Deleting a playlist removes it permanently from your account
When you delete a playlist, the songs or videos in it stay in your library — only the playlist itself disappears. The process takes about 30 seconds and works the same way across most apps: find the playlist, open its menu, and choose delete. You cannot undo this action, so if you think you might want the playlist back later, consider renaming it instead or moving the songs to a different playlist first.
The exact steps depend on which app you use. Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and Amazon Music all have slightly different menus, but the core idea is identical. This guide covers the major platforms and shows you where to look on each one.
Key Takeaways
- Deleting a playlist removes only the playlist itself, not the individual songs or videos it contained.
- You cannot undo a deletion, so back up any songs you want to keep before you delete.
- Most apps require you to right-click or tap a menu button next to the playlist name to find the delete option.
- If you created the playlist on one device, you may need to delete it from that same device or from the app's website version.
How to delete a playlist on Spotify
Open Spotify on your phone, tablet, or computer. Find the playlist you want to delete in your library — it will be listed under "Your Playlists" on the left side of the desktop app or in the "Liked Songs" section on mobile. Right-click the playlist name on a computer, or tap the three dots next to it on a phone.
A menu will appear. Select "Delete Playlist" from the options. Spotify will ask you to confirm — click or tap "Delete" again. The playlist is now gone, but every song that was in it remains in your library and your "Liked Songs" if you had saved them individually.
How to delete a playlist on Apple Music
On an iPhone or iPad, open Apple Music and go to the "Library" tab at the bottom. Tap "Playlists" to see all your playlists. Swipe left on the playlist you want to delete, and a red "Delete" button will appear. Tap it, then confirm by tapping "Delete Playlist."
On a Mac or PC, open Apple Music and find the playlist in the sidebar on the left. Right-click it and choose "Delete from Library." On the web version at music.apple.com, click the three dots next to the playlist name and select "Delete Playlist." The songs themselves stay in your library no matter which device you use to delete the playlist.
How to delete a playlist on YouTube Music
Open YouTube Music on your phone or computer. Find the playlist in your library — it will appear under "Your Playlists." On a phone, tap the three dots next to the playlist name. On a computer, hover over the playlist and click the three dots that appear.
Select "Delete Playlist" from the menu. YouTube Music will ask you to confirm. Tap or click "Delete" to remove it permanently. The videos stay in your library; only the playlist grouping is removed.
How to delete a playlist on Amazon Music
Open Amazon Music and go to "My Music" in the menu. Select "Playlists" to view all your playlists. Find the one you want to delete and tap or click the three dots next to its name.
Choose "Delete Playlist" from the menu and confirm your choice. Amazon Music will remove the playlist when ready. All the songs you added to it remain available in your library.
What happens to the songs after you delete a playlist
Deleting a playlist does not remove any of the songs from your account. If you saved individual songs to your library or liked them, they stay there. The playlist was just a folder or grouping — removing it does not touch the actual music or videos inside.
If you want to keep some songs from a playlist before you delete it, you can move them to a different playlist or save them individually. Most apps let you select multiple songs at once and add them to another playlist in one action. This takes a minute longer but gives you a backup if you change your mind later.
Why you might not be able to delete a playlist
If you created a playlist on your phone but cannot find the delete option, try opening the app on your computer or the website version instead. Some apps require you to delete a playlist from the device where you created it, or from the web version only.
Collaborative playlists — ones that other people can add songs to — sometimes have different rules. If you are not the original creator, you may only be able to remove yourself from the playlist, not delete it entirely. Check whether you own the playlist or are just a contributor. On Spotify, for example, only the person who created it can delete it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a deleted playlist back?
No. Once you delete a playlist, it is gone permanently. Most music apps do not have an undo button or a trash folder. If you think you might want the playlist later, rename it to something like "Old — do not use" instead of deleting it, or export the song list to a notes app before you remove it.
What if I delete a playlist by accident?
Contact the app's support team with the date and time you deleted it. Some services keep backups for a short period and may be able to restore it, though this is not may provide. Spotify and Apple Music both have support pages where you can report the issue, but recovery is not promised.
Do I need to delete a playlist from every device I use?
No. When you delete a playlist from one device, it disappears from all your devices automatically because the app syncs with your account. You only need to delete it once, from whichever device is most convenient.
Can I delete a playlist that other people contributed to?
Only if you created it. On collaborative playlists, you can remove yourself as a contributor, but only the original creator can delete the entire playlist. If you want it gone and you did not create it, ask the creator to delete it.
Will deleting a playlist affect my recommendations?
No. The app tracks which songs you listened to and liked, not which playlists you organized them into. Deleting a playlist does not change your listening history or the recommendations the app shows you.