Keep a small "Emergency Offline" playlist downloaded at all times. Before traveling, switch to offline mode while still online, then disconnect. This avoids the dreaded gray screen of death.

Spotify Desktop's offline mode works technically but fails ergonomically . The lack of auto-detection and the manual 30-day re-authorization make it a power user's tool, not a mainstream convenience. If you need offline desktop listening, it gets the job done—but always remember to toggle offline mode before you lose internet.