- What you need before Spotify will let you download songs
- Downloading songs on Spotify from your phone or tablet
- Downloading songs on Spotify from a computer
- Using Spotify's cellular setting for downloads
- Limits on Spotify downloads that catch people out
- Using Offline Mode on Spotify after you download
- If your Spotify downloads disappear or won't start
- Freeing space by removing Spotify downloads
- Spotify downloads for podcast listeners and small-business owners
- Frequently asked questions
To download songs on Spotify, add them to a playlist, open it while you're online and tap the download icon (on a computer, click the download button). Spotify's help says you need Premium for music, and downloads only last if you go online at least once every 30 days.
Planes, tube tunnels, gym basements and client sites with terrible signal all have one thing in common: they kill your playlist at the worst moment. Spotify has a built-in way round that, and it's worth knowing how it works before you board anything. I've read through Spotify's own help page on listening offline so the steps below match what the company says, not what a random video claims.
One thing to get out of the way early. Downloads on Spotify live inside the Spotify app only. They aren't files you can copy to a laptop, drop into a video edit or send to someone, and I'd steer clear of any website or tool that promises to rip songs out for you. Those break Spotify's rules and often carry nasty software.
What you need before Spotify will let you download songs
Spotify's help page says Premium is required to download albums, playlists and podcasts. If you're on the free version, you can only download podcasts. So if the Download button isn't showing on a playlist, your plan is the first thing to check.
Spotify also says you can't download a single song on its own. The workaround is simple: add the song to a playlist, then download the playlist. Many people make a small playlist called Offline or Travel for exactly this reason.
Downloading songs on Spotify from your phone or tablet
- Connect to the internet, ideally on Wi-Fi.
- Open the album, playlist or podcast you want to keep.
- Tap the download icon.
- Wait for the download to finish. Spotify says the content then sits in Your Library.
Spotify's help explains the status icons too. A check-style icon means the download worked, while a download or sync icon means some tracks haven't downloaded yet. If you see the second one, stay connected a little longer.
Downloading songs on Spotify from a computer
The desktop app follows the same idea. While you're online, open the playlist you want, then click the download button. The status icons work the same way as on the phone app.
Remember the rule about single songs. If you want three favourites on your laptop, put them in one playlist first. Menus differ a little between app versions, so if a button looks different, look for the download arrow near the top of the playlist.
Using Spotify's cellular setting for downloads
By default, Spotify downloads over Wi-Fi to protect your mobile data. If you'd rather allow downloads away from Wi-Fi, Spotify's help gives this route: tap your profile picture, then Settings and privacy, then Data-saving and offline, and turn on Downloads over cellular.
I'd leave it off unless you have a generous data allowance. A big album over mobile data can eat into your limit faster than you'd expect.
Limits on Spotify downloads that catch people out
Spotify's help page lists several limits. I've put them in one table:
| Spotify download rule | What the help page says |
|---|---|
| Tracks per device | Up to 10,000 tracks |
| Devices | Up to 5 devices |
| Going online | At least once every 30 days to keep downloads |
| Single songs | Can't be downloaded alone; use a playlist |
| Free users | Podcasts only |
The 30-day rule is the one that bites. Spotify says it needs you online so it can collect play data for artist compensation. If you pack the app away for a long trip or a long break, your downloads can vanish and you'll need to download them again.
Using Offline Mode on Spotify after you download
Downloaded music plays automatically when your internet drops. If you want to be sure nothing else plays, Offline Mode greys out everything except your downloads. On mobile, open your profile picture, then Settings and privacy, then Data-saving and offline, and switch Offline mode on.
Want AI doing the heavy lifting in your marketing?
I build the systems that handle the boring 80 percent, so you get your week back. Done properly, with the human kept in.
On a Mac computer, click Spotify in the menu bar at the top of the screen and choose Offline Mode. On Windows, click the three-dot icon at the top, then File, then Offline Mode. It's a handy way to stop the app from trying to stream when the connection is patchy.
If your Spotify downloads disappear or won't start
Spotify's help lists the usual causes, and they're worth working through in order:
- You haven't been online for 30 days.
- You reinstalled the app, which clears downloads.
- You've downloaded on more than 5 devices. Spotify removes downloads from the least recently used one.
- Your app is out of date.
- Your phone is short on storage. Spotify recommends at least 1GB free.
- A cache-cleaning or battery-saving app is interfering.
Check your connection, restart Spotify, and update the app before you try anything drastic. Reinstalling should be your last move because it means downloading everything again.
Freeing space by removing Spotify downloads
If your phone is groaning, you don't have to delete the app. On mobile, go to your profile picture, then Settings and privacy, then Data-saving and offline, and under Storage choose Remove all downloads. To remove just one album or playlist, open Your Library, open the item and tap the green arrow button, then tap Remove on mobile.
Spotify downloads for podcast listeners and small-business owners
If you listen to industry shows on the commute or in the gym, downloading episodes before you leave the house means no buffering and no wasted data. Podcast downloads work for free users too, according to Spotify's help. I love the idea for sleep and wind-down audio as well, and I've written about why podcasts help people relax and sleep if that's your use.
If you work on music for your brand, it's worth reading how Spotify positions itself with listeners in my breakdown of the Spotify marketing strategy. It explains why features like offline listening exist in the first place.
Frequently asked questions
Can I download songs on Spotify for free?
According to Spotify's help page, free users can only download podcasts. Downloading albums, playlists and music needs Premium.
Why can't I download a single song on Spotify?
Spotify's help says single songs can't be downloaded on their own. Add the song to a playlist and download the playlist instead.
How many songs can I download on Spotify?
Spotify says you can download up to 10,000 tracks on each of up to 5 devices.
Why did my Spotify downloads disappear?
The usual reasons Spotify gives are not going online for 30 days, reinstalling the app, downloading on more than 5 devices or running an out-of-date app.
Can I move downloaded Spotify songs to another device or app?
No. Downloads stay inside the Spotify app, so you can't copy them out as files. Use the app on each device and download again there, within the device limit.
