Downloading music on Spotify without a premium subscription is a common challenge that many iPhone users face. While Spotify offers a vast library of songs, its offline listening feature is exclusively available to premium subscribers. This limitation can be frustrating, especially for users who do not wish to commit to a subscription plan. However, there are alternative methods that can be used to download music from Spotify without the need for a premium account. In this blog post, we will explore these methods and provide step-by-step instructions to help you enjoy your favorite tracks offline.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Download Music on Spotify Without Premium
There are several reasons why you might want to download music from Spotify without a premium subscription. Firstly, not everyone is willing to pay for a monthly subscription, especially if they only occasionally use the service. By downloading music without premium, you can save money while still having access to the music you love. Additionally, downloading music allows you to listen to your favorite tracks offline, which is especially useful in areas with limited or no internet connectivity. This feature is particularly convenient when traveling or in situations where you do not have access to a stable internet connection.
Method 1: Using Spotify++ via Cydia Impactor
One popular method to download music on Spotify without a premium subscription is by using a modified version of the Spotify app called Spotify++. This version offers features such as ad-free listening, unlimited skips, and the ability to download music for offline listening. To get Spotify++ on your iPhone, you will need to follow these steps:
Step 1: Install Cydia Impactor on your computer.
Step 2: Download the Spotify++ IPA file from a trusted source.
Step 3: Connect your iPhone to your computer using a lightning cable.
Step 4: Open Cydia Impactor and drag the Spotify++ IPA file onto the Cydia Impactor window.
Step 5: Enter your Apple ID and password when prompted.
Step 6: Wait for Cydia Impactor to sideload the Spotify++ app onto your iPhone.
Step 7: Disconnect your iPhone from your computer and open the Settings app.
Step 8: Navigate to General > Profiles & Device Management.
Step 9: Tap on the profile associated with Spotify++ and select "Trust" to enable the app.
Step 10: Now you can open Spotify++ and enjoy downloading music without a premium subscription.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Unlimited skips and ad-free listening. | 1. Requires installation via Cydia Impactor, which may be complex for some users. |
| 2. Ability to download music for offline listening. | 2. Sideloaded apps may be less stable compared to official versions. |
| 3. Offers premium features without the need for a subscription. | 3. May not receive regular updates like the official Spotify app. |
Method 2: Using Siri Shortcuts with Apple Music
If you are an Apple Music subscriber, you can utilize Siri Shortcuts to download music for offline listening. While this method requires an Apple Music subscription, it offers a viable alternative for iPhone users who are not interested in using Spotify. Here’s how you can use Siri Shortcuts to download music:
Step 1: Download and install the Shortcuts app from the App Store.
Step 2: Find a "Download Music" shortcut created by fellow users or create your own custom shortcut using the Shortcuts app.
Step 3: Open the Shortcuts app and run the "Download Music" shortcut.
Step 4: Enter the name of the song or playlist you want to download.
Step 5: Wait for the shortcut to search for the desired music and initiate the download.
Step 6: Once the download is complete, you can access the downloaded music through the Apple Music app.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. No need for a Spotify subscription, perfect for Apple Music users. | 1. Requires an active Apple Music subscription. |
| 2. Easy to use and integrates with Siri for hands-free control. | 2. Limited to Apple Music’s library and may not have all the songs available on Spotify. |
| 3. Offers offline listening for downloaded music. | 3. Siri Shortcuts may require some initial setup and customization. |
Method 3: Using Third-party Apps
Another way to download music on Spotify without premium is by using third-party apps. These apps function as intermediaries and allow users to download music directly from Spotify onto their iPhone. However, it is important to note that using third-party apps may violate Spotify’s terms of service and could potentially lead to the suspension of your account. Proceed with caution and at your own risk. To use a third-party app, follow these steps:
Step 1: Download a third-party app like "Spotly" or "Songshift" from the App Store.
Step 2: Open the third-party app on your iPhone.
Step 3: Log in to your Spotify account within the third-party app.
Step 4: Search for the desired song or playlist and select the download option.
Step 5: Wait for the download to complete and access the music within the third-party app.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Allows downloading music directly from Spotify. | 1. May violate Spotify’s terms of service and result in account suspension. |
| 2. Offers offline listening for downloaded music. | 2. Third-party apps may be less stable and may not provide reliable downloads. |
| 3. Provides an alternative when other methods are not available. | 3. Limited app options available, and some may require in-app purchases. |
Method 4: Using the Export Feature via Spotify Web Player
While this method does not directly allow downloading music to your iPhone, it allows you to export song data from Spotify using the Spotify Web Player. You can then convert the exported data into downloadable files using third-party services or applications. Here’s how you can use the export feature via the Spotify Web Player:
Step 1: Open a web browser on your computer and go to the Spotify Web Player website.
Step 2: Log in to your Spotify account.
Step 3: Access the playlist or album you want to export.
Step 4: Click on the three dots next to the playlist or album’s name and select "Copy Playlist/Album Link."
Step 5: Open a new tab in your web browser and go to a third-party service like "TuneMyMusic" or "Soundiiz."
Step 6: Follow the instructions on the third-party service to import the Spotify playlist or album using the copied link.
Step 7: Once imported, use the third-party service’s options to export the playlist or album data into a downloadable format.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Allows access to Spotify’s vast library of songs for export. | 1. Does not directly download music to your iPhone. |
| 2. Provides an alternative way to obtain music for offline listening. | 2. Requires additional steps and the use of third-party services. |
| 3. Can be useful for users who primarily listen to music on their computers. | 3. Exported files may be in a format compatible with specific software or services. |
What to Do If You Can’t Download Music on Spotify Without Premium
If the methods mentioned above do not work for you or you encounter any issues, here are a few alternative fixes you can try:
1. Clear Spotify cache: Go to the settings within the Spotify app, find the option to clear cache, and try downloading music again.
2. Restart your iPhone: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve temporary issues with app functionality.
3. Update the Spotify app: Ensure you have the latest version of the Spotify app installed on your iPhone to benefit from any bug fixes or improvements.
4. Contact Spotify support: If all else fails, reach out to Spotify’s support team for assistance with your specific issue.
Bonus Tips
Here are a few bonus tips to enhance your music streaming experience:
1. Explore other music streaming services: If Spotify does not meet your requirements, consider trying out other popular music streaming services like Apple Music, Amazon Music, or Tidal.
2. Create offline playlists: Even without a premium subscription, Spotify allows you to create playlists with saved songs. Add your favorite tracks to a playlist and make it available offline for easy access.
3. Limit data usage: If you are concerned about data usage while streaming music, make sure to adjust the audio quality settings in the Spotify app to reduce data consumption.
5 FAQs
Q1: Can I download music from Spotify for free?
A: No, downloading music from Spotify requires a premium subscription. However, alternative methods exist to download music without a subscription.
Q2: Are the methods mentioned in this article legal?
A: Using third-party apps may potentially violate Spotify’s terms of service. It is recommended to use these methods at your own risk.
Q3: Are there any risks involved in using modified versions of the Spotify app?
A: Modified versions of the app, like Spotify++, may be less stable compared to the official version and may not receive regular updates. Proceed with caution when using such apps.
Q4: Can I use these methods on an Android device?
A: These methods are specifically tailored for iPhone users. However, similar techniques may be available for Android devices.
Q5: Will using third-party apps or modified versions of the Spotify app affect my account?
A: While using third-party apps or modified versions of the Spotify app may not result in immediate consequences, they could potentially lead to the suspension or termination of your Spotify account.
Final Thoughts
Downloading music on Spotify without a premium subscription is undoubtedly a convenient feature that many users desire. While the official Spotify app restricts this feature to premium subscribers, alternative methods can be used to download music without the need for a paid subscription. Whether it’s using modified versions of the app, utilizing Siri Shortcuts, or exploring third-party apps, there are various ways to enjoy your favorite tracks offline. However, it is important to understand the risks associated with some of these methods and proceed with caution.