Use the app to play music files stored on your device, which we call local files.
Note: Files or downloads from illegal sources are not permitted.
For: Premium
- Here’s how to do it: Open Spotify, and go to Settings (using the drop-down near the profile picture) Scroll down, look for the “Local Files” section and click the “Add A Source” button. From the folder selector dialog, find the Music folder (or wherever your music is stored), and hit OK.
- 4 Steps to Download Local Files Playlists to Add Local Files to Spotify. To better illustrate the whole operation, we are going to take the iPhone 7 as an example of the following guide. Android users can also follow the guide below to make your own local files playable on your devices. Import Local Files to Spotify on Desktop Clients.
- On desktop, import your local files (with the 'Desktop' steps). Add the files to a new playlist. Log in on your mobile or tablet using the same WiFi as your desktop. Go to Settings Local Files and switch on Local audio files. Note: You need to allow Spotify to find devices in the prompt that shows.
On Mac 10.11.6 I fixed this by deleting the same file, found at Library Application Support Spotify Users User name Local Files.bnk. Quit Spotify, delete the file, then restart and your local file listings should be fixed. Definitely needs improvement though!
- On desktop, import your local files (with the 'Desktop' steps).
- Add the files to a new playlist.
- Log in on your mobile or tablet using the same WiFi as your desktop.
- Go to Settings > Local Files and switch on Local audio files.
Note: You need to allow Spotify to find devices in the prompt that shows. - Download the playlist with your local files.
Didn’t work?
Make sure:
- You're logged in to the same account on both your desktop and mobile
- Your devices are connected to the same WiFi network
- The app is up-to-date on both devices
- Your device is up-to-date
- The Spotify app has access to your local network. Check in your iPhone/iPad settings under Spotify
For: Premium
- On desktop, import your local files (with the 'Desktop' steps).
- Add the files to a new playlist.
- Log in on your mobile or tablet using the same WiFi as your desktop.
- Download the playlist with your local files.
Didn’t work?
Make sure:
- You're logged in to the same account on both your desktop and mobile
- Your devices are connected to the same WiFi network
- The app is up-to-date on both devices
- Your device is up-to-date
- Click , then Settings.
- Scroll to Local Files and switch Show Local Files on.
- Switch off any sources you don't want.
- Click ADD A SOURCE to select another folder.
Music from that folder is now in Local Files in the menu on the left.
Supported file types
Note: Some of your files may be protected in restricted formats. Install QuickTime on your computer to allow most of these tracks to be played on Spotify.
- .mp3
- .m4p (unless it contains video)
- .mp4 (if QuickTime is installed on your computer)
Spotify Update Local Files
The iTunes lossless format (M4A) isn't supported.
If your file isn’t supported, we do our best to match it with songs from the Spotify catalog. The version we match with might differ from the original.
Last updated: 24 September, 2020
Community Answers
Play 'local files' on my mobile deviceWhat's the easiest way to be able to play 'local files' that reside on my desktop device on my mobile? After bringing them in to the desktop Spotify client as a playlist I'm able to play them there, a...
How do you add Local Files to the Desktop app?Answer: We have an extensive record collection, but if the track you’re after hasn’t found its way on to Spotify yet, don’t worry! You can add any personal music you have with a feature...
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Can you upload your own music?Spotify Local Files On Phone
Yeah, I've tried to figure it out but I can't seem to find how I have to do it anywhere..
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