Installing Samsung Music along with VLC fixes the issue just as it does with Spotify.

Still though, good luck with a lawsuit over something like that. The only difference is that VLC pops up asking for permission to view the local files where Spotify doesn't. I tested if this issue persists having only VLC installed instead of only Spotify, and sure enough the same problem is present. From my understanding, Spotify can't fix this issue because it's being caused by Samsung's default apps settings not working correctly. Installing the full version of the app or uninstalling Spotify are the only solutions. I know a lot of people are upset about having to install an app to fix this issue, but technically the Samsung Music app is already pre-installed on Samsung phones, although a bare bones version of it. In the Galaxy Store or Play Store you can install the Samsung Music app which fixes the issue and allows audio files to play in the My Files app without even leaving the app once you set Samsung Music to the default, just as they would if Spotify wasn't installed at all. This appears to be an issue with the My Files app on Samsung phones not properly using (or giving the option to use) the built in media player when an alternative media player such as Spotify is installed. Personal Audio Files always opened by Spotify (w/o.

Play mp3 on spotify