Did you know that all of your followers on Spotify can see what you’re listening to? The same thing typically goes for those that you follow on Spotify. When you start playing a song on Spotify, if you haven’t entered a “private session,” what you listen to is displayed to your followers on the Spotify desktop app. So, what is a private session on Spotify, and how do you start one?
Read more: How to share a Spotify playlist
THE SHORT ANSWER
Entering a private session allows you to make your Spotify listening activity private. This means that none of your Spotify followers will be able to see what you are currently listening to.
To start a private session on the Spotify app for Android and iOS, open the Spotify mobile app. Select the gear-shaped icon in the upper-right corner from the Home screen to open Settings. Scroll down to the section marked Social. Finally, press the slider next to Private session to start listening anonymously.
To start a private session on the Spotify desktop app and web player, open the display name dropdown menu by pressing the downward-facing arrow next to your Spotify profile picture. Select the option marked Private session to start listening anonymously.
KEY SECTIONS
What is a private session on Spotify?
Usually, when you begin listening to music on Spotify, your followers can see what you are listening to on the desktop app. “Private session” is Spotify’s version of incognito mode, and makes it so whatever you’re listening to cannot be seen by others or Spotify.
What does that mean? Music listened to during a private session won’t be registered to Spotify and entered into its algorithms. It will not be used when Spotify automatically personalizes playlists based on your listening activity.
If you just want to hide your listening activity and recently played artists from friends and followers, there are options for those in Settings.
How to start a private session on Spotify (Android and iOS)
Curtis Joe / Android Authority
To start a private session while listening on your Android or iOS device:
- Open the Spotify mobile app.
- Select the gear-shaped icon in the upper-right of the app to go to Settings.
- Scroll down until you see the Social section, where you can turn on the Private session function.
How to start a private session on Spotify (desktop and web player)
Curtis Joe / Android Authority
To start a private session while listening on your computer:
- Open the Spotify desktop app or web player.
- Open the display name dropdown menu by clicking the downward-facing arrow next to your Spotify profile picture.
- Select the option marked Private session.
Read more: How to put a song on repeat on Spotify
