How to Download Spotify Songs as Local Files
Summary: If you are a Spotify user and have downloaded a few tracks or playlists from it, you must have found that they play seamlessly even on a long flight or deep in the wilderness. If you've ever downloaded songs on Spotify and then tried to find them on your device's file explorer, you've likely come up empty-handed. This common frustration stems from how Spotify protects its content, but understanding where they're really saved can help clarify why. So, where does Spotify download music? Why can't you find them in your music folder? Can you use them with other players?
Table of Contents
First things first, you need Spotify Premium
To download songs on Spotify, you need a premium account. Spotify downloads require a Premium account; free users cannot download tracks. Having said that, the downloads on Spotify are encrypted. Even when the premium subscription lets you download the tracks, you can only listen to them on the Spotify app. There is no way you can listen to them on any other device or transfer them to another device.
Spotify encrypts all offline content using DRM (Digital Rights Management) protection, preventing access through file explorers or third-party players. However, the relaiable and safer tools like MusicFab let you download and convert the tracks for offline viewing. More on that later in the blog.
Coming to finding the storage path for the Spotify tracks, it should be noticed that the download path is different for different devices. Based on whether you are using a smartphone, a Windows PC, or a Mac, Spotify saves the tracks in different folders. In most cases, these are often hidden or nested in obscure system directories. This is done to protect the DRM rights of the content creators and restrict the unauthorized download and distribution of Spotify tracks.
Where Spotify Stores Downloads (Device-wise Breakdown)?
So, we have understood the basic concept of how Spotify applies DRM to save the downloaded files. But where do downloaded Spotify songs go? We will break it down on a device by device basis. If your Spotify download is not working, head to this post.
On an Android
If you are using an Android device to listen to and download the Spotify tracks, the phone saves your downloads to the system folders. Many users get frustrated trying to find their Spotify downloads because they are intentionally hidden. Latest updates to Android devices have made it even more difficult to access or modify the content in the system folders.
|
Actual path – /Android/data/com.Spotify.music/files/spotifycache/Storage |
|---|
It should be important to note the following points when it comes to understanding where downloaded Spotify songs are stored on Android:
- The files cannot be accessed and listened to directly.
- You need to launch the Spotify app, and the downloaded tracks can be accessed only through the app.
- Moving the files to another folder or modifying them will cause Spotify to delete your downloads or make them inaccessible even from within the app.
TIP: You need Spotify Premium to download content, and changing devices or clearing cache may require you to re-download.
On a Windows PC
On a Windows PC, the downloaded Spotify tracks are saved to a hidden folder within your user directory. Once again, finding them or modifying them is not possible or recommended.
|
Actual path C:\Users\ |
|---|
Typically, the hidden files and folders on Windows PCs are disabled by default. However, you can make them visible by following the steps here below:
- following the steps here below: You can do this by pressing the Windows key + E.
- Go to the View tab. It is located at the top of the File Explorer window.
- Locate the "Show/hide" section. This section contains options for displaying hidden items.
- Check the "Hidden items" box. This will enable the display of hidden files and folders.
Inside the Storage folder, you’ll find .file types that don’t resemble standard audio formats. Again, these are encrypted and readable only by Spotify.
Warning: Even when you know where does Spotify download music on a PC, you cannot use it as you do with regular files. Renaming these files or changing their extensions will make these files completely inaccessible.
On Mac devices
In the case of a Mac device, the Spotify downloads are saved to the hidden library files. These files are encrypted and can only be opened with the Spotify app.
|
Actual path /Users/ |
|---|
Well, even when you find where does Spotify download music on Mac, you cannot find them directly. You need to enable the option to view hidden files just like the Windows devices.
Here is how you can access the hidden folder on the Mac
- Open Finder. Click the Finder icon in the Dock to open a Finder window.
- Navigate to your file. Go to the folder where you want to view hidden files.
- Toggle Visibility. Press Command + Shift +. (period). This will reveal hidden files and folders.
- Hide Again. To hide the files again, repeat the same keyboard shortcut: Command + Shift +
Much like with Windows, these files are encrypted blobs, not standalone audio tracks you can copy or use elsewhere. Also, it is highly recommended not to alter the location or file name of the files.
How to View Downloaded Songs on the Spotify App?
Spotify lets you download and view the download status on multiple devices with a premium account. However, the exact method differs considerably. Of course, the downloaded files always are protected with encryptions, and it isn't possible to view these files or play them using any third-party music app or device. You can manage your downloads from within the app.
How to View Downloaded Songs on Spotify on Windows/Mac?
On Windows and Mac devices, it is not possible to view or browse for the downloaded songs. However, you can access them through the Offline mode on the Spotify app.
Here are the steps involved:
- Open the Spotify app on your Windows or Mac device.
- Enable Offline mode.
- Once you are in offline mode, your library will be filtered to show the downloaded tracks.
- You can now browse through your saved playlists, albums, and songs. All the content here is playable without the internet.
To turn on the Offline mode, Windows and Mac devices come with different steps:
On Windows
Click on the three-dot menu in the top-left corner, then go to File > Offline Mode. The option will be visible only if you are on the Premium plan.
On Mac device
Click on the Spotify tab in the top menu and Click on the Spotify tab from the dropdown.
How to View Downloaded Songs on Spotify on Android/iPhone?
It is very straightforward to browse and manage your downloads. Both Android and Spotify devices come with a dedicated interface for offline downloads.
Here is how to see downloaded songs on Spotify on Android or iPhone:
- Open the Spotify app on your Android or iPhone
- Tap on the Home icon at the bottom
- Tap Your Library
- Filter the Downloaded songs to access the tracks that you have downloaded.
Bonus- Legal Tools to Export Spotify Songs
To begin with, Spotify does not let users download tracks on it for offline usage outside the app. It does not support downloads as standalone files or distribution for commercial purposes. However, you can use a few third-party tools to download tracks from Spotify and play them offline for personal consumption. However, even with these third-party tools, we recommend exercising caution with respect to copyright and fair usage.
Can't play Spotify downloads on other devices? MusicFab Spotify Converter is one tool that lets you download and listen to your favorite tracks without hassles. It offers you a safer and more reliable option to download your favorite Spotify tracks. It offers studio-quality audio with downloads up to 320 kbps, ensuring a pristine listening experience. It can also download your tracks to multiple file formats. That makes the tool the best choice for universal compatibility.
Read the latest review about MusicFab to get more info.
FAQs
Can I access Spotify downloads as MP3 files?
No, the default download option on Spotify does not let you download the tracks in any of your preferred file formats. The downloads are saved in a proprietary, encrypted format. These files can only be accessed through the Spotify app. However, tools like MusicFab let you choose your desired format
Why can’t I find my downloaded songs in File Explorer or Finder?
You will not find the downloaded songs in a recognizable file format. They are saved in an obscure and proprietary file format. This is done to protect copyright and discourage piracy.
Do downloaded songs take up actual storage space?
Yes, the downloaded songs do take up storage space. The space taken may also be dependent on the quality setting (Normal, High, or Very High), Spotify's downloads can consume several gigabytes of storage.
DISCLAIMER:
Using third-party downloader tools may violate Spotify’s Terms of Service. Spotify strictly prohibits extracting or redistributing its content outside the app. Always read the fine print and use such tools at your own discretion. Never use the downloaded songs for sharing or redistribution, or for commercial purposes.
Although Spotify Premium can listen Spotify offline through the app, it prevents you from truly owning them or using them as you please. Whether for custom ringtones, transferring to other devices, or creating permanent backups, this comprehensive guide will explore all methods, from Spotify's official features to alternatives, to help you achieve true music ownership on your phone.
This comprehensive guide walks you through how to download music from Spotify, focusing on several third-party methods beyond the platform's standard features.
To enjoy your favorite celebrity interview, talk show, audiobook, or motivational speech in your offline streaming, you need to download a Spotify podcast to MP3. This article will give you a detailed guide to the most tried and tested Spotify podcast downloader works on various platforms, devices, and OS.
To enjoy Spotify music magic in your offline world for free without an expensive subscription, you must know how to download Spotify songs without Premium. Let's see the top 6 tools to know how to download Spotify songs without a premium service on multiple platforms and devices.