How to Download Spotify Songs/Music (OFFICIAL METHOD ONLY)
Learn the only official method to download Spotify songs for offline playback using Premium, plus free tools to legally record computer audio on PC and Mac.
Key Takeaways
If you are looking for the legitimate, platform-sanctioned way to save your favorite songs and playlists from Spotify for offline listening, you are in the right place. Read on to learn the official method for downloading Spotify music, as well as a few alternative techniques for recording computer audio.
The Official Method: Spotify Premium
The only official, Spotify-sanctioned method for downloading music is by having a Spotify Premium subscription. Free accounts do not have the capability to save songs locally for offline playback.
When you upgrade to Spotify Premium, the app provides a built-in feature to save music directly to your device. Here is how you do it:
FAQ
Can I download Spotify songs without a Premium account?
No, the official download feature is exclusive to Spotify Premium subscribers. Free accounts do not have the ability to save songs locally for offline playback through the app.
Can I export downloaded Spotify songs to an MP3 file?
Spotify Premium downloads are encrypted and can only be played within the Spotify app. If you want MP3 files for use outside the app, you would need to legally record your computer's audio using free tools like Audacity or OBS Studio.
Always verify regional copyright laws and Spotify's Terms of Service before recording system audio to use outside the app.
Open the Spotify app and navigate to the song, album, or playlist you want to save.
Look for the Download button (usually represented by a downward-facing arrow).
Tap or click this button.
Once the download is complete, you will be able to play your selected music through the Spotify app even when you are completely offline or do not have an active Wi-Fi or cellular connection.
Alternative Methods: Recording Computer Audio
While a Premium subscription is the only official route to download tracks directly within the Spotify app, some users want to save audio locally as MP3 files to use outside of the app. This is typically done by recording your computer's internal audio as the music plays.
Important Copyright Disclaimer: We cannot recommend or endorse illegally downloading or distributing copyrighted music. Before attempting any system audio recording methods, it is highly advised that you review Spotify's Terms of Service and ensure you are not breaking any copyright laws in your region. Always ensure you have the legal right to record the audio playing on your machine.
If you are legally permitted to record the audio playing on your computer, there are free software options available depending on your operating system.
Free Audio Recording Tools by Operating System
Below is a breakdown of the best free tools for capturing computer audio, along with highly recommended step-by-step video tutorials for each:
By following the tutorials linked above, you can learn exactly how to configure Audacity on Windows or OBS Studio on Mac to capture any sound playing through your computer's speakers and export it as an MP3 file.
Summary
To recap, if you want a seamless and official way to take your Spotify playlists offline, upgrading to a Spotify Premium subscription is the only approved method. If you decide to explore the system audio recording alternatives on Windows or Mac, be sure to review the provided tutorials and carefully adhere to all copyright laws.
Have questions or alternative legal solutions? Feel free to leave a comment below and help out the community!
How do I record computer audio to save music on a Windows PC?
What is the best free way to record system audio on a Mac?
OBS Studio is highly recommended for capturing internal audio on a Mac. You can watch this free video tutorial to learn how to set it up and export your recordings as MP3 files.
Is it legal to record audio from Spotify?
Recording copyrighted music may violate Spotify's Terms of Service and local copyright laws. It is highly advised to review these terms and ensure you have the legal right to record any audio playing on your machine before attempting to capture it.
