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Can Shortcuts play Spotify? Shortcuts can open a Spotify link, such as a playlist, but that does not guarantee Spotify will start playing automatically. Set up a URL handoff to open the content, then be prepared to tap Play. Apple documents opening app URLs; it does not promise a particular Spotify playback response.
What Shortcuts can—and cannot—do with Spotify
Apple says Shortcuts can integrate with other apps through their URL schemes. If an app does not provide a built-in Shortcuts action, you can use a URL action and then Open URLs to hand a link to an installed app. Apple’s documentation describes that URL handoff, not whether Spotify will begin playback.
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Opening a playlist and playing it are separate steps. The link may open Spotify or the linked content, but you may still need to press Play. A Spotify Community discussion from 2019 includes a user report of that outcome; it is historical community evidence, not current official confirmation of Spotify’s behavior.
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Spotify actions may appear in Shortcuts on some devices, but current availability and behavior are not established by the sources here. Check the actions available on your iPhone and verify what happens before relying on one.
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- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Set up a Shortcut to open a Spotify playlist
- Copy the Spotify link. In Spotify, open the playlist or other content you want and use its share option to copy the link.
- Create a shortcut. Open the Shortcuts app, tap the add button to create a shortcut, and add the URL action.
- Enter the link. Paste the Spotify link into the URL action.
- Add the handoff action. Add Open URLs after the URL action.
- Run and check it. Tap the shortcut to run it. Confirm whether Spotify opens the intended content, and tap Play if playback has not started.
Apple’s guide explains how app URL schemes work in Shortcuts: Use another app’s URL scheme in Shortcuts on iPhone or iPad. Its guide to share actions describes Open URLs: About share actions in Shortcuts on iPhone or iPad.
Run it from a personal automation
You can use a personal automation trigger, such as a time-based or event-based trigger, to run the shortcut. The trigger starts the shortcut; it does not guarantee that Spotify will play audio in the background. Test the complete automation on your own iPhone, including whether it opens Spotify and whether a Play tap is still needed.
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Why automatic playback may not happen
Shortcuts’ ability to open a URL is not the same as Spotify accepting a command to begin playback. The result can depend on Spotify’s current integration and behavior, which may change. Apple’s documentation does not certify Spotify-specific playback, and the available Spotify Community discussion is from 2019 rather than a current first-party support statement.
Do not treat an old queue or play/pause workaround as a dependable fix: those approaches can depend on the device’s current playback state. Likewise, Apple’s shortcuts:// URL scheme opens or navigates within Shortcuts; it is not a Spotify playback link. See Apple’s guidance on opening and creating a shortcut using a URL scheme.
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What to try if the link does not behave as expected
- Spotify does not open: Confirm Spotify is installed, run the shortcut again, and check that the URL action contains the complete link you copied.
- The playlist opens but does not play: Tap Play. The URL handoff alone does not establish automatic playback.
- You cannot find a Spotify action: Search the available actions in Shortcuts on your device. A Spotify-specific action is not guaranteed to be available or consistent across current iOS and Spotify versions.
- An automation runs but audio does not start: Test the shortcut manually first, then test the automation. A successful trigger only confirms that the automation ran, not that Spotify began playback.
For historical context on Spotify actions and playlist-link behavior, see the Spotify Community discussion about Spotify and iOS Shortcuts.
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- 8GB RAM, Apple A18 6-core CPU (2 performance + 4 efficiency cores), Apple GPU 4-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18.3.1, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- Connectivity: Global 4G LTE, Sub-6 GHz 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB-C, Wireless Charging (7.5W). (does not have mmWave 5G or MagSafe or physical SIM card) - Dual eSIM Only
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Straight Talk., Etc.
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- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
- Product may come in generic Box.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
