Where are Spotify downloads stored on a Windows PC if I didn't get it from the Microsoft Store? I've been digging through my AppData folder but I can't seem to find the specific path, and I'm curious if I can move that cache to my external drive to save space on my SSD.
-- From Reddit
Spotify has revolutionized the way we listen to music, allowing users to stream their favorite songs and albums from anywhere in the world. One of the most useful features for Spotify Premium users is the ability to download music for offline listening. But have you ever wondered, where does Spotify actually download music to?
In this article, we will answer that question in detail, exploring the default download locations on various platforms, including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices. Additionally, we'll introduce a powerful tool that helps you take full control over your Spotify downloads.
Note:
Spotify downloads are stored as encrypted cache files rather than standard, playable formats like MP3 or FLAC. While you can locate the "Offline storage location" within the app's settings, these files remain locked to the Spotify ecosystem and cannot be opened by external media players. To maintain access, ensure you connect to the internet at least once every 30 days and avoid clearing your app cache, as these files are tied to your specific installation and account status.
Part 1. Where Does Spotify Download Music on PC/Mac
Spotify allows users to download their favorite music for offline listening, but where exactly does Spotify store downloaded music on your computer? Whether you're using Windows or Mac, understanding where Spotify saves your offline music can be useful for managing your music library, freeing up space, or even transferring files to another device.
Where to Find Spotify Downloads on Windows PC (Windows 11)?
On Windows, Spotify downloads are usually stored in a default hidden folder within your system directory. The typical default download location for Spotify on a Windows PC is:
For Direct Downloader Version:
Microsoft Store Version:
Tips:
To find it instantly, press Win + R, paste %LocalAppData%\Spotify\Storage, and hit Enter.
However, if you've changed the storage path in Spotify's settings, the location will differ. To check where Spotify downloads are stored on your PC, follow these steps:
Step 1. Open Spotify on your PC.
Step 2. Click on your Profile icon (located in the top-right corner) and select Settings.
Step 3. Scroll down to the Storage section.
Step 4. Under Offline songs storage, you'll see the exact folder where your Spotify music is currently stored.
Once you find the storage path in Spotify's settings, you can use File Explorer to navigate to that location and access your downloaded songs.
Where Are Spotify Downloads Stored on Mac (macOS 26 Tahoe)?
On Mac, Spotify stores downloaded music in a different location. The default download path for Spotify on a Mac is:
Similar to Windows, this folder is somewhat hidden, as the Library folder is typically concealed to prevent accidental file manipulation. To access it, follow these steps:
Step 1. Open Finder on your Mac.
Step 2. Click Go in the menu bar and select Go to Folder.
Step 3. Type or paste the following path:
Step 4. Press Go to open the folder containing the downloaded Spotify files.
Once you access this folder, you'll find cached files, but remember that these files aren't in a playable format and are only accessible via Spotify.
Part 2. Where Does Spotify Download Songs to on Android/iPhone
The location where Spotify stores downloaded songs on Android and iPhone is not as easily accessible as on PC or Mac. In this section, we'll walk you through the steps to find them on both Android and iPhone.
Where Are Downloaded Spotify Songs Stored on Android?
On Android devices, Spotify downloads are stored in the following directory within your device's internal storage or SD card:
You can access this location using a file manager app on your Android device.
Where Does Spotify Download Go on iPhone?
On iPhone and iPad, Spotify behaves similarly to Android when it comes to offline downloads. The downloaded songs are stored within the app's internal storage, but the files are encrypted and can't be directly accessed or viewed outside the app.
Part 3. Where to Find Spotify Downloads on the Spotify App
Spotify allows you to download music for offline listening on a variety of devices, but the way to view and manage those downloads depends on the platform you're using. While the files themselves are encrypted and can't be directly accessed outside of the Spotify app, there are still simple ways to view and enjoy your offline music. Whether you're on a desktop or mobile device, here's how to access your downloaded songs.
How to Find Spotify Downloads on App on Windows/Mac
On both Windows and Mac, you cannot directly browse your downloaded songs through the file system, but you can easily view and listen to them offline within the Spotify app by enabling Offline Mode. This ensures that only the songs, albums, or playlists you've downloaded are accessible, making it easier to find and enjoy your offline content.
Step 1. Open the Spotify app on your Windows or Mac device.
Step 2. Enable Offline Mode:
On Windows: Click on the three-dot menu in the top-left corner, then go to File > Offline Mode.
On Mac: Click on the Spotify tab in the top menu and select Offline Mode from the dropdown.
Step 3. Once you're in Offline Mode, your library will filter to only show content that is available offline.
Step 4. You can now browse through your playlists, albums, and songs, and all the content will be playable without an internet connection.
This method gives you access to your downloaded content directly in the Spotify app, making it easy to enjoy your offline music at any time.
How to View Downloaded Songs on Spotify App on Android/iPhone
Viewing your downloaded songs on Android or iPhone is straightforward, as both platforms offer a designated section for offline music. Once you've downloaded your favorite songs, albums, or playlists, you can access them directly within the Spotify app.
Step 1. Open the Spotify app on your Android or iPhone.
Step 2. Tap on the Home icon at the bottom of the screen.
Step 3. Tap on Your Library in the bottom-right corner.
Step 4. In Your Library, filter the Downloaded Songs. Here, you will see all the playlists, albums, and songs that you have downloaded for offline listening.
Step 5. Tap on any downloaded content to start listening to downloaded Spotify music offline.
Part 4. How to Change Spotify Download Location to Move Spotify Cache
If your internal SSD is nearly full, you can move your offline library to an external drive by changing the Spotify downloaded songs file location. Spotify's interface has been streamlined, making it easier to redirect your offline storage to an external drive or a secondary HDD. Here is the step-by-step process.
How to Change Spotify Download File Location
Step 1. Connect your external drive to your computer. Ensure it is formatted to NTFS (Windows) or APFS (Mac).
Step 2. On the external drive, create a new folder named D:\SpotifyLibrary or /Volumes/ExternalDrive/SpotifyCache.
Step 3. Open the Spotify desktop app and click your Profile picture in the top-right corner and select Settings. Scroll down to the Storage section.
Step 4. Under the Storage header, look for Offline storage location. This shows your current path (likely in AppData or Library). Click the CHANGE LOCATION button and select the new folder on your external drive.
Step 5. Spotify will prompt you to restart the app to apply the changes. Once restarted:
- Automatic Migration: Spotify will begin moving your existing downloaded tracks to the new location. This may take several minutes depending on your library size and drive speed.
- Verification: Check the new folder on your external drive. You should see a series of subfolders with names like
0a,1b, etc., appearing inside.
Warning:
If you disconnect your external drive while Spotify is running, your offline library will appear empty until the drive is reconnected and the app is restarted.
Part 5. How to Turn Encrypted Cache to Local Files
As discussed, the files in your AppData or Library folders are unusable outside of Spotify. If your goal is to move Spotify downloads to an SD card, an MP3 player, or other devices, use it in a video editor, or keep it forever without a Premium subscription, you need a converter.
DRmare Spotify Music Converter is a professional-grade solution optimized for this purpose. It allows you to download Spotify songs, playlists, albums, audiobooks, etc. without Premium. It can also convert Spotify music to MP3, AIFF, FLAC and other common formats so that you can move Spotify music to other devices for offline listening. It ensures 100% original quality and preserves complete ID3 tags such as title, album cover, etc. Whether you want to download a handful of songs, an entire album, a playlist or unlimited songs, DRmare Spotify Music Converter lets you do it all quickly at 15X speed. After conversion, you will get local Spotify songs, and then you can play Spotify on any device you want without any problem.
How to Download Spotify Songs as Local Files
You can follow the steps below and see how to download Spotify songs as local files with DRmare, please install DRmare with the button above first.
- Step 1Download DRmare Spotify Music Converter and import Spotify songs
Launch it and log into your Spotify account within this web player to access your library. Then find the songs you wish to download and click on the '+' > 'Add to List' icon to load them to the conversion queue for downloading.
- Step 2Reset output audio format for Spotify music
After the songs are uploaded, click on the 'Menu' bar, and from the options available, select 'Preferences' > 'Conversion'. Here, you can choose an audio format, such as MP3, WAV, FLAC, M4B, M4A, and AIFF for your Spotify music. You can also modify the channel, bit rate, sample rate, and the output folder where you want the Spotify songs to be downloaded.
- Step 3Convert and download Spotify songs to local computer
When you're ready, click the Convert button located at the bottom-right corner of the screen. The conversion process will begin, and once it's complete, your songs will be saved in the output folder you selected in Step 2.
Part 6. FAQs about Finding Spotify Downloads
How Do I Download Songs on Spotify?
To download songs on Spotify, you need a Spotify Premium subscription. Once you're logged into your Premium account, simply browse to the playlist, album, or artist you want to download, then click the downward arrow next to the music. Your songs will be available offline, ready for you to listen anytime.
Can I Manually Copy the "Storage" Folder to Another PC?
No. The encrypted files are tied to your specific account ID and device hardware. Copying them manually will not make them playable on a different machine.
Where Do Spotify Downloads Go?
By default, Spotify stores downloaded songs on your device in the following locations:
- Windows: C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\Spotify\Storage
- Mac: /Users/YourUsername/Library/Application Support/Spotify/PersistentCache/Storage
- Android: /Android/data/com.spotify.mobile.android.ui/files/spotifycache/Storage/
- iOS: On iOS devices, the downloads are stored directly within the Spotify app, and you cannot access them via the file system.
You can follow the steps above to find out where your downloaded songs are stored and even change the download location if necessary.
Can I Transfer Downloaded Spotify Songs to Another Device?
Unfortunately, no. Spotify songs are protected by Digital Rights Management (DRM), meaning they can only be played within the Spotify app. You cannot transfer them to other devices or use them outside the app. However, you can remove DRM protection with tools like DRmare Spotify Music Converter, which allows you to convert your Spotify downloads into DRM-free files that can be transferred and played on any device.
Can I Keep Downloaded Spotify Music After Cancelling My Spotify Subscription?
If your Spotify Premium subscription expires, any downloaded songs will remain available for up to 30 days. After that, the downloads will be deleted unless you renew your subscription. However, with DRmare Spotify Music Converter, you can permanently save Spotify songs to your device as local files, even if you cancel your Premium account, ensuring your music is yours to keep forever.
Part 7. In Conclusion
The location of your downloaded Spotify music files depends on the device and operating system you are using. While you can easily access the downloaded songs on Windows PCs, Macs, and Android devices, iOS devices do not offer direct access to these files. Furthermore, Spotify's DRM protection prevents you from transferring these downloads to other devices for offline listening.
This is where DRmare Spotify Music Converter becomes invaluable. With DRmare, you can download Spotify songs, playlists, and albums as local files, even without a Premium subscription. The best part? Once converted, you can freely transfer your Spotify music to any device, allowing for uninterrupted offline listening wherever you go.
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