Blocking an artist stops their songs from playing in your playlists and recommendations

When you block an artist on Spotify, the service removes their music from your recommendations, radio stations, and shuffle play. If a blocked artist's song comes up in a playlist you're listening to, it skips automatically. You won't see them in search results, and Spotify won't suggest their new releases to you.

Blocking is different from straightforward not playing an artist — it's a permanent setting until you undo it. The artist doesn't get notified, and blocking them doesn't affect their streams or statistics. It only changes what you hear.

Key Takeaways

  • You can block an artist from any song, album, or artist page by tapping the three-dot menu and selecting "Don't Play This Artist."
  • Blocked artists' songs will skip automatically when they come up in playlists, radio, or shuffle, but you can still search for them if you change your mind.
  • Blocking works across all your devices where you use Spotify, since the setting saves to your account.
  • You can unblock an artist anytime by finding them and selecting "Undo" from the same menu, or by going to your account settings.

How to block an artist from a song or album

The quickest way to block an artist is while you're listening. Open Spotify and play any song by that artist. Tap the three-dot menu icon next to the song title (on mobile) or hover over the song and click the three dots (on desktop). Select "Don't Play This Artist" from the menu that appears.

You can also block from an artist's main page. Search for the artist's name, open their profile, tap the three-dot menu at the top, and choose "Don't Play This Artist." This method blocks them without needing to play a specific song first.

What happens when you block an artist

Once you block an artist, Spotify automatically skips their songs in any context — playlists, radio stations, shuffle mode, or algorithmic recommendations. If you're listening to a playlist and a blocked artist's song comes up next, it will skip to the following track without you having to do anything.

You can still search for a blocked artist by name and view their profile if you want to check their catalog or change your mind. Blocking only affects automatic playback and recommendations, not your ability to find them manually.

Unblocking an artist

To unblock an artist, search for their name and open their profile. Tap or click the three-dot menu and select "Undo" (on mobile) or "Allow This Artist" (on desktop). The artist will when ready return to your recommendations and playlists.

You can also manage blocked artists through your account settings. On desktop, go to Account > Privacy > Blocked Artists to see your full list. From there you can unblock multiple artists at once without searching for each one individually.

Blocking on different devices

Your blocked artists list syncs across all devices connected to your Spotify account. If you block someone on your phone, they stay blocked on your computer, tablet, and any other device you use. The setting is tied to your account, not to individual devices.

The menu to block an artist looks slightly different depending on whether you're using the mobile app, desktop app, or web player, but the option appears in the three-dot menu in all versions. If you can't find it on one device, check that you're using a current version of the app.

When blocking doesn't work as expected

If a blocked artist's song still plays, you may be listening to a playlist created by someone else where that song is pinned or featured. Spotify prioritizes explicit playlist content over blocking settings, so manually created playlists can override your block. You can skip the song manually or remove it from the playlist if you have permission.

Collaborative playlists and playlists shared with you may also play blocked artists' music. If blocking isn't working in a specific context, check whether you're listening to a user-created playlist rather than an algorithmic one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the artist know I blocked them?

No. Blocking is private to your account. The artist receives no notification, and it doesn't affect their stream counts or visibility on Spotify. Only you see the effect of blocking.

Can I block an artist but still listen to them if I search for them?

Yes. Blocking only stops automatic playback and recommendations. You can search for a blocked artist by name, open their profile, and play their music manually whenever you want. The block only prevents them from appearing in shuffle, radio, or suggestions.

What's the difference between blocking and not liking a song?

Not liking a song tells Spotify you didn't enjoy that particular track, but the artist's other songs can still appear in recommendations. Blocking removes the entire artist from recommendations and automatic playback. Blocking is permanent until you undo it; disliking a song only affects that one track.

If I block an artist, will they disappear from playlists I already made?

No. Blocking only affects new playback and recommendations going forward. Songs you've already added to your own playlists stay there. If you want to remove them, you'll need to delete them manually from each playlist.

Can I block multiple artists at once?

You have to block artists one at a time through the three-dot menu. However, you can view and manage your entire blocked list in Account Settings on desktop, which makes it easier to unblock several artists at once if you change your mind.