In today’s world, music is an essential part of our everyday lives. Whether you’re relaxing at home, working out at the gym, or even playing games on your PC, having access to your favorite tunes can enhance the overall experience. However, many gamers struggle with finding a way to listen to Spotify while in-game on their computers. That’s why in this blog post, we will explore different methods that will allow you to enjoy your Spotify playlists while gaming, without any interruptions.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Open Spotify While in Game PC
There are several reasons why you might want to open Spotify while playing games on your PC. Firstly, music can add to the overall atmosphere and excitement of the game, making it more immersive and enjoyable. Secondly, listening to your favorite playlists can help you stay focused and motivated during long gaming sessions. Lastly, having access to Spotify while gaming allows you to discover new music and expand your musical tastes, creating a well-rounded entertainment experience.
Now that we understand the importance of being able to open Spotify while in-game, let’s dive into different methods that can help you achieve this.
Method 1: Using Spotify Overlay
Spotify offers a built-in overlay feature that allows users to access their player controls without needing to switch between applications. Here’s how you can enable the Spotify overlay while gaming:
Step 1: Launch the Spotify application on your PC.
Step 2: Click on the downward arrow next to your profile name in the top right corner of the app.
Step 3: Select "Settings" from the drop-down menu.
Step 4: Scroll down to the "Display Options" section and toggle on the "Show desktop overlay when using media keys" option.
Step 5: Launch the game you want to play on your PC.
Step 6: While in-game, press the media keys on your keyboard (play/pause, next track, previous track) to control your Spotify music without minimizing the game.
Pros | Cons
—- | —-
1. Easy access to Spotify controls without leaving the game. | 1. Limited customization options for the overlay.
2. Seamless integration with popular gaming platforms. | 2. Requires media keys on keyboard or compatible hardware.
3. Doesn’t require additional software or configuration. | 3. Overlay can sometimes be intrusive and cover important game elements.
Method 2: Using Sound Mixer Options
If your game and Spotify are both running on your PC but you’re unable to hear Spotify while gaming, you can try adjusting the sound mixer options to ensure Spotify’s audio is not muted while in-game. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Right-click on the speaker icon in the bottom right corner of your Windows taskbar.
Step 2: Select "Open Volume Mixer" from the context menu.
Step 3: Locate the volume slider for Spotify and ensure it is not muted or set to a low volume level. Adjust it accordingly.
Step 4: Launch your game and check if you can hear Spotify while playing.
Pros | Cons
—- | —-
1. No additional software or configuration required. | 1. Requires manual adjustment of volume levels.
2. Compatible with most PC games and applications. | 2. May require occasional adjustments if system settings change.
3. Allows independent control of audio sources. | 3. Volume sliders can sometimes be hard to locate.
Method 3: Using Third-Party Software
If the above methods don’t work for you, there are third-party software options available that can help you listen to Spotify while gaming. One popular software is "Audio Router." Here’s how you can use it:
Step 1: Download and install Audio Router from the official website.
Step 2: Launch both Spotify and your game.
Step 3: Open Audio Router and you should see a list of currently playing applications.
Step 4: Locate Spotify in the list and click on the drop-down menu next to it.
Step 5: Select your desired audio output device such as your speakers or headphones.
Step 6: Launch your game and you should now be able to listen to Spotify while gaming.
Pros | Cons
—- | —-
1. Flexibility to route audio sources to different output devices. | 1. Requires installation of third-party software.
2. Can be used with a wide range of audio applications. | 2. May contribute to additional system resource usage.
3. Allows simultaneous audio playback from multiple sources. | 3. Requires learning how to use the software efficiently.
Method 4: Using Virtual Audio Cables
For more advanced users, using virtual audio cables can provide a solution to listen to Spotify while gaming. Virtual audio cables create virtual audio devices that can route audio between different applications. Here’s how you can use virtual audio cables:
Step 1: Download and install virtual audio cable software such as "Voicemeeter" or "VB-Audio Virtual Cable."
Step 2: Launch both Spotify and your game.
Step 3: Open the virtual audio cable software and set up a virtual audio cable as your default audio playback device.
Step 4: Configure your game and Spotify to use the virtual audio cable as their audio output device.
Step 5: Launch your game and enjoy Spotify while gaming.
Pros | Cons
—- | —-
1. Allows highly customized routing of audio sources. | 1. Requires installation and configuration of virtual audio cable software.
2. Provides advanced control over audio mixing and output. | 2. May require technical knowledge to set up and troubleshoot.
3. Works with a wide range of applications and games. | 3. Can introduce audio latency if not properly configured.
What to Do If You Can’t Open Spotify While in-Game PC
If you’re still unable to open Spotify while gaming using the methods mentioned above, here are a few potential fixes you can try:
1. Check for updates: Make sure both your Spotify app and your game are up to date. Software updates often include bug fixes and improvements that can resolve compatibility issues.
2. Restart your PC: Sometimes, a simple restart can help resolve software conflicts or temporary glitches that may be causing the issue.
3. Use alternative audio outputs: Try connecting your headphones or speakers to different audio ports on your PC to rule out any hardware-related issues.
4. Disable exclusive mode: In the sound settings of your PC, disable any options related to exclusive mode or audio enhancements. These settings can sometimes interfere with audio playback from multiple sources.
Bonus Tips
1. Use a second device: If you have another device available, such as a smartphone or tablet, you can use it to play Spotify while gaming. Simply connect your headphones or speakers to the second device and continue gaming on your PC.
2. Create a dedicated playlist: Make a playlist specifically for gaming on Spotify. Curate a collection of songs that match the atmosphere and intensity of the games you play, enhancing your overall gaming experience.
3. Customize your gaming setup: Invest in a good pair of headphones or speakers that provide excellent audio quality. Consider upgrading your PC’s sound card or audio interface to enhance the audio output for both gaming and music.
5 FAQs
Q1: Is it legal to use third-party software to listen to Spotify while gaming?
A: The legality of using third-party software to listen to Spotify while gaming can vary based on your jurisdiction and the specific software you use. It’s always best to review the terms of service for the software and consult any applicable laws before using it.
Q2: Can I listen to Spotify on my game console while gaming?
A: Listening to Spotify while gaming on a console depends on the specific console and game you are playing. Some consoles, such as PlayStation and Xbox, offer Spotify integration, allowing you to control your music within the console’s interface.
Q3: Will opening Spotify affect my game’s performance?
A: Opening Spotify while gaming should not significantly impact your game’s performance. However, it’s always a good practice to ensure that your PC meets the recommended system requirements for both the game and the Spotify application.
Q4: Can I use Spotify’s web player while gaming?
A: Yes, you can use Spotify’s web player to listen to music while gaming. Simply open a web browser and navigate to the Spotify website, log in, and start playing your favorite tracks.
Q5: Are there any other music streaming services that can be used while gaming?
A: While Spotify is a popular choice, there are other music streaming services such as Apple Music, Amazon Music, and Google Play Music that can also be used while gaming. The methods mentioned in this blog post can potentially be adapted to work with these services as well.
Final Thoughts
Being able to listen to Spotify while gaming can greatly enhance your gaming experience by providing a personalized soundtrack. Whether you prefer to use Spotify’s built-in overlay, adjust the sound mixer options, utilize third-party software, or explore virtual audio cables, there are various ways to achieve this convenient setup. By following the methods and bonus tips outlined in this blog post, you can enjoy your favorite Spotify playlists while immersing yourself in your favorite games on your PC. Remember to respect the terms of service of the applications and software you use, and happy gaming!