Spotify’s Smart Shuffle Was a Disappointment — Improvements Are Finally on the Way
Not all features introduced by companies enhance the user experience; in some cases, they can create additional frustrations. This has been the case with Spotify’s Smart Shuffle feature, which has annoyed many users since its launch. Smart Shuffle was designed to keep listening sessions interesting by mixing in new recommended tracks based on the playlist’s vibe. However, instead of offering fresh recommendations, it often repeats the same suggestions for weeks.
Furthermore, it tends to prioritize popular songs over selections that align with individual user preferences, which can be disappointing for those who curate their own playlists to escape mainstream trends. Originally, activating Smart Shuffle required users to tap the shuffle button twice. Spotify later modified the feature, changing it to a single tap for activation. This change was not well-received, considering many users had already expressed their dislike for the Smart Shuffle feature.
To add to the frustration, there was no simple way to disable it; users were forced to manually turn off Smart Shuffle for each playlist, which felt annoying and cumbersome. Fortunately, Spotify has listened to user feedback and introduced a new option to disable Smart Shuffle entirely. Users can now find this feature in the playback settings of the app, although it may still be rolling out. If you do not see this option, updating the app may resolve the issue.
To update, visit the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, search for Spotify, and look for the update button. If you’ve updated but still cannot find the disable option, it might require a few days for the feature to appear in your app.
