For many Mac users, figuring out how to download Spotify on Mac isn't always as straightforward as it sounds. Reddit and Quora are full of MacBook Air and Pro owners asking the same questions: Why won't Spotify install properly? Should I download it from the App Store or the official site? Is there a way to get an older version that runs more smoothly? And what does "download" really mean—just installing the app, or actually saving Spotify music for offline listening?
Don't waste another hour troubleshooting installation errors or settling for poor performance. Instead of stopping at a simple installation tutorial, this guide walks you through everything you need to know—from the official ways to install Spotify on macOS, to tips for downloading older versions, to best methods of downloading Spotify music. Ready to finally get this sorted? Let's dive in.
Before diving into how to download Spotify on Mac, let's address why the desktop app is worth the installation effort:
The Mac app connects flawlessly with your iPhone, iPad, and CarPlay, allowing you to start listening on one device and seamlessly continue on another. This is something many iOS users desperately need for their daily commute or workout routines.
Unlike the web version, the Spotify Mac app offers better audio quality management(up to lossless audio quality), system-wide keyboard shortcuts, and reliable background playback that won't stop when you switch browser tabs.
Mac desktop Spotify is more stable than the web player, letting you focus without browser clutter.
Read Also: How to Download Songs from Spotify in 2025
Here's exactly what you gain by choosing the desktop app over the web version:
| Feature | Spotify App | Spotify Web Player |
| Audio Quality | Up to 320 kbps with multiple quality settings | Capped around 256 kbps, fewer options |
| Lossless Option | ✅ (Premium, selected devices/regions) | ❌ |
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android; supports offline downloads, local files, Spotify Connect | Any modern browser; no offline downloads or local file support |
| Other Features | Offline playback, import local files, more settings, hardware integration | Lighter version, browser-dependent, slower startup |
In short: the Spotify Mac app isn't just convenient—it unlocks features you don't get on the web version.
Here's the reliable way that works for all Mac users:
Step 1 Open your browser and go to spotify.com/download to download the Mac installer.
Step 2 Open the downloaded .dmg file and drag the Spotify icon into your Applications folder.
Step 3 Launch Spotify from Applications and log in to your account.
💡 Pro tip: Many users search "how to get Spotify on MacBook" but miss step 2 — make sure you drag the app into Applications, or you'll face errors when rebooting.
💡 Pro tip: If you see a "Spotify cannot be opened because the developer cannot be verified" error, go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > General, and click "Open Anyway" next to the Spotify message.
💡 Important note: Some guides mention downloading Spotify from the Mac App Store, but as of 2025, this option is either unavailable or not consistently updated. The official website download is the recommended and most reliable way to install Spotify on macOS.
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For about 90% of users, the latest Spotify Mac version is the best choice—it delivers the newest features, security patches, and better compatibility with macOS updates. Sometimes the newest version isn't the best. On Reddit and Quora, Mac users frequently complain:
💡 Important note: Using outdated versions is not recommended for most people. They may contain unpatched security vulnerabilities and lack new features.
If you still want to try:
Step 1 Uninstall your current version of Spotify
Step 2 Download an older .dmg build from a trusted download site (e.g., Uptodown).
Step 3 Install it by dragging the icon into your Applications folder
Step 4 Disable automatic updates in Spotify's settings to prevent forced upgrades
Tips: Treat this as a temporary workaround. If you notice stability or security issues, return to the current Spotify version.
Step 1: Open Spotify on your Mac and log in.
Step 2: Find the playlist, album, or podcast you want.
Step 3: Click the Download toggle (down arrow icon) at the top.
Step 4: Wait until you see a green arrow next to the songs — that means they’re downloaded.
Step 5: (Optional) Go to File > Offline Mode to listen without internet.
1. You can download up to 10,000 tracks per device on up to 5 devices. You must go online at least once every 30 days to keep downloads active.
2. Make sure you have enough disk space and an active internet connection while downloading. If downloads fail, update or reinstall the app.
3. Spotify downloads are encrypted and only playable inside Spotify — you cannot export them as MP3 files or move them to other players.
What if you want to listen on a device that doesn't have Spotify? Like an old MP3 player, a USB stick in your car, or a portable speaker? This is where a tool like NoteBurner Spotify Converter for Mac becomes essential.
NoteBurner records and converts Spotify audio (bypassing DRM protection in the process) into universal MP3, AAC, FLAC, or WAV files. These are real, accessible files you can store anywhere and play on any device.
To convert Spotify to MP3 files, and keep your favorite tracks forever, follow these simple steps:
Step 1 Download and open NoteBurner Spotify Music Converter.
Step 2 Choose the Spotify Web Player and Log in.
You can either drag and drop Spotify playlists from your Spotify App into the "Add" box on the NoteBurner's main interface, or copy and paste the playlist link into the search panel. Check the music tracks you want to convert and click "Add".
Step 3 Go to the "Settings" window on NoteBurner, then choose the "MP3" output format. You can also adjust other output settings as needed.
Step 4 Click "Convert" and NoteBurner will quickly convert your selected Spotify playlists to MP3 files locally.
Once downloaded, you'll find all the converted Spotify music tracks in the Music section.
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As of 2025, Spotify requires macOS 12.0 or later and works on both Intel Macs and Apple Silicon (M-series). You’ll need at least 1 GB of free memory for smooth use.
If you prefer not to install the app, you can also use the Spotify Web Player in any modern browser on any operating system.
Yes, you can use one account on multiple Macs. However, only one device can stream at a time. With Premium, you can also download music for offline use on up to 5 devices.
They are in a encrypted, hidden cache folder. You cannot locate or use these files outside of Spotify. They are not designed to be moved or exported.
They're in a hidden, encrypted cache folder: ~/Library/Caches/com.spotify.client. These files cannot be moved or accessed directly.It can, especially on older MacBooks. Based on community fixes, try: 1) Lowering streaming quality in Settings, 2) Turning off "Hardware Acceleration" in Advanced Settings, and 3) As a last resort, installing an older, lighter version as detailed above.
Disclaimer: For personal/educational use only. 🚫 Do not distribute downloaded music/video for commercial use.
Whether you choose the simple App Store installation or need advanced solutions like older versions or music conversion, you now have all the tools to get Spotify working perfectly on your Mac. The official methods work great for most users, while the advanced techniques solve specific problems that many Mac users face.
For those serious about building a local music library that works across all devices, tools like NoteBurner Spotify Converter offer the flexibility that Spotify's official offline mode cannot provide. Ready to start? Download Spotify on your Mac today and transform how you experience music during work, study, and play. Your perfect soundtrack awaits!
Note: The free trial version of NoteBurner Spotify Music Converter allows you to convert the first 1 minute of each song. You can buy the full version to unlock the limitation.
