How To Download Music From Spotify

If you’ve ever wondered how to download music from Spotify for offline listening, you’re not alone. This guide walks you through the official method step by step. Saving music from Spotify for offline listening requires a Premium subscription and the mobile app.

Spotify is one of the most popular streaming platforms in the world. But without a download, you need an internet connection to play your favorite songs. That’s where offline downloads come in.

In this article, you’ll learn everything from setting up downloads to managing your offline library. We’ll also cover common issues and FAQs. Let’s get started.

Before you begin, make sure you have a Spotify Premium account. Free accounts cannot download music for offline listening. You’ll also need the Spotify app on your phone or tablet.

Here’s the core process in simple steps:

Open the Spotify app on your mobile device.
Find a playlist, album, or podcast you want to download.
Tap the green “Download” toggle (downward arrow icon).
Wait for the download to complete. You’ll see a green arrow next to each song.
Go to “Your Library” and tap “Downloads” to access your offline music.

That’s it. But there’s more to know for a smooth experience. Let’s break it down further.

Step 1: Get A Spotify Premium Subscription

Spotify Premium is required for downloads. Plans start at around $10.99 per month for individuals. There are also student and family plans available.

To upgrade:

Open Spotify on your computer or phone.
Go to “Account” or “Settings.”
Select “Premium” and choose a plan.
Complete payment.

Once you’re Premium, you can download up to 10,000 songs on up to 5 devices.

Step 2: Download The Spotify App

If you haven’t already, install the Spotify app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android). The desktop app also supports downloads, but the mobile app is more common for offline listening.

Make sure your app is updated to the latest version. Older versions may have bugs or missing features.

Step 3: Find Content To Download

You can download playlists, albums, podcasts, and even individual songs (if they’re part of a playlist). Here’s how to find them:

Browse Spotify’s curated playlists.
Search for an artist or album.
Create your own playlist with songs you love.

Note: You cannot download individual songs directly from an artist page. You must add them to a playlist first.

Step 4: Start The Download

Once you’ve selected a playlist or album, look for the green “Download” toggle. It’s usually near the top of the screen, next to the play button. Tap it.

You’ll see a progress bar or spinning icon. Depending on your internet speed and the number of songs, this may take a few seconds to several minutes.

When complete, a green arrow appears next to each downloaded song. The playlist or album will also show a green download icon.

Step 5: Listen Offline

To access your downloads, go to “Your Library” at the bottom of the app. Tap “Downloads” to see all offline content. You can play songs without an internet connection.

Important: You must go online at least once every 30 days to keep your downloads active. Otherwise, Spotify will remove them.

Managing Your Downloaded Music

Over time, your offline library can get messy. Here’s how to stay organized.

Remove Downloads To Free Up Space

To delete a download, simply tap the green toggle again. The songs will be removed from your device but remain in your library online.

You can also manage storage from Settings:

Go to Settings > Storage.
See how much space downloads are using.
Delete individual playlists or clear all downloads.

Change Download Quality

Higher quality downloads sound better but take up more space. To adjust:

Go to Settings > Audio Quality.
Under “Download,” choose from Low, Normal, High, or Very High.
Very High is only available for Premium users.

If you’re low on storage, choose Normal or High.

Download On Multiple Devices

You can download music on up to 5 devices. To add a new device, simply log into Spotify on that device and start downloading. The system tracks your devices automatically.

If you reach the limit, you’ll need to remove a device from your account settings online.

Common Issues And Fixes

Downloads sometimes fail or disappear. Here are solutions to frequent problems.

Downloads Not Completing

If a download gets stuck, try these steps:

Check your internet connection. Switch to Wi-Fi if possible.
Restart the Spotify app.
Clear the app cache (Settings > Storage > Clear Cache).
Reinstall the app.

Green Arrow Not Showing

If the download toggle is grayed out, you may not have Premium. Double-check your subscription status. Also, make sure you’re not in offline mode while trying to download.

Downloads Disappear After 30 Days

This is normal. Spotify requires you to go online at least once every 30 days to refresh licenses. If you don’t, downloads are removed. Simply connect to the internet and reopen the app.

Storage Space Full

Downloads can eat up storage quickly. Check your device’s storage and delete unwanted playlists. You can also lower download quality to save space.

Alternatives To Downloading From Spotify

While Spotify’s official method is the only legal way, some users look for other options. Here’s a quick overview.

Using Spotify On Desktop

You can also download music on the desktop app. The process is similar: find a playlist, toggle the download switch. However, desktop downloads are stored locally and can be played only within the app.

Third-Party Tools (Not Recommended)

Some websites or apps claim to convert Spotify songs to MP3 files. These violate Spotify’s terms of service and may be illegal in your country. They also risk malware or account bans. Stick to the official method.

Buying Music Permanently

If you want to own music forever, consider buying from iTunes, Amazon Music, or Bandcamp. You can then download MP3 files and play them on any device.

Tips For A Better Offline Experience

Here are some extra pointers to get the most out of Spotify downloads.

Download playlists with 50-100 songs to avoid boredom.
Use “Smart Shuffle” to mix up your offline library.
Create a “Download Queue” for new music you discover.
Check your download status before traveling or going offline.
Keep your app updated for bug fixes and new features.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Download Music From Spotify For Free?

No. Only Spotify Premium users can download music for offline listening. Free accounts can stream but not save songs to their device.

How Many Songs Can I Download On Spotify?

You can download up to 10,000 songs per device, across up to 5 devices. That’s a total of 50,000 songs if you use all devices.

Do Downloaded Songs Expire On Spotify?

Yes. If you don’t go online at least once every 30 days, downloads are removed. You can re-download them after connecting to the internet.

Can I Download Individual Songs On Spotify?

You cannot download individual songs directly. You must add them to a playlist or album first, then download that playlist or album.

Why Is My Spotify Download Not Working?

Common causes include poor internet, full storage, or an outdated app. Try restarting the app, clearing cache, or reinstalling.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to download music from Spotify is straightforward once you have Premium. The process takes just a few taps, and you can enjoy your favorite songs without using data.

Remember to manage your downloads regularly to free up space and keep your library fresh. If you run into issues, the fixes are usually simple.

Now you’re ready to take your music offline. Happy listening.