How to Scan Songs on Spotify (Step-by-Step Guide)

Unlocking Music Instantly: How to Scan Songs on Spotify

Have you ever spotted a weird, soundwave-like barcode on a friend’s phone, an artist’s poster, or social media and wondered what it actually does? Those unique tags are called Spotify Codes, and they are one of the fastest ways to share your favorite tracks, albums, or playlists without typing out long titles.

Unlike regular QR codes that can be scanned by a phone’s standard camera app, Spotify Codes require a built-in scanner inside the Spotify mobile app.

How to Scan a Spotify Code in Seconds

Scanning a code is quick and straightforward whether you are using an iPhone, iPad, or Android device. Just follow these steps:

1. Open the Spotify App: Make sure you are logged into your mobile or tablet app.
2. Tap the Search Tab: Look at the bottom menu of your screen and tap Search (the magnifying glass icon).
3. Open the Camera Tool: Tap inside the search bar at the top, and you will see a small camera icon (or a “Scan” option).
4. Grant Camera Access: If it is your first time using the feature, your phone will ask for permission to use the camera. Tap allow.
5. Point and Play: Point your camera directly at the Spotify Code. The app will instantly recognize the graphic and open the linked song, album, or playlist.

Pro Tip: Have a screenshot of a Spotify Code saved in your phone’s photo library instead of printed on paper? You don’t even need a second device. Inside the Spotify scanner screen, look for an option to select an image from your camera roll, and Spotify will read the code directly from your saved pictures!

How to Create and Share Your Own Song Codes

Sharing your current hyperfixation song with a friend is just as easy as scanning one. You can generate a custom code for any track, album, or playlist:

1. Find the song you want to share inside the Spotify app.
2. Tap the three dots (…) icon next to the song title.
3. Look for the Spotify Code displayed at the bottom of the artwork preview, or select Share to view it.
4. Show it to a friend so they can scan it live, or take a screenshot to text it to someone!