Having your Spotify for Artists account hacked feels like someone broke into your studio and started messing with your master tapes. It’s invasive, frustrating, and—if there’s fake music being uploaded in your name—potentially damaging to your brand.

If you’ve just realized something is wrong, take a breath. Here is exactly how to kick the intruder out and get your profile back under your control.

How to Tell if You’ve Been Compromised

Usually, it’s not subtle. You’ll notice things like:

• The “Locked Out” Phase: Your password suddenly doesn’t work, or you get an email saying your login email was changed.

• The “Ghost” Tracks: Random AI-generated songs or tracks that aren’t yours start showing up on your discography.

• The Data Spike: Your stats show a massive surge in listeners from a specific region that makes no sense for your current rollout.

• Profile Vandalism: Your bio, header image, or social links have been swapped out.

The Recovery Game Plan

1. The “First Strike” Password Reset

If you can still get into your email, try to reset your password immediately. Don’t wait.

• Go to the Spotify Reset Page.

• Create a password that is long, random, and—most importantly—unique. If you use the same password for Spotify as you do for your Gmail or DistroKid, you’re leaving the door wide open.

2. The “Nuke” Option: Sign Out Everywhere

Once you’re back in, you need to force the hacker off their device.

• Log in to your account via a web browser (not the app).

• Go to your Account Overview.

• Scroll down and hit “Sign Out Everywhere.” This kills every active session, including the hacker’s.

3. Contacting Spotify (If You’re Locked Out)

If the hacker already changed your email and you can’t log in, you need to bring in the pros.

• Head to the Spotify for Artists Help Center.

• Reach out to their support team. Pro tip: Have your ISRC codes, a screenshot of your distributor dashboard (like DistroKid or TuneCore), and your government ID ready. They need to be 100% sure you are who you say you are.

4. Clean Up the “Team”

Sometimes hackers don’t change your password; they just add themselves to your “Team.”

• Check your Manage Team settings.

• If you see an email address you don’t recognize, remove their access instantly.

How to Stop This From Happening Again

Recovery is exhausting, so let’s make sure you never have to do it again.

• Turn on 2FA: If Spotify offers two-factor authentication in your area, use it. It’s a minor inconvenience for a lot of peace of mind.

• Secure the “Entry Points”: Most Spotify hacks actually start with a hacked Facebook account or a weak email password. Update those, too.

• Watch Your Distributor: If fake music was uploaded, tell your distributor (CD Baby, etc.) right away so they can pull the tracks and make sure your royalties aren’t being diverted.

Quick Recovery Checklist

• [ ] Reset your password (Make it complex).

• [ ] Sign out of all devices.

• [ ] Email Spotify Support if you’re totally locked out.

• [ ] Check your “Team” permissions for strangers.

• [ ] Update your email and Facebook security.

Your Spotify profile is your digital home. It’s worth the extra ten minutes of security to keep it yours.