Spotify Nvidia Shield App Not Working? Fix Sound & Connection Issues

Method 1: Play Spotify on Nvidia Shield via Official App

This is the default route for most users. You go to the Google Play Store on your TV, install Spotify, and log in. It gives you that familiar "big screen" interface with large album art and easy remote navigation.

However, this method comes with a notorious bug: the dreaded "No Sound" issue.

How to Fix Nvidia Shield Spotify No Sound Issue

Many users launch the app, see the music playing visually, but hear absolute silence. This usually happens because the Shield tries to force Spotify's 2-channel stereo music into a 5.1 surround sound format, and your receiver or TV gets confused.

Here is how I fixed it:

Step 1. Navigate to the Shield's main Settings (the gear icon at the top right).

Step 2. Select Device Preferences and then open Display & Sound.

Step 3. Scroll down to Advanced Sound Settings and select Surround Sound.

Step 4. Find the toggle for "Upmix stereo to 5.1 PCM" and turn it OFF.

Once you disable this, restart the Spotify app. The audio should pass through correctly as stereo, and your receiver will handle it from there.

Method 2: Spotify Connect & Casting (Best for Convenience)

Sometimes the TV interface is just too clunky to navigate with a remote. That is where Spotify Connect comes in. You simply use your phone or tablet to find the song, tap the "Devices" icon, and select your Nvidia Shield.

This feels like magic when it works, but on the Shield, it often disconnects or fails to "wake" the device from sleep mode.

Fixing the "Unavailable" Device Issue

If your Nvidia Shield constantly disappears from your phone's Spotify list when the TV is off, it is likely because the Shield is entering a deep sleep mode that cuts off the network.

Step 1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet.

Step 2. Scroll down to find Network Control (sometimes labeled as IP Control depending on your version).

Step 3. Switch on "Allow Low Power channels".

This ensures the Shield keeps a low-power connection active, allowing Spotify Connect to wake it up instantly.

Method 3: Play Spotify Offline on Nvidia Shield

Here is a frustration many Premium users face: You cannot download songs on the Spotify Android TV app.

The "Download" toggle you see on your phone is completely missing on the Shield version. This means if your internet flickers, your music stops. It also means you cannot store your high-quality library locally on the Shield's ample storage or an external USB drive.

To solve this, we need a workaround that bridges the gap between Spotify's library and the Shield's powerful hardware.

Using Local Files via USB

The solution is to convert your Spotify playlists into standard local audio files (like MP3 or FLAC). Once they are local files, you can put them on a USB drive, plug it into the Shield, and play the Spotify files using superior media players like Plex, VLC, or Kodi.

To do this, I use a tool called DRmare Spotify Music Converter. It essentially lets you "record" your own playlists effectively, removing the format restrictions that tie them to the Spotify app.

How to Set It Up

Step 1Log In & Customize Settings

Launch DRmare on your computer and log into your account using the built-in Spotify web player. Before starting, click the Menu icon (top-right) > Preferences > Conversion to set your output format to MP3 or FLAC and adjust audio quality.

Step 2Drag & Drop Music to Convert

Browse the built-in web player for the playlists or albums you want. Simply drag and drop the tracks directly onto the Green Music Icon (+) at the bottom-right of the screen, then click "Add to list" to confirm your selection.

Step 3Convert & Transfer to Shield

Click the "Convert" button. DRmare will batch-download the tracks to your computer at high speed. Once finished, check the "Converted" tab to locate your offline files, then copy them to a USB drive to play on your Nvidia Shield.