SoundCloud's download options depend on the track and your account type

Not every song on SoundCloud can be downloaded. The artist or rights holder decides whether a track offers a download button. If a download button appears next to the play button, you can save the file directly to your device. If no button appears, the track is download-restricted and you cannot legally obtain it through SoundCloud's interface.

SoundCloud offers both free and paid accounts. Free accounts let you download tracks marked as downloadable by their creators. SoundCloud Go+ subscribers (the paid tier) get additional features, but download availability still depends on what each artist has permitted.

The process differs slightly between the web version and the mobile app, and the file format you receive depends on how the artist uploaded it.

Key Takeaways

  • Only tracks with a visible download button can be saved through SoundCloud, regardless of your account type.
  • On the web, click the download icon below the play button; on mobile, tap the three dots and select "Save to Downloads."
  • Downloaded files arrive in the format the artist uploaded them in, usually MP3 or WAV.
  • If no download button exists, the artist has restricted downloads and no official method will work.

Downloading from SoundCloud on a computer

Open SoundCloud in your web browser and find the track you want. Play it or hover over the track title. Below the play button, you should see several icons: a heart (to like), a share icon, and a download icon that looks like a downward arrow. Click the download icon.

A dialog box will appear asking where you want to save the file. Choose a folder on your computer — your Downloads folder is the default and easiest option. The file will save with the track title and the format the artist provided (usually .mp3 or .wav). Depending on your browser settings, the download may start automatically or you may need to confirm it.

If you do not see a download icon, that track is not available for download. This is the artist's choice, not a limitation of your account or browser.

Downloading from the SoundCloud mobile app

Open the SoundCloud app on your phone and navigate to the track. Tap the three horizontal dots (the menu icon) to the right of the track title or in the player. A menu will appear with several options.

Select "Save to Downloads" or "Download" — the exact wording varies slightly between iOS and Android. The file will save to your phone's local storage. On Android, files typically go to your Downloads folder or a SoundCloud-specific folder. On iPhone, downloaded tracks appear in the app's library under a "Downloads" or "Offline" section and are stored within the app itself.

If the three-dot menu does not show a download option, the track owner has not permitted downloads.

What file format you will receive

SoundCloud does not convert files. You receive the track in whatever format the artist uploaded it in. Most artists upload MP3 files, which play on any device and media player. Some upload WAV files, which are larger but offer higher audio quality. A few upload other formats like AIFF or FLAC.

You cannot choose the format or quality when downloading through SoundCloud. If you need a different format, you would need to convert the file after downloading using a separate tool, but this is outside SoundCloud's system.

When download buttons do not appear

If a track has no download button, the artist deliberately restricted it. This might be because they want to control distribution, they are waiting for an official release, or they have licensing restrictions. No workaround through SoundCloud's official interface exists.

Some third-party websites claim to download restricted tracks, but these operate outside SoundCloud's terms of service and may expose your device to malware or legal risk. The safest approach is to respect the artist's choice and listen to the track through SoundCloud's streaming service instead.

Organizing downloaded tracks on your device

Once downloaded, your SoundCloud files are regular audio files on your computer or phone. On a computer, move them from your Downloads folder into a dedicated music folder so they are easier to find later. Most media players (iTunes, Windows Media Player, VLC) will recognize and play them.

On a phone, the SoundCloud app keeps downloaded tracks in its own library for offline listening. If you want to use them in other apps or transfer them to another device, connect your phone to a computer and copy the files from the SoundCloud folder to your music library.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I download a SoundCloud track if I do not have a paid account?

Yes. Download availability is determined by the artist, not your account type. If a download button appears, you can save the track with a free account. SoundCloud Go+ does not unlock downloads for restricted tracks.

What happens if I download a track and the artist removes it from SoundCloud later?

The file remains on your device. Downloaded files are separate from SoundCloud's servers, so removing a track from SoundCloud does not delete your local copy. You can keep listening to it.

Can I download a private or unreleased track?

Only if the artist has shared a link with you and enabled downloads on that track. Private tracks do not appear in search results, but if you have the direct link and the artist permitted downloads, the download button will be visible to you.

Why is the download button grayed out or missing?

The artist has not permitted downloads for that track. This is their decision and cannot be overridden. Some artists allow downloads only for certain tracks or only for followers.

Can I download a SoundCloud playlist?

SoundCloud does not offer a one-click playlist download. You must download each track individually by opening it and clicking the download button. If many tracks in the playlist lack download buttons, you will only be able to save the ones the artists have permitted.