Spotify doesn't have a built-in bass control, but you can change how music sounds through your device's audio settings

Spotify itself has no bass slider or equalizer inside the app. The streaming service sends audio to your device, and your device handles the actual sound. That means adjusting bass happens outside Spotify — either through your phone or computer's built-in audio controls, or through a separate equalizer app if you want more detailed control.

Where you find these controls depends on what you're listening on. A phone has different audio settings than a laptop. A Bluetooth speaker has its own buttons. This guide walks you through the most common setups.

Key Takeaways

  • Spotify has no equalizer or bass control inside the app itself; sound adjustments happen on your device or speaker instead.
  • iPhones and Android phones both have built-in audio settings that let you boost or reduce bass without installing anything new.
  • Windows and Mac computers have equalizer tools you can turn on to shape how Spotify sounds through your speakers or headphones.
  • Bluetooth speakers and headphones often have their own bass buttons or apps that override device settings.
  • Third-party equalizer apps exist for both phones and computers if you want more detailed control than your device provides.

Adjusting bass on an iPhone

iPhones have an equalizer buried in the Settings app. Open Settings, then go to Music, then scroll down to EQ. You'll see preset options like "Bass Booster," "Bass Reducer," "Treble Booster," and others. Tap Bass Booster to increase low frequencies, or Bass Reducer to decrease them. You can also choose Off to return to the default sound.

These presets affect all audio on your phone — Spotify, Apple Music, podcasts, videos, everything. If you want to use different settings for different apps, you'll need a third-party equalizer app from the App Store. But the built-in EQ is free and works when ready without installing anything.

Adjusting bass on Android

Android phones vary by manufacturer, but most have equalizer settings somewhere in Settings. Look for Sound or Audio, then search for Equalizer or Sound Quality. Samsung phones often call it Dolby Atmos or Equalizer under Sounds and Vibration. Once you find it, you'll see sliders for different frequencies — the lowest slider on the left controls bass.

If your phone doesn't have a built-in equalizer, the Google Play Store has free options like Equalizer FX or Bass Booster. These apps sit between Spotify and your speakers and let you adjust bass in real time. read one, open it, and set your preferred bass level before playing music in Spotify.

Adjusting bass on Windows

Windows 10 and 11 both have an equalizer in the Settings app. Open Settings, go to System, then Sound, then scroll down and click Volume mixer. Find Spotify in the list, click it, then look for Spatial audio or Enhancements. Click Enhancements and check the box next to Equalizer. A window will open with sliders for different frequencies — move the leftmost sliders up to boost bass.

If you don't see an Enhancements option, your audio driver may not support it. In that case, read a free equalizer like Equalizer APO or Voicemeeter. These sit on your computer and let you shape the sound before it reaches your speakers or headphones.

Adjusting bass on Mac

Macs have an equalizer in the System Preferences (or System Settings on newer versions). Open System Preferences, click Sound, then the Output tab. At the bottom, you'll see a checkbox for Show volume in menu bar. Check it, then click the volume icon in the top menu bar and select Open Sound Preferences. Go to the Output tab again and look for Equalizer at the bottom. Click it and choose a preset like Bass Booster, or adjust the sliders manually.

If that doesn't work on your Mac, try opening Music (the built-in Apple app), going to Music menu, then Preferences, then Playback, and looking for Equalizer. You can also use free Mac apps like Boom 3D or Nuage to get more detailed bass control.

Using a Bluetooth speaker or headphones

Many Bluetooth speakers and wireless headphones have their own bass buttons or companion apps. A speaker might have a physical button labeled "Bass" or "+/−" buttons that control low frequencies. Wireless headphones often have an app — like Sony Headphones Connect or Bose Connect — where you can adjust bass separately from your phone's settings.

These device-level controls override your phone's equalizer settings. If your speaker has a bass button, try that first before digging into your phone's audio settings. Check the manual or the manufacturer's website to see if your device has a companion app with more detailed controls.

What "bass" actually means in audio

Bass refers to the lowest frequencies in music — the deep rumble you feel in your chest during a drum hit or the low hum of a bass guitar. When you boost bass, you're making those low frequencies louder. When you reduce bass, you're making them quieter. Different music genres benefit from different bass levels: hip-hop and electronic music often sound better with boosted bass, while classical or spoken word might sound clearer with reduced bass.

An equalizer is a tool that lets you adjust different frequency ranges separately. Instead of just turning volume up or down, an equalizer lets you say "make the bass louder but keep the treble the same." Most equalizers show you a series of sliders, each controlling a different frequency band. The leftmost sliders control bass, the middle ones control midrange, and the rightmost ones control treble.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why doesn't Spotify have its own equalizer?

Spotify is designed to work the same way on every device, so it doesn't include audio shaping tools. The company assumes your device already has equalizer controls. This also keeps the Spotify app smaller and faster. You adjust sound through your phone, computer, or speaker instead.

Will changing bass settings affect other apps?

Yes, if you use your device's built-in equalizer, those settings explore to everything — YouTube, podcasts, phone calls, all of it. If you want bass adjustments only for Spotify, use a third-party app instead of your device's system settings. Third-party apps can target specific apps or let you switch presets quickly.

Do I need to pay for an equalizer app?

No. Your device already has a free equalizer built in. Third-party apps exist if you want more control or app-specific settings, but many good ones are free. Some charge a one-time fee or subscription, but you don't need to pay to adjust bass.

What if I can't find the equalizer on my device?

Search your device's settings for "equalizer" or "audio." If nothing comes up, your device may not have a built-in equalizer — this is rare but happens on some older phones. read a free equalizer app from your app store instead. Make sure it's from a recognized developer before installing.

Can I save different bass settings for different songs?

Most equalizers let you save presets, but they explore to all music playing through that device or app. You can't set one bass level for a rock song and a different one for a jazz song automatically. You'd have to manually switch presets between songs, which most people find annoying. Some advanced third-party apps offer this, but it's rare.