You can add local files to Spotify on desktop, but not on mobile apps

Spotify lets you upload music files you own — recordings you made yourself, rare bootlegs, unreleased tracks, or anything else not in Spotify's catalog — and play them alongside your regular library. The feature works on Windows and Mac computers, but not on iPhone, iPad, or Android phones. Once you add a local file on desktop, you can see it in your library and add it to playlists, but you cannot stream it to your phone unless you are on the same home network as your computer.

The process takes about five minutes and requires three things: Spotify installed on your computer, the audio file itself (in MP3, M4A, OGG, or FLAC format), and a folder where Spotify knows to look for those files.

Key Takeaways

  • Local files must be stored in a folder your Spotify app can access, and you tell Spotify where that folder is through Settings.
  • Spotify recognizes MP3, M4A, OGG, and FLAC files, but not WAV or other formats — convert first if you have a different type.
  • You can add local files to playlists and see them in your library on desktop, but playing them on your phone requires being connected to your home network.
  • If a local file does not appear after you add it, check that the file format is supported and that Spotify has permission to read the folder.

Setting up a folder for local files

Start by creating a folder on your computer where you will keep all the music files you want Spotify to find. You can name it anything — "My Music", "Local Files", or "Spotify Uploads" all work. Put all your audio files into this folder. If you have files scattered across different folders, move them into one place first, because Spotify scans only the folders you tell it to scan.

On Windows, a common location is C:\Users\[Your Username]\Music\Spotify Local Files. On Mac, you might use ~/Music/Spotify Local Files. The exact location does not matter as long as you remember where it is.

Telling Spotify where your files are

Open Spotify on your desktop computer and go to Settings. On Windows, click the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the top left, then scroll down and click Settings. On Mac, click Spotify in the menu bar at the top, then Preferences.

Look for a section called Local Files (Windows) or Local Files (Mac) — it is usually near the bottom of the Settings page. Click the toggle to turn on local file scanning. Then click "Add a Local Folder" and navigate to the folder you created. Select it and click Open. Spotify will now scan that folder for supported audio files.

The scan happens in the background and usually takes a few seconds to a few minutes, depending on how many files you have. Once it finishes, your local files will appear in a section called "Local Files" in your library sidebar.

Checking file format and fixing missing files

Spotify only recognizes four audio formats: MP3, M4A (iTunes audio), OGG, and FLAC. If you have files in WAV, WMA, or other formats, Spotify will not see them. You will need to convert them first using a free tool like Audacity or VLC Media Player. Both can open an unsupported file and save it as an MP3 or FLAC.

If you add files to your folder but they do not show up in Spotify after a few minutes, check three things: first, make sure the file is actually in the folder you told Spotify to scan (not in a subfolder). Second, confirm the file format is one of the four Spotify supports — right-click the file, check Properties (Windows) or Get Info (Mac), and look at the file type. Third, make sure Spotify has permission to read the folder. On Windows, right-click the folder, click Properties, go to Security, and check that your user account has Read permission. On Mac, go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Files and Folders, and make sure Spotify is listed and has access to your Music folder.

Playing local files on your phone

Local files do not sync to Spotify's cloud the way regular songs do. If you want to play a local file on your phone, your phone must be on the same Wi-Fi network as your computer, and your computer must be turned on and running Spotify. This is called offline sync — Spotify downloads a copy of the file to your phone so you can play it later without the computer being on.

To set this up, create a playlist on your desktop Spotify that includes your local file. Then on your phone, open that playlist, tap the three dots in the top right, and toggle "read" on. Spotify will read the local file to your phone over Wi-Fi. After that, you can play it anytime, even without your computer or Wi-Fi.

Keep in mind that downloaded local files take up storage space on your phone, just like any other read. If you have many local files, you may run out of phone storage quickly.

What happens if you move or delete the original file

Spotify does not copy your local files to its servers — it only reads them from the folder you specified. If you move the file to a different folder or delete it from your computer, Spotify will no longer be able to play it. The song will stay in your playlists and library, but when you try to play it, you will see an error message saying the file is unavailable.

If you move files, update the folder location in Spotify Settings so it can find them again. If you delete files by accident, you can restore them from your computer's Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash (Mac) and put them back in the local files folder.

Privacy and security considerations

Adding local files to Spotify does not send those files to Spotify's servers or to the internet. Spotify reads them only from your computer when you play them. This means your personal recordings, unreleased music, or any other private audio stays on your device.

However, if you have Spotify's "Social Features" turned on, other people on your friends list can see the local files in your playlists and library — they just cannot play them unless they have the same file on their own computer. If you want to keep local files completely private, go to Settings and turn off Social Features, or create a private playlist for your local files.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I upload local files to Spotify on my phone?

No. The local files feature only works on Windows and Mac desktop apps. You can read local files to your phone over Wi-Fi if they are in a playlist on your desktop, but you cannot add new files directly from your phone.

What if my audio file is in WAV format?

Spotify does not support WAV files. read a free tool like VLC Media Player or Audacity, open your WAV file, and save it as MP3 or FLAC. Then move the converted file to your local files folder and refresh Spotify.

Can other people listen to my local files?

Only if they have the same file on their own computer. Other people can see the local file in your playlists if Social Features are on, but Spotify cannot play it for them. To keep local files private, turn off Social Features or use a private playlist.

Will my local files play if my computer is off?

No, unless you have downloaded them to your phone first. Local files are stored on your computer, not in Spotify's cloud. To play them on your phone without your computer running, create a playlist with the local file and read that playlist to your phone over Wi-Fi.

What happens if I uninstall Spotify?

Your local files stay on your computer in the folder where you put them. If you reinstall Spotify and point it to the same folder again, it will find all your files. The files themselves are never deleted by Spotify.