Spotify Error Code 15: How to Fix It

Easy 10-30 minutes Medium Severity Verified June 2026
Summarize with ChatGPTSummarize with ClaudeSummarize with Perplexity Add as Preferred Source on Google
Error Code
15
Brand
Spotify
Product Type
music_streaming
Severity
Medium
DIY Difficulty
Easy
Estimated Fix Time
10-30 minutes
Spotify Error Code 15 appears when Spotify cannot import or access local files stored on your device. This typically happens due to incorrect folder permissions, unsupported file formats, firewall blocks, or a corrupted Spotify cache. The good news is that this is a software-level issue and can almost always be resolved without any professional help.
Ad

Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code 15

  1. Check That Local Files Are Enabled in Spotify Settings

  2. Verify the Source Folder Is Correctly Added

  3. Confirm Your Audio Files Are in a Supported Format

  4. Check Folder and File Permissions

    On Windows, avoid changing permissions on system-level folders. Only modify permissions for your personal music folder.

  5. Clear the Spotify Cache

    Clearing the cache will not delete your playlists or account data. It only removes temporary files.

  6. Check Your Firewall and Antivirus Settings

    Only disable your firewall or antivirus temporarily for testing. Re-enable it immediately once you confirm whether it was causing the issue.

  7. Reinstall Spotify

    Before reinstalling, note down any local file playlists you want to keep, as reinstalling may reset local playlist data.
Ad

When to Call a Professional

Spotify Error Code 15 is almost always a self-fixable software issue. However, if you suspect the problem is related to deep OS-level permissions or a corrupted user profile on your computer, you may want to consult a local IT technician. Additionally, if the issue persists after all steps, contact Spotify Support directly at support.spotify.com — they can investigate whether the problem is tied to your specific account or app installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Spotify say it can't import my local files?
Spotify Error Code 15 usually means the app cannot access the folder where your local files are stored. This can be caused by incorrect folder permissions, an unsupported audio file format, a corrupted cache, or a firewall blocking Spotify's access. Working through the steps above — checking your folder source, file formats, and permissions — resolves this in most cases.
What audio file formats does Spotify support for local files?
Spotify supports local files in MP3, MP4, M4P, and M4A formats. Formats like FLAC, WAV, WMA, and OGG are not supported for local file import. If your files are in an unsupported format, use a free audio converter to convert them to MP3 or M4A before trying to import them again.
Does Spotify Error Code 15 affect my existing playlists or saved music?
No. Error Code 15 only affects the import of local files stored on your device. Your Spotify playlists, saved albums, liked songs, and streaming music are stored in your Spotify account and are completely unaffected by this error.
Can I fix Spotify Error Code 15 on mobile?
The local files feature is primarily a desktop feature. On mobile, you can only listen to local files that were synced from the Spotify desktop app. If local files aren't syncing to your phone, first resolve the issue on the desktop app by following the steps in this guide, then re-sync to your mobile device while both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network.
Will clearing the Spotify cache delete my downloaded music?
Clearing the Spotify cache will remove temporary files that help the app run faster, but it should not delete your downloaded songs for offline listening. However, in some cases downloads may need to be re-downloaded after a cache clear. Your playlists and account data are not affected.

Related Error Codes