How to use Spotify on multiple devices

Using Spotify on multiple devices: the complete guide

Spotify is one of the most popular music streaming services in the world and lets you listen to your music on almost any device. Whether you are listening on your speaker at home, on your phone on the go or on your computer at work, Spotify syncs seamlessly across all your devices. In this guide we explain how to get the most out of Spotify on multiple devices.

Installing Spotify on different devices

Spotify is available on a wide range of devices. Here is how to install the service.

Spotify on your smartphone

Open the App Store on iPhone or the Google Play Store on Android. Search for "Spotify" and download the official app. After installing, open the app and log in with your account. If you don't have an account yet, you can easily create one with your email address, Google account, Facebook or Apple ID.

Spotify on your computer

Go to www.spotify.com/download and download the desktop app for Windows or Mac. Install the app by opening the downloaded file and following the instructions. Log in with your Spotify account. You can also use the web player at open.spotify.com without installing anything.

Spotify on your tablet

Installing on a tablet is similar to a smartphone. Download the Spotify app from the App Store or Play Store. On iPads and Android tablets you get an optimized interface with more room for navigation and playlists.

Spotify on smart speakers

Spotify is available on most smart speakers, including Sonos, Bose, Amazon Echo and Google Nest. Open the speaker's companion app and link your Spotify account. You can then stream music to your speaker and often use voice commands as well.

Spotify on your smart TV

Many smart TVs have a Spotify app available. Search for Spotify in your TV's app store (Samsung Apps, LG Content Store, Google Play Store for Android TV). Install the app and log in to play music through your TV speakers or a connected audio system.

Spotify Connect: the heart of multi-device use

Spotify Connect is the technology that makes seamless switching between devices possible.

What is Spotify Connect?

Spotify Connect lets you move the music you are playing directly to another device on the same network. You can use your phone as a remote control while the music plays on your speaker, TV or computer. The music streams directly to the target device, not through your phone.

How do I use Spotify Connect?

Open the Spotify app on your phone or tablet while music is playing. Tap "Now Playing" at the bottom of the screen to open the full playback screen. Tap the device icon (a speaker with sound waves or a screen). You will see a list of available devices. Select the device you want to play on. The music is taken over by the new device right away.

Compatible devices

Spotify Connect works with hundreds of devices, including Sonos speakers, Denon and Marantz receivers, Samsung and LG smart TVs, PlayStation and Xbox consoles, various soundbars and more. If in doubt, check whether your device carries the Spotify Connect logo.

Listening on multiple devices at the same time

With certain plans you can listen on multiple devices at the same time.

Spotify Premium limitations

With a standard Spotify Premium account you can actively stream on only one device at a time. If you start listening on another device, the music stops on the first device. This limitation is meant to prevent account sharing.

Spotify Premium Duo

Do you live with a partner? Spotify Premium Duo offers two separate Premium accounts for people living together at a reduced price. Each account can stream independently and has its own recommendations and playlists. Both accounts must share the same address.

Spotify Premium Family

For households with several people, Spotify Premium Family is the best option. Up to six family members each get their own Premium account. All members must live at the same address. Each member can stream independently, create their own playlists and enjoy all Premium benefits.

Listening offline on multiple devices

Spotify Premium users can download music to listen offline.

Downloading music

Open an album, playlist or podcast you want to download. Tap the download icon (downward arrow). Spotify downloads all tracks so you can listen to them without an internet connection. You will see a green icon when the download is complete.

Download limits

You can download music on up to five devices per Spotify account. You can download up to 10,000 songs per device. If you reach the limit, you must remove downloads from another device before you can make new downloads.

Managing downloads

In the settings under "Storage" you can see how much space your downloads take up. You can set the download quality from Normal to Very high. Higher quality sounds better but uses more storage space.

Syncing your listening experience

Spotify syncs much more than just what is currently playing.

Syncing playlists

All playlists you create or follow are automatically available on all your devices. Add a song to a playlist on your phone and it appears on your computer right away. This works as long as both devices are connected to the internet.

Listening history

Your recently played songs, albums and podcasts sync between devices. You can continue listening on your phone where you left off on your computer. The "Recently played" section is always up to date.

Saved items

Songs, albums and podcasts you save to your library are available on every device. If you heart a song on your phone, you will find it in your Liked Songs playlist on your laptop.

Using Spotify in the car

Spotify offers several ways to listen on the road.

Via Bluetooth

Pair your phone with your car radio via Bluetooth. Open Spotify and start the music. The audio plays through your car speakers. Many cars also show album information on the display.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Modern cars support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Connect your phone with a USB cable or wirelessly. Spotify appears on your car display with an interface optimized for use in the car.

Built-in Spotify

Some cars have Spotify built in, independent of your phone. Log in with your account and stream directly over the built-in data connection. This is available from brands such as Tesla, Volvo and others.

Troubleshooting multiple devices

Sometimes switching between devices doesn't work perfectly. Here are solutions to common problems.

Device does not appear in the list

Check that both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Make sure the Spotify app is up to date on all devices. Restart the app on the device that does not appear. Check that the device is logged in with the same Spotify account.

Music stops unexpectedly

This can happen when someone else logs in to your account and starts listening. Check in the settings which devices were recently active. Change your password if you suspect unauthorized access. Consider Spotify Duo or Family if you want to share the account.

Spotify Connect responds slowly

A slow or unstable internet connection can cause delays. Try moving closer to your Wi-Fi router. Restart your router if the problem persists. Check that no other devices are using a lot of bandwidth.

Frequently asked questions about Spotify on multiple devices

How many devices can I install Spotify on?

You can install Spotify on an unlimited number of devices and log in with your account. However, with a standard Premium account you can actively stream on only one device at a time. Offline downloads are limited to a maximum of five devices. This is enough for most users.

Can I listen on different devices at the same time?

With a standard Premium account you can stream on only one device at a time. If you start listening on a second device, the music stops on the first. With Spotify Duo two people can listen at the same time, and with Family up to six people can stream at the same time, each on their own account.

How do I remove a device from my Spotify account?

Go to your account settings on www.spotify.com and look for the "Sign out everywhere" section. This signs you out on all devices. You can also open Spotify on the specific device and log out there. For content downloaded for offline use, you need to remove the downloads manually in the app settings.

Why do I see other people's devices in my Spotify Connect list?

Other people's devices sometimes appear when they are on the same Wi-Fi network, for example at your neighbors' or at work. This does not mean they have access to your account. You can only play on devices that are logged in with your own account or that are specifically shared with you, such as shared speakers.