Passengers Can Now Stream Their Own Spotify Accounts on Seatback Screens

United passengers can now bring their own Spotify accounts to the seatback screen on participating flights, as the airline rolls out a new streaming app on Starlink-equipped aircraft.

Spotify announced Thursday that travelers can scan a QR code on the seatback display and pair their account using their phone. The app opens their personalized Home feed, saved playlists and Your Library, with features such as DJ and music videos.

To get started, passengers connect their phone to the United Wi-Fi network, open Spotify on the seatback screen and confirm the pairing on their phone. Spotify says they do not need a Wi-Fi pass or a MileagePlus sign-in to use the seatback feature.

Audio continues playing while passengers browse other seatback features, including the flight map. An on-screen player controls playback, and travelers can also use their phone as a remote.

Both Spotify Free and Premium listeners can use the app, although playback options and features depend on their plan and market. The rollout is under way on United's Starlink-equipped aircraft and is expected to expand to additional aircraft through 2027, so it will not be available on every flight immediately.

The personal-account feature builds on the curated Spotify selection introduced on United seatbacks last year. That earlier channel offers 450 hours of playlists, podcasts and audiobooks, while the new app lets travelers continue listening from their own accounts.