How to Use Spotify in Nigeria

In spite of Nigeria’s dominance in African music space, the music streaming service, Spotify is still not available in the country. Spotify is an amazing alternative to Apple Music but comes with its major limitation which is the fact that it is not supported in Nigeria and some other African countries.

Many argue that it is a licensing issue and that attempts at negotiations with the government (NBC) and Nigerian Artists have been made. 

Spotify Nigeria

In fact, South Africa became the first African country where Spotify’s music streaming service was made available. Spotify launched its premium offering in the country for a charge of R59.99

While some complain about the poor internet connectivity and its high cost, others argue this is simply a market segmentation and that they just want to strategically avoid Nigeria, arguing that the issues such as with the poor internet are very surmountable if they try to adapt their business or investment model to the unique, challenging but very profitable Nigerian economy

The Managing Director for Europe Middle East and Africa at Spotify, Micheal Krause, however, explained that the company was looking at the market for the right time in regards to catalogue, connectivity etc. explaining that they only chose to begin launching at South Africa.

The company confirmed that it has plans to extend its services in Africa beyond South Africa although they did not give an exact date or time.  

Now, although the digital streaming service is not available to Nigerian users, there are ways you can enjoy this service in spite of geographical restrictions. If you’re an aspiring artist, getting more Spotify streams is super easy now a days.

This article puts together the ways and guides to using Spotify in Nigeria.

How to use Spotify on your computer:

  1. Install Hola Free VPN on Chrome

Firstly, download the browser known as Chrome if it isn’t already your default browser. Visit the chrome web store and ass the Unlimited Free VPN-Hola Extension. VPN stands for a Virtual Private Network. This allows one to safely surf the web without being tracked or running the risk of information theft.

A VPN masks your online location. Therefore, you are able to access content that might not be allowed in your actual location.

  1. Set your IP address to the US or UK

After the installation of the Hola extension, you will be offered a wide range of choices and asked for your preferred server location. Ensure you select the United States or the United Kingdom. 

Usually, content that is blocked in other countries is available in the UK or US.

  1. Sign up on Spotify and create your free account

Logging in to the app will trigger an automatic download of the Spotify software for your computer.

  1. Sit back and enjoy your music

If you prefer using a mobile device, here is a way to go about it

  1. Use Tunnelbear

Tunnelbear is your go-to VPN app. It allows you to browse online privately and anonymously. TunnelBear also allows you to unblock websites around the world. You can download TunnelBear from the Google Play Store.

  1. Turn on your Bear for protection and then set your preferred location to the US or UK
  2. Download Spotify

You will not be able to download Spotify from your Play store. This is because Google knows you’re in Nigeria. 

So download the APK version from any APK sharing site of your choice. Some use apkmirror. APK means Android Application Packaging and it is is the file format your android operating system uses for installing apps.

  1. Install Spotify and create an account

To install Spotify, make sure that your phone is set to install third-party apps. You can find this option in your phone’s settings.

  1. And you’re all set. Start to play on your Spotify

Using Spotify on an Android phone

Downloading Spotify on your Android phone is quite simple. Simply download the app from a third-party site and a VPN (as explained above). You are set.  

You can also download Windscribe VPN(for changing IP address)

Launch the Windscribe App (this is in order to change your country/location)

Open your browser, visit spotify.com to download the Spotify desktop app. Then, you are set to make use of the app.

Using Spotify on an iPhone

When using an iPhone, things get a little different. This is because, if your phone has not been jail breaked, you will not be able to download apps from third-party sites.

The first thing you have to do is download hotspotshield VPN from the App Store.

Opera VPN used to be functional but has been taken off the App Store. 

HotspotshieldVPN is a paid app on the iPhone. However, another free VPN app on iPhone is VPN 360. 

 After downloading the VPN app, launch the app and follow the instructions found on the screen.

 After installation of the profile, Choose to turn on VPN. You will be offered a range of choices, make sure to select the United States as the preferred location. 

You will then need to navigate to Settings then iTunes & App Store then Apple ID.

 Sign out your current Apple ID and sign in your US Apple account. 

After logging to your US Apple ID, go back to App Store and then download Spotify. 

Ensure you are still connected to the VPN service while doing this

It is very important.

  •   Launch the Spotify app, and put in your sign up details. This will not work If you are not connected to the US IP. This is the reason you must keep the VPN service active.
  •   After successfully creating your account, your Spotify is ready on your iPhone 

Please Note: Whenever you want to make use of Spotify, you will need to switch the VPN app service ON. Remember that the App will not work if you are not connected to a supported country IP. Therefore, make sure you choose the United States when using the VPN service.

This is how you can download, install and use Spotify on your iPhone while based in Nigeria, India or other unsupported counties. 

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