Is Spotify finally fixing one of its most annoying features? This is how it could be improving its shuffle function

• Spotify could be making changes to its shuffle behavior, giving you more control when shuffling playlists
• Android Authority spotted new strings in a teardown that point to new shuffling options in Spotify for Android
• If it rolls out, it'll be the second change Spotify has made to its shuffle feature this year, following the Smart Shuffle disable button

Spotify users run into many problems, but one of the service's most complained-about issues is its shuffle button, which users claim isn’t random enough. However, that could change very soon.

In an app teardown, Android Authority spotted new strings in Spotify for Android that point to some changes in the shuffle function, which could allow you to have more control over playback when shuffling your playlists.

The string points to two different settings. The first is the option to hear fewer repeats, which will randomize your playlist while remembering recent plays, meaning that songs you’ve just listened to will be less likely to show up again in the listening session. The best part about this setting is that hidden gems and less-played songs in your playlist will be more likely to appear.

The second option points to the standard shuffle function, which the string says will "Shuffle tracks in a random order; every track has an equal shot, even if that means you hear some tracks more often than others".

At the moment, Spotify offers three playback options: linear playback (non-shuffle), standard shuffle, and Smart Shuffl,e which inserts a Spotify-recommended song every three tracks. If the upgrades are rolled out publicly, it will give Spotify users explicit control over standard shuffle playback, which users have been wanting for quite some time. But it's not the only change Spotify has made to its shuffle buttons this year.

It all started with Smart Shuffle

When Spotify introduced its Smart Shuffle button in 2023, it received a variety of reactions. Many users disliked the fact that the feature was enabled automatically, resulting in a lot of confusion during listening sessions.

That all changed back in April. In response to the criticism, Spotify secretly added a new setting that allows users to disable Smart Shuffle completely. Prior to this, you could disable Smart Shuffle by simply tapping the shuffle button in the music playback page, although this method was never completely effective.

Though we don’t know if the rumored new shuffle toggles will be coming to users, they would be a reassuring addition to the app for users, as they show that Spotify is listening to its subscribers. That said, it did take Spotify over five years to listen before giving us Lossless, so I won't hold my breath.

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