How to Use Siri on Spotify

Take advantage of Spotify Siri shortcuts

By
Brenna Miles
Brenna Miles
Brenna Miles
Writer
  • The University of Phoenix
Brenna Miles is a technology writer with a B.A. in Business Management and HR Management. She's been writing about technology for 6+ years.
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Updated on December 17, 2022
Reviewed by
Kayla Dube
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Reviewed by Kayla Dube
  • J. Everette Light Career Center
Kayla Dube has 4+ years' experience in videography and filmmaking. She frequently works in production with indie film companies.
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What to Know

  • Install the Siri Shortcuts app, add the Siri Spotify shortcut, then record a custom voice command to activate Spotify.
  • Once the dictation text box opens inside Siri Shortcuts, speak the name of the artist or album you're looking for.
  • Other Spotify shortcuts include Play Spotify Album, Play Spotify Track, Search Spotify Playlist, and Search Spotify Artist.

This article explains how to use Siri and Spotify together on iOS 12 devices with access to Siri Shortcuts. Once shortcuts are created, they can also be used on Apple Watch Series 4 and 3.

How to Install the Spotify Siri Shortcut

Before you can use Siri with Spotify, you must install and create a Siri Shortcut specifically for Spotify. Currently, Siri is unable to interact with Spotify beyond opening the app by request. By using the Siri Shortcuts app, you can easily create a Spotify shortcut.

  1. Download the Shortcuts app from the App Store.

  2. In your iPhone browser, tap the Spotify Siri download link.

  3. Tap Get Shortcut to install it, then tap Open to open the Shortcuts app.

  4. In your library, you'll find the Spotify Siri shortcut. Tap the three dots to open the editing screen, then tap the Settings icon.

  5. Tap Add to Siri to enable the Spotify Siri shortcuts.

    Creating a Spotify Siri shortcut using the Shortcuts app

  6. On the next screen, tap the record icon to record your initial Siri phrase. You can choose something like "Spotify Siri" or "Play Spotify."

  7. Tap Done twice.

  8. Now, when you activate Siri and say your shortcut phrase, Siri will open Shortcuts and display a box called Dictation Text. Finally, say the song or artist you're looking for and Siri will open Spotify and take action.

How to Use Spotify Siri Commands

Once you're finished installing the Spotify Siri shortcut, you're ready to use a few basic Siri commands to control your Spotify app.

Using Siri Shortcuts can seem a bit daunting until you get the hang of it. However, Apple is working hard to create and release new and simpler shortcuts to help you control third-party apps.

Find an Artist Using Spotify Siri Shortcuts

  1. Activate Siri and speak your Spotify Siri command.

    You can also use your Siri Shortcut by opening the Shortcuts app and tapping the shortcut you wish to use.

  2. Once the Dictation Text box opens inside Siri Shortcuts, speak the name of the artist you're looking for.

    Using the Spotify Siri shortcut to search for an Artist in Spotify

  3. Siri will open Spotify and search for that artist, playing the top track, if applicable.

Find a Song Using Spotify Siri Shortcuts

Follow this same process to look for specific albums you wish to play by speaking them into your Siri Shortcut.

  1. Activate Siri and say your Spotify command.

  2. Once the Dictation Text box opens inside Siri Shortcuts, speak the name of the song you're looking for.

    It's important to be as specific as possible here, saying the exact title of the song with the artist.

  3. Siri will open Spotify and search for that song and play it once it's located.

    Finding a specific song using a Siri Shortcut for Spotify

Install and Use Additional Shortcuts for Spotify

In the Shortcuts library, there are additional Spotify shortcuts, including Play Spotify Album, Play Spotify Track, Search Spotify Playlist, and Search Spotify Artist.

To use these shortcuts, simply search for and install them in the same way you installed the first Spotify Siri shortcut.

Although you can find both tracks, artists, and albums by using the Spotify Siri shortcut, these additional shortcuts allow you to skip the original Spotify Siri command.

Search for a Playlist Using the Search Spotify Playlist Shortcut

  1. Activate Siri and say your Spotify command to search for a playlist.

  2. Once the Dictation Box opens, say the playlist you wish to search. Be as specific as possible.

  3. Siri will open Spotify and the playlist you search for. Using this search shortcut, Siri won't start playing a track until you find the one you're looking for.

    Using Siri Shortcuts to search for a playlist on Spotify

Search an Artist Using the Search Spotify Artist Shortcut

This shortcut is different than searching for an artist. Instead, this one allows you to search an artist first, without playing an album or a track.

  1. Activate Siri and say your command to search for an artist.

  2. Once the Dictation Box opens, say the artist you wish to search.

  3. Siri will open Spotify and the artist you chose. Using this search shortcut, Siri won't start playing a track or an album until you select one.

    Using Siri Shortcut to search for an artist on Spotify
FAQ
  • How much is Spotify Premium?

    If you're new to Spotify Premium you'll get your first three months for free. After the three months are up, subscriptions cost $9.99 per month for an individual, $12.99 per month for two accounts, and $15.99 per month for families (six accounts). A student account option is also available for $4.99 per month.

  • How do I cancel Spotify Premium?

    Cancelling Spotify Premium is a slightly different process depending on the hardware you're using. On Spotify.com, select Account > Change Plan > Cancel Premium > Yes, Cancel. On iOS, open Settings and select your name > Subscriptions > Spotify > Cancel Subscription.

  • How do I download songs on Spotify?

    You can't download songs individually, but you can download playlists—as long as you're a Premium member. Open the playstlist you want to download and select the down arrow to begin downloading. If you only want one song, add it to an empty playlist and download the playlist.

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