How to download and install Spotify on Mac
Spotify for Mac is free, and the only place to get it is Spotify’s own website. Here is which version to pick, how to install it and what to change after the first launch.
Spotify
- macOS 13 or later
- Apple Silicon and Intel
- Free, Premium is paid
Or the installer straight from the developer’s server:
The links go to the developer’s website (spotify.com, download.scdn.co). MacWashing is not affiliated with the developer and keeps no installers.
Open Terminal (Applications › Utilities) and run:
brew install --cask spotifyHomebrew downloads the app from the developer’s server, checks the file and puts the app in Applications.
No Homebrew yet? How to install Homebrew: one command from brew.sh.
Which version to download
Spotify’s website picks the right version for you. If you download the installer directly, check which chip your Mac has first:
- Choose Apple menu › About This Mac.
- If you see Chip with Apple M1, M2 or later, take the version for Apple Silicon. If you see Processor with Intel, take the version for Intel.
Spotify needs macOS 13 Ventura or later. On an older Mac, listen in the web player at open.spotify.com in your browser.
How to install Spotify
- Open the downloaded
SpotifyARM64.dmgorSpotify.dmgin your Downloads folder. - In the window that opens, drag Spotify to the Applications folder.
- Eject the Spotify disk: click the eject button next to it in the Finder sidebar.
- Open Spotify from Applications or Launchpad.
- macOS asks whether to open an app downloaded from the internet. Click Open.
Spotify’s website may give you a small SpotifyInstaller.zip instead. Open it and run Install Spotify: it downloads and installs the app by itself.
What to set up after the first launch
- Opening at login. Spotify opens by itself every time you log in. To stop it, click your profile picture, choose Settings and, under the startup options, set Spotify not to open automatically.
- Cache. Spotify keeps the music you play, and the cache grows to several gigabytes. Its size and the Clear cache button are in Settings › Storage.
- Downloads. Songs and podcasts you download for offline listening are on your disk too. Remove the ones you no longer play.
- The installer. Once Spotify runs, move the
.dmgfrom Downloads to the Trash: you won’t need it again.
If Spotify won’t install or open
- «Spotify is damaged and can’t be opened». The download was incomplete. Delete the file and download it again from Spotify’s website.
- Spotify doesn’t start on an older Mac. Check your macOS version in About This Mac: Spotify needs macOS 13 or later.
- An old copy gets in the way. Remove Spotify completely and install it again: see how to uninstall Spotify on Mac.
Alternatives to Spotify
Keep your Mac tidy
System Junk in MacWashing finds the caches apps build up over time, Spotify’s included, and shows how much space they take. And if you decide to remove Spotify, the Uninstaller takes its files with it.
Free trial · macOS 14 or later
Questions and answers
Is Spotify for Mac free?
Yes. The app is free and you can listen with ads. Premium removes ads and lets you download music. You get it in your account on Spotify’s website.
Is Spotify in the Mac App Store?
No. For Mac, Spotify publishes the app only on its own website, so download it there or install it with Homebrew.
Do I need to update Spotify by hand?
No. Spotify checks for updates by itself and installs them the next time you open it.