How to Start a Spotify Jam (Host, Join, Control, Turn Off)

Spotify Jam is Spotify’s listen-together feature. It lets a group build one shared queue in real time, either in person or remotely.

This guide gives you the fastest steps to start (create) a Jam, invite friends, and understand what guests can control.

How to Start a Spotify Jam and Invite Friends to Join

What to Know (before you start)

• A Premium account to start and host a Jam
• Fastest path: Play a song → tap Connect to a device (speaker icon) → Start a Jam → invite by link/QR/Bluetooth.
• The latest Spotify app
• Bluetooth on if you want to join by “phone tap/nearby”
• A speaker/device selected in the Connect to a device list (if you’re playing on one)

How to Start a Spotify Jam (Host)

To start a Spotify Jam, play any song or playlist in the Spotify app, tap the Connect to a device (speaker) icon, select Start a Jam, then invite friends using an invitation link, QR code, or by bringing phones close together with Bluetooth on.

If you want the smoothest setup, start a Jam on mobile. It’s the quickest way to invite people and manage who’s in. You can also start a Jam from desktop, and Spotify has expanded Jam into Android Auto and CarPlay flows.

Start a Jam on Mobile (iPhone/Android)

Quick steps: Play something → tap Connect to a device → Start a Jam → invite friends.

1. Open Spotify and start playing any song or playlist.
2. Tap the Connect to a device (speaker) icon on the Now Playing screen.
3. Click Start a Jam.
4. Tap Invite, then choose one:
   • Share link (best for remote guests)
   • Show QR code (best for people in the room)
   • Bring phones close (Bluetooth on, easiest in-person)

Tip: If you want music coming from a specific speaker, select that device in Connect to a device first, then start the Jam so everyone joins the same playback.

Start a Jam on Desktop (Windows/Mac)

Desktop hosting is great when your laptop is connected to speakers.

• Open the Spotify desktop app.
• Right-click a song or playlist (or use the headphone icon).

• Choose Start a Jam.

• Share the invite link (or QR code if shown) so friends can join.

Start a Jam in Android Auto

Spotify added Jam to Android Auto so drivers can start the session from the car display.

1. Open Spotify through Android Auto and start playing music.
2. From the Now Playing view, tap the Jam option (where available).
3. Passengers join by scanning the on-screen QR code or using the invite flow on their phones.

Start a Jam in CarPlay

CarPlay has a similar entry point.

1. Open Spotify in CarPlay and start playback.
2. In the Now Playing view, tap Queue and Jam.
3. Select Start a Jam, then invite friends (link/QR/Bluetooth) as needed.

Tip: If you’re browsing and don’t want to hit play first:

1. Open the playlist you want.
2. Tap the three dots (…) menu.
3. Select Start a Jam, then invite friends.

What people can do in a Jam

• Everyone can add tracks to the queue.
• Guests may be able to control what’s playing, unless the host restricts it.
• The host can end the Jam for everyone at any time.

How to Join a Spotify Jam (Link, QR Code, Bluetooth)

If you’re in the same room, QR code or nearby Bluetooth is fastest. If you’re joining from somewhere else, you’ll need Spotify Premium to join remotely.

Quick steps

1. Tap the invite link, scan the QR code, or bring your phone close to the host’s phone (within about 1 meter with Bluetooth on).
2. Choose In-person or Remote.
3. Tap Join.
4. Add songs to the queue (or use Spotify’s recommendations).

In-person vs remote

Join Methods:

Spotify Jam Controls (Host vs Guest)

Spotify Jam works with smart speakers and most Bluetooth speakers, but the rules depend on how you’re joining.

Who can control what’s playing?

By default, anyone in a Jam can control playback. If you want a calmer session, the host can lock it down:

• Turn off Let others change what’s playing to make the Jam “add-only” (guests can still add songs, but can’t hijack playback order).

Can everyone control the volume?

Only if the host allows it, and only on supported connection types.

• The host can toggle Let guests change volume.
• Shared volume control works on Chromecast and Amazon Cast.
• Shared volume control is not available on Bluetooth devices or Apple AirPlay.

What happens if the host leaves?

If the host leaves, the Jam ends for everyone—so if you’re hosting a party, don’t accidentally “leave” mid-song.

How to Turn Off Spotify Jam (End the Session or Leave)

Turn off Jam usually means one of these:

• You want to stop the current Jam right now.
• You want fewer “nearby join” moments in public.

If you’re the host, end it cleanly. The most reliable way to end a Jam is simply to leave as the host (host leaving ends the Jam for everyone).

Leave steps:

1. Click the current device you’re listening on.
2. Select a different device to play on, or tap Leave.

If you’re a guest, open the Jam view and tap Leave.

Fix Spotify Jam Not Working Issues

Most Jam issues come down to account eligibility, device connection, or how the invite opens.

Fast Fix Checklist 

• Restart & Update Spotify.
• Check Subscription Status: If joining remotely, confirm you’re on Premium.
• Verify Device Connection: Open Connect to a device and select the correct speaker/device.
• Volume Control Issues: If guests cannot adjust the volume, ensure the host has enabled Let guests change volume. Remember, shared volume control is not available on Bluetooth or Apple AirPlay connections.

Issues & Fixes:

• “Start a Jam” is missing → Check:
  • an active Premium subscription status.
  • Connected to the right speaker/device.
• You can’t join a Jam → Check:
  • You accepted the invite.
  • You’re connecting to the right speaker/device.
  • If remote, you have Premium.
• Guests keep skipping songs → Check:
  • As host, disable Let others change what’s playing to make it “add-only.”

Best Practices for a Smooth Session

1. Pick the right playback device first (TV, Smart Speaker, etc.)
2. Use the best invite method:
   1. QR for in-person
   2. Link for remote
   3. Bluetooth for small in-person groups
3. If you want calm collaboration, set the Jam to “add-only” by disabling Let others change what’s playing.

For Clean Exit:

• Hosts: Leave the Jam to end the session for the entire group.
• Guests: Always tap Leave when you're done so you don't accidentally control the host's music from your pocket later.

Summary

Remember these three things and you’ll be set:

1. Premium is required to host, and Premium is required to join remotely.
2. The fastest start is: play a song → Connect to a device → Start a Jam.
3. If the queue gets chaotic, switch to add-only by disabling “Let others change what’s playing.”