The fastest way to get Spotify on Mac

Go to spotify.com and click the download button, or search "Spotify" in the Mac App Store and click Get. Either route takes about two minutes. The web version at spotify.com also works in any browser without downloading anything, though the desktop app gives you offline listening and better integration with your Mac.

If you choose the direct download from Spotify's website, the installer will land in your Downloads folder. Double-click it, drag the Spotify icon into your Applications folder, then launch it from Applications or Spotlight search. If you use the App Store, it installs automatically to Applications after you click Get.

Both versions require a free Spotify account. You can sign up during the first launch, or create one at spotify.com before you download. A free account lets you stream with ads; a paid subscription removes ads and adds offline listening.

Key Takeaways

  • The Spotify website and Mac App Store both offer the desktop app, and both are equally fast — pick whichever you prefer.
  • The web version at spotify.com works immediately in any browser without downloading, but the desktop app offers offline listening and better Mac integration.
  • You need a free Spotify account to use any version, which you can create during setup or beforehand at spotify.com.
  • The desktop app installs to your Applications folder and launches from Spotlight search or the Applications folder itself.

Downloading from Spotify's website

Visit spotify.com in any browser. At the top right, you will see a Download button. Click it and select Mac. The installer file downloads to your Downloads folder — it is usually named something like "Spotify Installer.dmg".

Double-click the installer file. A window opens showing the Spotify icon and an Applications folder. Drag the Spotify icon onto the Applications folder icon. Wait for the copy to finish, then eject the installer window by clicking the eject icon next to it in Finder.

Open Finder, go to Applications, and double-click Spotify to launch it. On first launch, you will see a login screen. Sign in with your Spotify account, or create a new one by clicking "Don't have a Spotify account? Sign up" and following the prompts.

Downloading from the Mac App Store

Open the App Store app on your Mac — it is in the Dock or Applications folder. Search for "Spotify" in the search box at the top. The official Spotify app appears with a green icon.

Click the Get button next to the Spotify listing. Your Mac may ask for your Apple ID password. Enter it, and the app downloads and installs automatically to your Applications folder. Once installation finishes, the Get button changes to Open.

Click Open, or close the App Store and launch Spotify from Applications or Spotlight search. Sign in with your Spotify account on the first launch.

Using Spotify in your web browser instead

If you do not want to download anything, go to spotify.com and click Log In at the top right. Sign in with your Spotify account, or create one. The web player opens immediately and works in Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Edge.

The web version has one major limitation: you cannot listen offline. If you lose internet connection, playback stops. The desktop app, by contrast, lets you download songs, albums, or playlists to your Mac and listen without internet.

The web player is useful for trying Spotify before you commit to downloading, or for listening on a Mac you do not own. For regular use on your own computer, the desktop app is usually more convenient.

What to do if the download gets stuck

If the installer file does not open, try downloading it again from spotify.com. Sometimes the file downloads partially. Delete the old file from Downloads and start over.

If the installer opens but the copy to Applications fails, restart your Mac and try again. Occasionally a background process locks the Applications folder temporarily. If it fails a second time, try the App Store version instead — it handles installation differently and may work better on your system.

If Spotify launches but will not let you sign in, check that your internet connection is working. Open a web browser and visit any website to confirm. If the web works but Spotify does not, try quitting Spotify completely (Command+Q) and launching it again.

Free account versus paid subscription

A free Spotify account works on Mac and includes unlimited streaming, but ads play between songs. You can skip up to six songs per hour. A paid subscription removes ads, lets you skip unlimited songs, and adds offline listening — the ability to download songs to your Mac and listen without internet.

You can switch from free to paid anytime in Spotify's settings, or at spotify.com under your account. Paid plans start at a monthly rate that varies by country and whether you bundle with other services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Spotify on multiple Macs at the same time?

You can install Spotify on as many Macs as you own, but you can only play music on one device at a time with a single account. If you try to play on a second Mac while music is playing on the first, playback stops on the first device. A paid family plan lets multiple people in your household play simultaneously on different devices.

Does Spotify work on older Macs?

Spotify requires macOS 10.12 or newer. Check your Mac's version by clicking the Apple menu and selecting About This Mac. If your Mac is older, the web version at spotify.com may still work in your browser, though some features might not function properly.

What is the difference between the website download and the App Store version?

Both are the same app and work identically. The App Store version updates automatically through the App Store; the website version updates when you launch it. Choose whichever you prefer. The App Store version may be slightly easier if you are already familiar with installing apps that way.

Can I listen to Spotify offline on the free plan?

No, offline listening is only available with a paid subscription. With a free account, you can only stream when connected to the internet. The web player also does not support offline listening, even with a paid account.

Do I need to create a Spotify account before downloading?

No, you can create your account during the first launch of the app. However, creating one beforehand at spotify.com means you can sign in immediately after the app opens, rather than filling out the signup form on your Mac.