In 2023, Spotify rolled out a feature called Smart Shuffle—a new way to enhance your playlists by auto-injecting similar songs based on your listening habits. It’s part of Spotify’s push toward more personalized streaming, using AI and machine learning to recommend tracks in real-time.
But for some users, Smart Shuffle isn’t all that “smart.” Maybe you're trying to stick to a curated vibe. Maybe you just want to hear what you picked, not what the algorithm thinks you’ll like.
Whatever the reason, if you’ve landed here, you’re probably asking:
How do I turn off Smart Shuffle on Spotify?
Let’s walk through it in detail.
What Exactly Is Smart Shuffle on Spotify?
Before we dive into how to disable it, let’s clarify what it is.
Smart Shuffle is not the same as regular shuffle. When you enable Smart Shuffle:
Spotify adds recommended tracks to your existing playlist queue
These suggestions are based on your listening behavior
Suggested tracks appear with a sparkle icon ? (no, you can’t disable them individually)
This feature is only available in playlists, not albums or artists' pages
Smart Shuffle was designed to increase playlist discovery and make sessions more dynamic. But some users feel it disrupts their intentional playlist mood or structure.
How to Turn Off Smart Shuffle on Spotify (Mobile & Desktop)
The process for disabling Smart Shuffle is a bit unintuitive, especially for new users. Here's the breakdown by device:
On Spotify Mobile (iOS & Android)
Open a Playlist (Smart Shuffle only works in playlists).
Tap the Shuffle Button once to turn on regular shuffle.
Tap Again to enable Smart Shuffle (you’ll see recommended songs added).
Tap a Third Time to turn all shuffle modes off, including Smart Shuffle.
Pro tip: If you're seeing songs with a sparkle icon, you're in Smart Shuffle mode.
On Spotify Desktop (Windows & macOS)
As of 2025, Smart Shuffle is not yet available on desktop. However, shuffle settings can still sync between devices.
If Smart Shuffle is turned on from your mobile, it can affect what you hear on desktop.
To disabe it, you’ll need to switch it off on your mobile device first.
Why Smart Shuffle Can Be Confusing (And How to Know It’s On)
One of the biggest complaints from users is not realizing that Smart Shuffle is enabled.
According to a Reddit poll from r/Spotify (2024), over 65% of users didn’t know there were two different types of shuffle on mobile.
Here’s how you can tell:
Shuffle Icon (2 arrows): Normal shuffle
Sparkle Icon (?): Smart Shuffle
No Icon Lit Up: Shuffle is off
Also, Smart Shuffle does not respect playlist order, so if your carefully curated tracklist sounds off, that’s why.
Pros and Cons of Spotify’s Smart Shuffle
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Great for discovering new songs | Interrupts carefully curated playlists |
| Personalized and AI-powered suggestions | Not intuitive to turn off |
| Helps make shorter playlists longer | Can't remove individual suggestions |
Can You Permanently Disable Smart Shuffle on Spotify?
Unfortunately, no—as of June 2025, there’s no setting to permanently turn off or disable Smart Shuffle.
Spotify has not introduced a toggle in the app’s Settings menu for Smart Shuffle, likely because the feature is tied directly to their discovery and engagement algorithms.
However, here are some workarounds:
Use Spotify Desktop, which doesn’t support Smart Shuffle
Create a Local Files Playlist, where Smart Shuffle is usually inactive
Use apps like SpotiKeep or SongShift to export your playlists and avoid interference
FAQ — Turning Off Smart Shuffle on Spotify
What is the difference between shuffle and Smart Shuffle?
Regular shuffle simply randomizes your playlist. Smart Shuffle adds AI-recommended songs to your playlist while playing in a shuffled order.
Why can’t I find the Smart Shuffle option in my app?
Smart Shuffle is only available for playlists on the mobile app. If you're trying to activate it on albums or from the desktop, you won’t see the option.
Does Smart Shuffle affect downloaded playlists?
Yes. Even if a playlist is downloaded, enabling Smart Shuffle will pull in new tracks using your internet connection.
Can I disable suggested tracks added by Smart Shuffle?
No. You can’t remove just the suggested tracks unless you turn off Smart Shuffle completely.
What Spotify Users Are Saying About Smart Shuffle
“It’s cool if you’re open to discovering new stuff, but I hate when it breaks the mood I was going for.” – Spotify Community Feedback, 2024
“They really need a setting to keep it off permanently.” – Twitter user @lofiVibesFM
“I didn’t even know Smart Shuffle was on until I heard songs I never added. Thanks for the confusion, Spotify.” – r/Spotify user
This feedback highlights the need for more transparency and control—something Spotify has yet to fully address.
Conclusion: How to Turn Off Smart Shuffle on Spotify in 2025
If you’re not a fan of AI deciding your music lineup, turning off Smart Shuffle on Spotify is essential. While the feature is meant to enhance your listening experience, it’s not for everyone—especially those who carefully curate playlists.
Though Spotify doesn’t allow you to permanently disable Smart Shuffle, you can manage it by knowing how to spot it, where it lives (mobile playlists only), and how to cycle through playback modes.
As Spotify continues to blend AI into its user experience, staying in control of how and what you listen to is more important than ever.
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