Spotify has officially ended its Car Thing accessory, which helped drivers control music and playlists while on the road.
The company is giving owners until January 14, 2025, to contact customer service and request a refund.
The Car Thing now displays a farewell message: “Car Thing is discontinued and no longer operational. Thank you for being on this journey with us, safe travels.”
The message also directs users to contact Spotify by January 14 for refund options.
Spotify first announced in May that it would discontinue the device in December. It also promised refunds, but users must prove they purchased the device to claim one.
For most, the Car Thing is another gadget headed for e-waste. Spotify suggests resetting it to factory settings and disposing of it according to local e-waste guidelines.
However, some users have found new ways to use the Car Thing. It can be hacked to run custom software, turning it into a useful tool for tasks other than music control. Some even use it as a controller for their computer setup, calling it the “Desk Thing.”
If you own a Car Thing, make sure to request your refund before it’s too late.