Spotify is one of the leading music streaming platforms in the world, with over 365 million active monthly users. While it’s an excellent way to discover new artists, create playlists, and listen to your favorite albums, some parents may be concerned about the type of content their children are exposed to on Spotify. That’s where parental controls come in. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to put parental controls on Spotify, ensuring your children have a safe listening experience.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Putting Parental Controls on Spotify
Spotify doesn’t come with built-in parental controls. It can be tough to ensure that children only listen to age-appropriate songs and podcasts when they have access to the app. Without the ability to restrict explicit content, this app may not be suitable for younger audiences, causing concerned parents to stop their children from using it altogether.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before we dive into the methods of putting parental controls on Spotify, there are several things you should prepare for:
1. A Spotify account: To put parental controls on Spotify, you’ll need a Spotify account. You can create an account for free or use the one you already have.
2. A device connected to the internet: You can access parental controls on Spotify using a computer, tablet, or mobile device connected to the internet.
3. A reliable internet connection: Parental controls require an internet connection, so make sure you have a strong connection to avoid any interruptions while setting them up.
Method 1: Via Spotify’s Explicit Content Filter
The easiest method to put parental controls on Spotify is by using the app’s explicit content filter. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Open Spotify and log in to your account.
Step 2: Click on the gear icon on the top-right corner of the screen.
Step 3: Scroll down to "Explicit Content" and toggle on the switch beside it.
Step 4: Now, Spotify will filter out songs and podcasts with explicit content.
Pros:
– It’s free and easy to use.
– It does not require any additional software or hardware.
Cons:
– It doesn’t block all explicit content, only content marked as explicit by the artists.
Method 2: Via Spotify’s Family Plan
If you’re a premium member, you can use Spotify’s family plan to put parental controls on the app. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Upgrade to the family plan, which lets you add up to five family members to your account.
Step 2: Invite your family members to join your Spotify account.
Step 3: Log in to your account and click on "Account" in the menu.
Step 4: Click on "Family," then select "Set up parental controls."
Step 5: Choose the settings that best suit your needs, then click "Save."
Pros:
– It’s relatively inexpensive compared to other parental control methods.
– You can control multiple accounts from one dashboard.
Cons:
– You’ll need to upgrade to the premium plan to use this method.
– The family members you are adding to the plan can see each other’s listening activity.
Method 3: Via Third-Party Apps
Parental control apps can also be used to put restrictions on Spotify. These apps are designed to monitor and filter explicit content. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Choose a reliable parental control app, such as Qustodio, KidLogger, or Norton Family Premier.
Step 2: Download and install the app on your device.
Step 3: Follow the app’s instructions to set up parental controls for Spotify.
Pros:
– Third-party apps can provide more advanced parental controls when compared to the built-in controls that come with Spotify.
– You can monitor your child’s activity on Spotify from your device.
Cons:
– These apps usually come with a monthly or yearly subscription fee.
– Some of these apps require advanced technical knowledge to set up.
Why Can’t I Put Parental Controls on Spotify?
1. You’re not a premium member: Spotify’s family plan is only available to premium members. If you’re using the free version, you won’t have access to advanced parental controls.
Fix: Upgrade to the premium plan to gain full access to family settings, including parental controls.
2. You’re using a third-party app that doesn’t support Spotify: Not all parental control apps work with Spotify. Check with the app manufacturer to ensure that you’ve downloaded a compatible app.
Fix: Use a parental control app that supports Spotify or switch to one of our recommended methods.
3. You haven’t turned on the explicit content filter in Spotify: By default, Spotify doesn’t block explicit content. If you haven’t turned on the filter, your children will be exposed to inappropriate content.
Fix: Turn on the explicit content filter in Spotify’s settings.
Additional Tips
– Be honest with your kids about the reason you’re using parental controls on Spotify. Explain the dangers of explicit content and help them understand the importance of staying safe while listening to music.
– Block explicit results on search engines, such as Google, that display explicit content through images or text descriptions.
– Consider creating a playlist for your kids with music that’s appropriate for their age group.
5 FAQs about Putting Parental Controls on Spotify
Q1: Can I put parental controls on Spotify without a premium account?
A: Yes, you can use Spotify’s built-in explicit content filter to put some restrictions on the app. However, for more advanced controls, such as the family plan, you’ll need to upgrade to a premium account.
Q2: How do I check what my child is listening to on Spotify?
A: You can monitor your child’s activity on Spotify using a third-party app or by logging into their account on your device.
Q3: Does Spotify’s family plan work on different devices?
A: Yes, the family plan allows you to control multiple accounts from one dashboard, regardless of the device.
Q4: Can Spotify’s family plan block specific artists?
A: Unfortunately, it’s not possible to block specific artists using Spotify’s family plan.
Q5: Can I use multiple parenting control methods at the same time on Spotify?
A: Yes, you can use a combination of Spotify’s built-in controls and third-party apps to create a safe and secure listening experience for your children.
In Conclusion
Putting parental controls on Spotify is an essential step in ensuring your children have a safe and secure listening experience. With Spotify’s explicit content filter, family plan, and third-party apps, it’s easy to restrict explicit content, monitor your child’s activity, and create playlists that are appropriate for their age group. Follow our tips and FAQs to create a safe and secure music-listening environment for your kids.