Encountering confusing error messages in apps for developers can be frustrating, but it’s even worse when you just want to listen to your favorite CHVRCHES or Foo Fighters album. If you see Spotify’s “error code: access point 22,” what does it mean, and how can you fix it to get back to your music?
What does Spotify’s “Error code: access point 22” mean?
There isn’t an official page documenting this bug, but a moderator in a recent Spotify forum post mentioned that it is sometimes linked to using a version of the Mac or Windows app released before April 2021. The company frequently updates its apps not only to introduce new features but also to disable older ones and address security vulnerabilities. On desktop PCs, any version of the app earlier than 1.1.59 is no longer compatible.
Steps to resolve the “Error code: access point 22.”
Update the app
First, check for app updates. If there’s a new version, you’ll see an “Update Spotify now” button when you click your profile picture. If you don’t see it, go to the Spotify website to download the new version. Uninstall the old app before you install the new one. Your playlists will still be there when you log back in.
Use the web or mobile apps
The Spotify web player operates similarly to the desktop application and is always up to date, as it refreshes each time you access it. However, it does have some drawbacks: it tends to be slower, lacks support for hardware acceleration, and does not allow for saving music for offline listening. If you use speakers that support Spotify Connect, such as many smart speakers, you can easily select them as the output device in the Android or iPhone/iPad app.
Check your internet connection
While it shouldn’t matter, weak or intermittent internet access might be accidentally triggering the error. Check your signal strength. If you’re using mobile data, consider switching to Wi-Fi, assuming it’s available. If you’re already on Wi-Fi, you might need to move closer to the router or remove any signal obstructions. The most reliable connection option is Ethernet, but it requires both free ports and a sufficiently long cable.
Clear the application cache
Corrupted cache data can cause Spotify’s servers to think your desktop app is outdated. Assuming you’re using the latest version, you can clear the cache by clicking your profile icon, opening Settings, and then scrolling down to the Storage section. Once there, click “Clear cache.” Note that this data is separate from any music you’ve saved for offline listening. You should restart the app afterward to ensure everything is working correctly.
Switch between the directly downloaded app and the one from the Microsoft Store on Windows
This is another option that shouldn’t make a difference, but there might be some quirk in the two codebases that makes one work for you and the other not. To avoid confusion, uninstall your existing client first before downloading the other. You can find the app in the Microsoft Store [ here ].
Conclusion
Troubleshooting Spotify’s ” access point 22″ error code can be frustrating, but these steps will help you quickly identify and fix the problem. Keeping your app updated, checking your internet connection, and clearing the cache are essential steps to ensure you can enjoy your favorite music without interruption.
