Fix Spotify Error 17 Firewall May Be Blocking Spotify (2025)

Updated: 11/29/2025

You open Spotify on your computer, click Log in or Play, and then get a message like Firewall may be blocking Spotify or Error code 17. The app refuses to connect while Spotify still works fine on your phone, which proves your account is okay. This error almost always means something on your PC or network such as the hosts file, DNS, or security software is interrupting Spotify’s connection to its servers.

Table of Contents

Method 1: Clean Hosts File Entries Related To Spotify

Save the modified hosts file and close the editor, then fully exit Spotify, including its tray icon, and reopen it. With the bad overrides removed, Spotify can use normal DNS resolution again and often connects without showing Error 17.

Warning: Do not remove hosts entries you do not understand if they are required by your organization, always keep a backup copy of the original file before editing.

Method 2: Reset DNS Cache And Network Stack On Windows

Restart your computer so all changes take effect, then power cycle your router by unplugging it for 20 seconds and plugging it back in. After your internet connection is back, open Spotify and sign in again to see if it connects normally.

Method 3: Allow Spotify Through Windows Firewall And Antivirus

Connect your PC to a different network such as a mobile hotspot and open Spotify there. If the app connects fine, your original network or ISP may be filtering or restricting the traffic, in which case you may need to change router settings or contact your provider for assistance.