Why does Spotify work directly, but not always through MOWL® Follow

You may sometimes experience that music plays perfectly when using the Spotify app directly, but doesn't start, respond, or play as expected when controlled through MOWL.

This happens because playing music directly in Spotify and controlling Spotify through MOWL are two different processes.

How MOWL® communicates with Spotify

MOWL does not play Spotify music itself. Instead, MOWL connects to Spotify using Spotify's official API and SDK technology.

When you start music from MOWL, the following happens:

1. MOWL sends a request. When you select a playlist or start music in MOWL, the app sends a request through Spotify's integration technology.
2. Spotify processes the request. Spotify's API or SDK handles the communication and determines whether the requested action can be performed.
3. Spotify plays the music. If the request is successful, Spotify starts or controls playback through the Spotify app or a supported playback device.

This means that MOWL acts as a remote control for Spotify rather than as a music player.

Why can Spotify work when MOWL doesn't?

When you play music directly in the Spotify app, Spotify controls the entire process within its own environment.

When you start music through MOWL®, an additional communication process is required between MOWL® and Spotify (and any other 3rd party app communicating with Spotify).

Even if Spotify works perfectly on its own, a request made through the Spotify API or SDK may fail, be delayed, or not be completed.

This can happen for several reasons, including:

• Temporary Spotify API or SDK issues.
• Communication delays or network interruptions.
• Expired Spotify connections or authorization issues.
• Playback device availability or synchronization issues.
• Spotify account restrictions or API limitations.

As a result, successful playback directly in Spotify does not necessarily mean that playback requests from other applications will work the same way.

What is MOWL® responsible for?

MOWL is responsible for correctly implementing Spotify's integration technology and sending the appropriate requests.

Once a request reaches Spotify, Spotify's services are responsible for processing it and executing the requested playback action.

MOWL cannot directly control Spotify's servers, API availability, account permissions, or how Spotify handles individual playback requests.

What can you do if music doesn't start?

If Spotify works directly but not through MOWL, try the following:

1. Make sure Spotify is running and you are logged into the correct account.
2. Check that your device has a stable internet connection.
3. Disconnect and reconnect your Spotify account in MOWL.
4. Restart both the Spotify and MOWL apps.
5. Make sure both apps are updated to the latest versions.

If the problem continues, please contact MOWL Support. We can help investigate whether the issue originates from MOWL's integration or from Spotify's services. If the issue you experience happens "random", then it is not the integration at MOWL® as the same integration to the API would cause the same issue again and again.

Remember: MOWL controls Spotify through Spotify's official integration technology. Spotify remains responsible for delivering the music and handling playback within its own platform.