Spotify integration with Google Maps not working on iOS? You aren't alone

Spotify and Google Maps users on iOS devices are facing a frustrating situation where the handy integration between the two apps is not working. The popular feature, designed to streamline music control while navigating with Google Maps, has suddenly developed a mysterious glitch over the past few days.

Reports across multiple online forums (1,2,3,4,5) detail how attempts to connect Spotify with Google Maps within the latter are now met with a large “X,” abruptly ending the process. Users are then kicked back to Google Maps with the discouraging message, “Can’t reach Spotify. Please check your internet connection and try again.” Below is a pair of screenshots showing these errors during my testing.

This issue with Spotify not working with Google Maps seems pretty much new, with reports having only started appearing this week. It affects iPhone users even on the latest stable release of iOS 17.4, something I can confirm having did some tests on my iPhone. The most up-to-date versions of both Spotify and Google Maps apps also fail to resolve the problem, yet they’ve been around for at least a week.

There is also no workaround and neither Google nor Spotify has officially acknowledged the broken integration with Google Maps. Hopefully, highlighting this issue will prompt a swift investigation and fix from either company. Until then, iOS users will have to manage their music and navigation separately – a definite downgrade in the driving experience.

We will keep an eye on more developments and update this article once either company acknowledges the glitch.