Spotify Android app users have to download playlists again after update

Spotify users using the Android app will soon need to update, then log in again and download playlists to listen offline. Someone broke into Spotify’s internal systems, requiring the security update.

Users with an iPhone or Windows Phone and on desktop do not need to do anything; the update is for Android only and will be released in the coming days on the Google Play Store, Amazon Appstore and on Spotify’s own mobile site. After the update, playlists that users have saved offline will be gone and will need to be downloaded again. Many users download music for example on the road or on a trip abroad, because then no fast internet connections are available or data limits apply.

The update is necessary because Spotify found unauthorized access to its internal systems, the music service says on its own blog. In addition, the person who broke into the internal systems has seen data of one user. That information did not include that user’s password or payment information. Despite this, Spotify is rolling out the update for all users.

The music service recently released new apps for iOS and Android with the new My Music feature and the revamped, darker interface. The security update is mandatory; without the update, users will no longer be able to listen to music or use the app. Users who are now abroad can probably postpone the obligation to update for a while by putting the app in offline mode.