Spotify is one of the most popular music streaming platforms in the world, offering millions of songs at your fingertips. But what if you have your own music files—like old MP3s, recordings, or rare tracks—not available on Spotify? Good news: you can still listen to them on Spotify by adding them as local files.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through exactly how to add local files to Spotify on both desktop and mobile. It’s simple once you know how, and it’s a great way to keep all your favorite music in one place.
Why Add Local Files to Spotify?
There are several reasons why you might want to add your files:
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Your favorite song isn’t on Spotify
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You created your own music or audio recordings
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You have old music files stored on your computer
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You want all your music in one app
Whatever the reason, Spotify gives you the option to import your local music—but there are a few steps involved.
What You’ll Need
To successfully upload and play local files on Spotify, here’s what you need:
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A Spotify Premium account (required for mobile access)
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The Spotify desktop app (Windows or macOS)
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Your local music files (MP3, MP4, or M4P formats work best)
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Wi-Fi connection for syncing to mobile devices
Let’s break it down step-by-step.
How to Add Local Files to Spotify on Desktop
Follow these simple steps to import local files on your computer:
1. Open Spotify on Your Computer
Make sure you’re using the Spotify desktop app. This feature is not available on the web player.
2. Go to Settings
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Click on your profile icon (top-right corner)
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Select Settings
3. Enable Local Files
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Scroll down to the “Local Files” section
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Turn on the toggle for “Show Local Files”
- Spotify will automatically add files from default folders like Downloads and Music
4. Add a Custom Folder (Optional)
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Click on “Add a source”
- Choose the folder where your music files are stored
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Spotify will now scan that folder and add the files to your library
5. Find Your Local Files
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Go to Your Library > Local Files
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You’ll see all imported music ready to play
Supported file types include MP3, M4P (unless it contains video), and MP4 (if QuickTime is installed).
How to Play Local Files on Mobile
Want to play your local files on your phone? You’ll need to sync them from your desktop:
1. Make Sure Both Devices Are Connected to the Same Wi-Fi
Spotify requires your desktop and mobile device to be on the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Download the Playlist
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Create a playlist on desktop and add the local files to it
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On your Spotify mobile app, find the playlist
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Tap Download to sync the songs to your phone
Now you can enjoy your local tracks just like any other song in your library!
Final Thoughts
Adding local files to Spotify is a powerful feature for music lovers who want everything in one place. Whether it’s an old mixtape, a bootleg concert recording, or original songs you’ve created, Spotify makes it possible to enjoy those tracks alongside your regular playlists.
By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to easily upload and sync your music to Spotify — across all your devices.
So dig into those old hard drives, bring back the hidden gems, and enjoy your complete music collection on Spotify!
FAQs About Local Files on Spotify
Can I upload my music to Spotify?
No, you cannot upload music to Spotify’s servers like you would on platforms such as SoundCloud or YouTube Music. However, you can add local music files stored on your computer to your Spotify desktop app, and then access those files via playlists. These local files are private and only accessible through your account.
Do I need a Spotify Premium account to play local files?
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On Desktop: No, you can play local files without a Premium subscription using the Spotify desktop app.
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On Mobile (iOS/Android): Yes, a Spotify Premium account is required to sync and play local files on your mobile device. Without Premium, syncing to mobile isn’t supported.
Why aren’t my local files showing up in Spotify?
This is a common issue. Here are several reasons and fixes:
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Spotify doesn’t support your file format (for example, FLAC or WMA won’t work).
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Your files use DRM protection, which is common with older iTunes purchases.
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You haven’t enabled “Show Local Files” in the Settings menu.
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You haven’t added the folder that contains your music as a source.
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Spotify might need a restart, or you may need to re-index your folders.
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On mobile, check that both your phone and computer use the same Wi-Fi network, and ensure you’ve set the playlist to download.