Downloading music from Spotify allows you to enjoy your favorite songs without needing an internet connection. Whether you’re commuting, traveling, or just avoiding data usage, having offline access is a game-changer.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to download a Spotify album on an iPhone, covering all versions: free vs. premium, app-based steps, and tips for managing downloads effectively.
Why Download Spotify Albums on iPhone?
Downloading albums gives you:
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Offline listening without internet
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Faster playback without buffering
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Data savings while commuting or traveling
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Convenience for long flights or areas with poor reception
Spotify Free vs. Premium: What You Can Download
| Feature | Free Account | Premium Account |
|---|---|---|
| Download Albums | ❌ Not available | ✅ Available |
| Download Playlists | ❌ Not available | ✅ Available |
| Offline Listening | ❌ Not available | ✅ Available |
| Shuffle Playback | Limited | Full control |
Note: Free Spotify users cannot download albums directly—they can only stream online. Premium is required for offline downloads.
Preparing Your iPhone for Spotify Downloads
Before downloading:
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Ensure your iPhone has enough storage for the album
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Connect to Wi-Fi to avoid excessive mobile data usage
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Update Spotify app to the latest version
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Log in with a Spotify Premium account
Step-by-Step Guide: Download a Spotify Album (Premium)
Step 1: Open the Spotify App
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Tap the Spotify icon on your iPhone.
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Log in to your Premium account if you haven’t already.
Step 2: Find the Album
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Use the Search tab to locate the album you want.
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Tap the album to open its track list.
Step 3: Enable Download
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Look for the Download toggle (usually a downward arrow or “Download” button).
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Slide it ON.
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Spotify will automatically download all songs in that album.
How to Download Spotify Playlists and Songs
Downloading playlists or individual songs works similarly:
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Open the playlist or song
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Tap the Download toggle
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Wait for the download to complete (green arrow indicates completion)
Tip: You can create a playlist with all your favorite songs and download it at once.
Offline Mode: How to Listen Without Internet
Once your album is downloaded:
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Go to Home → Your Library → Settings
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Enable Offline Mode
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Only downloaded content will appear and play without an internet connection
Managing Downloads on iPhone
Viewing Downloaded Music
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Go to Your Library → Music → Albums or Playlists
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Look for green downward arrow or “Downloaded” label
Deleting Downloads
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Open the album or playlist
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Tap Downloaded toggle OFF to remove it
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This frees up storage space for new downloads
Tips for Saving Storage Space
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Download only albums or playlists you frequently listen to
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Delete old downloads after listening
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Adjust Spotify Settings → Music Quality to lower file size if needed
Using Cellular Data for Downloads
By default, Spotify downloads only over Wi-Fi. To enable cellular downloads:
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Go to Settings → Music Quality
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Turn Download Using Cellular ON
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Be aware this may use significant mobile data
Troubleshooting Spotify Download Issues
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Download button not working | Check Premium subscription status |
| Not enough storage | Free up space in iPhone Settings → Storage |
| Downloads stopping | Restart Spotify and iPhone, reconnect to Wi-Fi |
| Album missing offline | Ensure it’s fully downloaded (green arrow visible) |
FAQs
1. Can free Spotify users download albums on iPhone?
No, downloading music is only available for Spotify Premium subscribers.
2. Can I download multiple albums at once?
Yes, enable the download toggle for each album or create a playlist containing multiple albums.
3. How much space does a downloaded album take?
It depends on the album length and audio quality. High-quality tracks may use 50–100 MB per album.
4. Can I transfer Spotify downloads to another device?
No, downloads are restricted to the device where Spotify is installed. You need Premium on the other device to download there.
5. What happens if I cancel Spotify Premium?
All downloaded music will be removed, and offline listening will no longer work.
Summary and Key Takeaways
Downloading Spotify albums on your iPhone is simple if you have Premium.
Key steps:
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Open Spotify → find album → toggle Download ON
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Use Offline Mode for listening without internet
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Manage downloads to save storage space
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Free accounts can only stream online
Offline albums make commuting, traveling, and one-ear listening more enjoyable. Keep your library organized and your music ready to play anytime!