What Spicetify does and does not do about ads

Spicetify does not remove ads from Spotify. Spicetify is a command-line tool that lets you customize how Spotify looks and sounds on your computer — it changes the visual theme, adds new buttons, and modifies the interface. It cannot block the ads that Spotify plays between songs, because those ads are delivered by Spotify's servers, not by the app itself.

If you are seeing ads in Spotify and looking for a way to stop them, Spicetify is not the answer. The only ways to remove ads from Spotify are to pay for Spotify Premium, use a different music service that does not show ads, or switch to a free tier that has fewer ads (some regions offer ad-supported tiers with fewer interruptions than others).

Spicetify works only on the desktop version of Spotify for Windows and Mac. It cannot modify the mobile app, the web player, or any other version of Spotify. Even on desktop, it modifies only what you see on screen, not what Spotify sends to your device.

Key Takeaways

  • Spicetify changes the look and feel of Spotify on your computer but cannot block or remove ads.
  • Ads come from Spotify's servers and play regardless of what the app looks like on your screen.
  • Spicetify works only on the desktop app for Windows and Mac, not on mobile or web players.
  • The only ways to remove ads from Spotify are to pay for Premium, switch to a different music service, or check if your region offers a lower-ad free tier.

What Spicetify actually changes

Spicetify lets you modify the visual appearance of Spotify on your computer. You can change colors, fonts, and layout. You can add custom buttons, hide elements you do not use, and install themes that other users have created. Some themes make Spotify look like older versions of the app, or give it a completely different color scheme.

You can also use Spicetify to add extensions — small add-ons that change how certain features work. For example, some extensions show you lyrics while a song plays, or display information about the artist. These extensions run on your computer and modify what appears in the Spotify window, but they do not change how Spotify communicates with its servers.

None of these changes affect ads. Spotify decides when to play ads based on your account type (free or Premium) and your region. That decision happens on Spotify's servers before the ad is sent to your app. Changing how the app looks does not change what Spotify sends to it.

Why ad-blocking tools do not work with Spotify

Some people try to use network-level ad blockers — tools that block ads across all apps on your computer — thinking they might stop Spotify ads. These tools cannot block Spotify ads either, because Spotify does not label ads as a separate type of traffic. The ad and the song come from the same server in the same way, so a blocker cannot tell them apart without breaking the entire app.

Spotify also actively works against ad-blocking attempts. If the app detects that you are using certain tools or modifications to block ads, it may refuse to play music or log you out. This is part of Spotify's terms of service — using the free tier means accepting ads as part of the deal.

Spicetify is not an ad blocker and does not try to be one. It is a customization tool, and it is designed to work alongside Spotify without triggering these protections.

How to install and use Spicetify if you want to customize Spotify

If you want to change how Spotify looks on your computer, Spicetify requires a few steps. First, you need to have Spotify installed on Windows or Mac. Then you download Spicetify from its official GitHub page and follow the installation instructions for your operating system. The process involves opening a command-line window and running a few text commands.

Once Spicetify is installed, you can browse and install themes from the community. Popular themes include Dribbblish (which gives Spotify a modern, colorful look), Comfy (a warm, rounded design), and Ziro (a minimal dark theme). You download a theme folder, place it in Spicetify's themes directory, and select it in the Spicetify config file.

After you make changes, you run a command to apply them, and Spotify restarts with your new look. If something goes wrong, you can restore Spotify to its original appearance by running the restore command. Spicetify is reversible — it does not permanently change Spotify's files.

The risks of using Spicetify

Spicetify is made by the community and is not affiliated with Spotify. Using it does not violate Spotify's terms of service — Spotify has not banned it — but there is always a small risk that a future Spotify update could break Spicetify or cause unexpected behavior. If Spotify changes how its app works, Spicetify may stop working until the community updates it.

Because Spicetify modifies Spotify's app files, it is possible (though rare) that antivirus software could flag it as suspicious. This is a false alarm — Spicetify is open-source, meaning anyone can read its code and verify it is safe. But if your antivirus blocks it, you may need to add an exception.

Spicetify also requires some comfort with command-line tools. If you have never opened a terminal or command prompt before, the installation process may feel unfamiliar. There are written guides and video tutorials available, and the community is active in helping people troubleshoot.

Alternatives if you want to remove ads

Spotify Premium is the straightforward option. It costs money, but it removes all ads and gives you other features like offline downloads and higher audio quality. Spotify often runs promotions for new subscribers.

Other music services offer ad-free listening on their free tiers. Apple Music, YouTube Music, and Amazon Music all have different free or low-cost options depending on your region and what other services you subscribe to. Some require a paid subscription to remove ads, while others have ad-supported free tiers with fewer interruptions than Spotify.

Spotify's free tier in some regions has changed over time. In some countries, Spotify offers a tier with fewer ads than others. Check your Spotify account settings to see what options are available in your location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Spotify ban me for using Spicetify?

No. Spicetify is not an ad blocker or a tool that breaks Spotify's terms of service. It only changes how the app looks on your screen. Spotify has not banned it, and using it to customize your interface is safe.

Can I use Spicetify on my phone or tablet?

No. Spicetify works only on the desktop version of Spotify for Windows and Mac. It cannot modify the mobile app or the web player. If you want to customize Spotify on your phone, you would need to use Spotify's built-in settings, which are limited.

Does Spicetify slow down Spotify?

Spicetify adds a small amount of processing when Spotify starts, but most users do not notice a difference in performance. If your computer is old or has very little memory, you might see a slight slowdown, but it is usually minimal.

What happens if Spotify updates and breaks Spicetify?

When Spotify releases a major update, Spicetify may stop working until the community updates it to match the new version. This usually happens within a few days. In the meantime, you can restore Spotify to its original appearance and use it normally while you wait.

Can I customize Spotify without using Spicetify?

Spotify's built-in settings let you change some things — like the size of the sidebar and whether to show explicit content warnings — but they are limited. Spicetify gives you much more control over colors, fonts, and layout. If you only want minor changes, Spotify's settings may be enough.