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Local files

Along with the millions of tracks Spotify offers, you can also use the app to play any of the audio files legally stored on your device.

Note: You may need to allow access on your device settings.

iOS

  1. Tap your profile picture at the top.
  2. Tap Settings and privacy Settings.
  3. Tap Apps and devices.
  4. Switch Local audio files on Toggle switched on.
  5. Go to Your Library Collection. Your stored music is now in Local Files.
  6. To add tracks to your Spotify folder, choose your file source and follow the steps:
    1. In the Files app, tap the folder of the browser / storage app.
    2. Select the file and choose Copy or Move.
    3. Tap Browse and go to the folder On My iPhone.
    4. Tap and press the folder for Spotify.
    5. Select Paste or Move Item here. Your stored music is now in Local Files.
  • Connect via iCloud

    Note: You need to log in to the same iCloud account as the iOS device.

    1. Set up Universal Clipboard.
    2. On your Mac, copy the file. The file is then added to the clipboard on your iOS device.
    3. On the iOS device, go to the folder On My iPhone.
    4. Tap and press the folder for Spotify.
    5. Select Paste. Your stored music is now in Local Files.

    Connect via USB

    1. On your Mac, open Finder.
    2. From the sidebar, select the iOS device.
    3. Click Music or Files in the button bar.
    4. Drag the file into the Spotify folder. Your stored music is now in Local Files.

    You can also visit the Apple support site for more info.

    1. Connect your desktop to the iOS device via USB cable.
    2. On Desktop, open iTunes.
    3. From the sidebar, select the iOS device.
    4. Click Music or Files in the button bar.
    5. Drag the file into the Spotify folder. Your stored music is now in Local Files.

Not working?

The Spotify folder may disappear from On My iPhone if the Help file within it is deleted. To display the folder again, restart the Spotify app.

Android

  1. Tap your profile picture at the top.
  2. Tap Settings and privacy Settings.
  3. Tap Apps and devices.
  4. Switch Local audio files on Toggle switched on.
  5. Go to Your Library Collection. Your stored music is now in Local Files.
  6. To add tracks to your Spotify folder, choose your file source and follow the steps:
    1. Open the app that can browse and manage the file, such as Google’s Drive app.
    2. Find the option to Download the file (ex. More > Download)
  • Download and install an Android file transfer app on your computer to transfer your files.

    Note: You might need a USB cable to connect your device to your computer.

    1. Unlock your device.
    2. With a USB cable, connect your device to your computer.
    3. On your device, tap Allow on the Allow access to your data notification.
    4. On your computer, click on the device notification.
    5. Select Open device to view files.
    6. A file transfer window will open on your computer. Use it to drag files.
    7. When you’re done, eject your device from Windows.
    8. Unplug the USB cable.

For both Mac and Windows, explore alternative ways to transfer files on the Google support site.

Desktop

  1. Click your profile picture at the top, and select Settings.
  2. Scroll to Library and switch Show Local Files on Toggle switched on.
  3. Under Show songs from, turn on Toggle switched on the folders you want Local Files to have access to. Or, click Add a source to select another folder.
  4. Go to Your Library Collection. Your stored music is now in Local Files.

Crossfade

When crossfade is enabled, Spotify will crossfade between local files that use the same sample rate and channel count (mono/stereo).

Not working?

  • Make sure your app and device are up-to-date
  • Remove local files from any playlists you might have added them to, then start over the steps for adding Local Files
  • Follow the steps for a clean reinstall

Note: You need to re-download any downloaded music and podcasts after reinstalling the app.

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