Spotify Setup
Use Spotify for your walk-up songs on game day
Spotify Premium required. Spotify's free tier doesn't allow remote playback control, which WalkUp Songs uses to play music through your speaker.
How It Works
Because of how iOS handles background apps, Spotify playback works best with two devices β one running WalkUp Songs and another running Spotify, both connected to the same Bluetooth speaker.
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Device 1
Runs WalkUp Songs
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Speaker
Bluetooth or AirPlay
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Device 2
Runs Spotify
WalkUp Songs controls Spotify remotely β picking the right song, starting at the right offset, and fading out when it's time. The second device just needs Spotify open and connected.
What You Need
Same Spotify account on both devices
Log into the same Spotify Premium account in WalkUp Songs and in the Spotify app on Device 2. This is how WalkUp Songs finds and controls the other device.
Internet connection on both devices
Device 1 needs internet to send playback commands. Device 2 needs internet to stream the music. Wi-Fi or cellular both work.
Both devices connected to the same speaker
Device 1 plays announcer intros and sound effects. Device 2 plays the Spotify music. Connect both to the same Bluetooth or AirPlay speaker so everything comes through one place.
Keep Spotify in the foreground and unlocked
On Device 2, keep the Spotify app open and the screen unlocked during the game. If the device locks or Spotify goes to the background, it may lose its connection and playback will fail.
Setup Steps
- Connect your speaker to both devices via Bluetooth or AirPlay. Device 2 will play Spotify music; Device 1 will play announcer intros and effects.
- Open Spotify on Device 2 and play any song briefly to make sure audio goes to the speaker. You can pause it after.
- On your main device (Device 1), open WalkUp Songs β Settings and turn on Spotify. Log in with the same Spotify account you're using on Device 2.
- Pick songs for your players from the Spotify library. Set the start offset so each song begins at the perfect moment.
- On game day, make sure Spotify is open, in the foreground, and connected to the speaker on Device 2 before heading into Play Ball mode. Disable auto-lock on Device 2 so the screen stays on.
Tip: An old phone, iPad, or iPod touch works great as Device 2. It just needs Spotify installed, a Wi-Fi or cellular connection, and Bluetooth for the speaker. Set Settings β Display & Brightness β Auto-Lock to Never during games.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need the same Spotify account on both devices?
Yes. WalkUp Songs logs into your Spotify account to send play/pause commands. The Spotify app on Device 2 must be logged into the same account so it receives those commands.
Why do I need two devices?
iOS suspends apps that aren't in the foreground. If Spotify and WalkUp Songs are on the same device, Spotify loses its connection to the speaker when WalkUp Songs is active. A second device keeps Spotify running and connected.
What if I only have one device?
You can still use Apple Music songs, which play directly on the device without needing a second phone. Spotify requires the two-device setup for reliable playback.
Does it work with Bluetooth speakers?
Yes! Bluetooth speakers, AirPlay speakers, and wired speakers all work. Connect both devices to the same speaker so announcer intros and music all come through together.
Do both devices need internet?
Yes. Device 1 needs internet to send playback commands to Spotify, and Device 2 needs internet to stream the music. Wi-Fi or cellular both work.
Why does it say "No active device found"?
This means Spotify isn't active on Device 2. Make sure the Spotify app is in the foreground, the screen is unlocked, and it's connected to the speaker. Play a song briefly so it registers as a device, then try again from WalkUp Songs.
Can I use a computer for Device 2?
Yes! The Spotify desktop app on a Mac or PC works great as Device 2. Computers don't have the same background app limitations, so Spotify stays connected even if it's not the focused window.
Can Device 2's screen lock during the game?
No β if the screen locks, Spotify may get suspended and lose its connection. Set Settings β Display & Brightness β Auto-Lock to Never on Device 2 during games, and keep Spotify in the foreground.
Ready to set up your lineup?