To add local files to Spotify, you need to use the desktop app to import your personal MP3s and other supported audio files into your library, then you can optionally sync them to your mobile device. If the transfer fails, you might wonder won't my Spotify local files sync to my phone despite following the steps, but you can also download a Spotify song to files for offline playback outside the app. This guide covers how to add local files to Spotify on desktop, the file formats that work, syncing to your phone, and fixing common issues.
How to add local files to Spotify on desktop
- Open the Spotify desktop app on Windows or Mac and click your profile picture in the top-right corner.
- Select "Settings" from the menu.
- Scroll down to the "Your Library" section and toggle on "Show Local Files".
- Click "Add a source" and select the folder(s) where your music files are stored.
- Go to "Your Library" in the left sidebar and find the "Local Files" folder or playlist. Your imported tracks will appear there.
You can drag tracks from the Local Files section into any existing playlist or create a new playlist to organize them. This is a great way to bring in songs you've used a tool to download as MP3 files from other sources, letting you keep everything in one app.
Supported and unsupported file formats
Spotify supports .mp3, audio-only .mp4, and .m4p file formats for local files. Files that will not play include .mp4 files that contain video, iTunes lossless format (M4A), WAV, FLAC, OGG, and any DRM-protected files. If your music is in an unsupported format, you will need to convert it to a compatible type before adding it to Spotify.
How to sync local files to your mobile device
To listen to your local files on your phone or tablet, follow these updated steps:
- Make sure both your computer and mobile device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- On your mobile device, tap your profile picture, then go to "Settings and privacy" > "Apps and devices". Toggle on "Local audio files".
- On your desktop app, your local files should already be visible in Your Library. Play a track from the Local Files section to make it available for sync.
- On your mobile app, go to "Your Library", find the "Local Files" section, and tap the download icon next to any track to save it to your device for offline listening.
For iOS devices specifically, you may need to store your local files in the dedicated "Spotify" folder within the Files app, or transfer them via iTunes or USB connection, for the sync to work properly.
Troubleshooting local files not showing up
If your local files aren't appearing, check these common issues:
- File format compatibility: Verify that your files are in .mp3, audio-only .mp4, or .m4p format. Unsupported formats like WAV or FLAC will not show up.
- Correct folder added as a source: In desktop Settings, confirm you have clicked "Add a source" and selected the exact folder where your music is stored.
- Same Wi-Fi network for syncing: Both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network for mobile sync to work.
- iOS Spotify folder: On iPhone or iPad, ensure your local files are placed inside the Spotify folder in the Files app, or use iTunes/USB transfer.
DRM-protected files will not play regardless of format, so remove any copy protection from your music before attempting to add it. If problems persist, restart both the Spotify app and your device, then check for app updates.
