible – try Method 2
• Installation fails: Check your internet connection and available storage space
• App crashes on launch: Restart your TV and try again, or reinstall the app
• Can’t sign in: Verify your Spotify account is active and try resetting your password

Method 2: Spotify Connect (Wireless Method)

Spotify Connect lets you control TV playback from your phone:

1. Connect both devices to same WiFi network
2. Open Spotify on your TV and phone
3. Start playing music on your phone
4. Tap “Available Devices” icon (speaker symbol)
5. Select your TV from the list
6. Control playback from your phone

Requires Spotify Premium for full functionality. Your phone becomes a remote while music streams directly from Spotify’s servers to your TV.

Method 3: Google Chromecast

Chromecast turns any TV into a Spotify-enabled device:

1. Connect Chromecast to TV via HDMI port
2. Set up Chromecast using Google Home app
3. Open Spotify on your phone
4. Tap the Cast icon (rectangle with WiFi waves)
5. Select your Chromecast device
6. Control playback from your phone

Works with any TV that has HDMI input. Requires stable WiFi connection.

Method 4: Apple AirPlay (For iOS Users)

AirPlay lets iPhone and iPad users stream directly to compatible TVs:

1. Ensure your TV supports AirPlay (Apple TV, newer Samsung/LG/Sony TVs)
2. Connect both devices to same WiFi
3. Open Spotify on your iPhone/iPad
4. Start playing music
5. Tap AirPlay icon (triangle with circles)
6. Select your TV from the list

Perfect for Apple ecosystem users with compatible smart TVs.

Method 5: Gaming Console Integration

Both PlayStation and Xbox offer excellent Spotify apps:

PlayStation (PS4/PS5):

• Download Spotify from PlayStation Store
• Link your Spotify account
• Supports background music while gaming
• Voice control with PlayStation headset

Xbox (One/Series X/S):

• Install from Microsoft Store
• Xbox Live integration
• Background music support
• Cortana voice commands

Great option if you already own a gaming console.

Method 6: Alternative Connection Solutions

HDMI Cable (Direct Method):

• Connect laptop/computer to TV via HDMI cable
• Play Spotify through web browser or desktop app
• 100% reliable, works with any TV with HDMI input
• Set computer audio output to TV

Bluetooth Audio:

• Pair your phone with TV’s Bluetooth
• Works if TV has Bluetooth audio support
• Lower audio quality due to compression
• Keep devices close for stable connection

Best for older TVs or when wireless methods fail.

Bonus: Record Spotify Music with Cinch Audio Recorder

While streaming Spotify on your TV is great, sometimes you want to save your favorite tracks for offline listening or create custom recordings. Cinch Audio Recorder Pro is an excellent tool for this purpose.

What is Cinch Audio Recorder?

Cinch Audio Recorder is a professional audio recording software that can capture any sound playing on your computer, including Spotify music. It’s perfect for creating personal backups of your favorite playlists or recording live sessions.

Key Features:

• Easy Recording: Simply click record and play your Spotify music
• High-Quality Output: Maintains original audio quality
• Multiple Formats: Save as MP3, WAV, or other popular formats
• Automatic File Organization: Keeps your recordings organized
• Ad Filtering: Smart technology to minimize ad interference
• Ringtone Creation: Convert recordings into custom ringtones

How to Use Cinch Audio Recorder:

1. Install the Software: Download and install Cinch Audio Recorder Pro
2. Set Up Audio Source: Configure to record from your computer’s audio output
3. Start Recording: Click the record button
4. Play Spotify: Start playing your desired music on Spotify
5. Stop and Save: Stop recording and save your file
6. Organize: Use the built-in file management to organize your recordings

Note: Always respect copyright laws and use recorded content for personal use only.

Quick Troubleshooting Tips

If you run into issues, here are the most common fixes:

• App not working: Restart your TV and phone, ensure both are on the same WiFi network

• Login problems: Use the PIN method at spotify.com/pair

• Spotify Connect not showing: Restart devices and check network connection

• Audio quality issues: Upgrade to Premium and set quality to “Very High”

• Frequent disconnections: Use ethernet connection instead of WiFi when possible

Spotify Premium vs Free for TV

For TV use, Spotify Premium ($10.99/month) offers significant advantages:

• No ads – Essential for uninterrupted listening

• Unlimited skips – Important for long listening sessions

• Better audio quality – 320kbps vs 160kbps

• Spotify Connect – Seamless device switching

• Family plans – $16.99 for up to 6 accounts

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Spotify free on smart TV? Yes, but with limitations (ads, limited skips, no Connect). Premium is recommended for TV use.

Which TVs support Spotify? Most Samsung (2018 ), LG (2019 ), Sony Android TVs, and many other smart TV brands.

What internet speed do I need? Minimum 5 Mbps for reliable high-quality streaming.

Can multiple people use one account? Only one device can play at a time. Family plans allow simultaneous streaming on different accounts.

Choose the Best Method for Your Setup

Here’s my quick recommendation guide:

• Modern smart TV (2020 ): Use the native Spotify app

• Older TV or limited app support: Google Chromecast ($30)

• Apple ecosystem users: Apple TV with AirPlay

• Gamers: PlayStation or Xbox integration

• Most reliable: HDMI cable from laptop

• Budget option: Spotify Connect or HDMI cable

Conclusion

Getting Spotify on your smart TV transforms your listening experience from tiny phone speakers to room-filling sound. Whether you choose the native app, Chromecast, or any other method, the key is starting with one approach and getting comfortable with it.

For most people, I recommend starting with your TV’s built-in Spotify app if available, or investing in a Chromecast for older TVs. Both offer excellent audio quality and reliable performance.

Remember that Spotify Premium significantly enhances the TV experience with ad-free listening, unlimited skips, and better audio quality. The $10.99 monthly cost quickly pays for itself when you’re enjoying uninterrupted music during dinner parties, workouts, or relaxing evenings.

Once you experience Spotify on your TV with good audio, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. Start with one method today and enjoy your music the way it was meant to be heard.