Spotify has become one of the most popular music streaming platforms globally, offering users access to millions of songs, playlists, and podcasts. One of its convenient features is the ability to play local files – songs stored on your device that are not available in Spotify’s streaming catalog. However, many users have encountered the frustrating issue of local files not showing up on their phone when using Spotify. Fortunately, this problem is easy to resolve.
If you’re experiencing this issue, follow these simple troubleshooting steps to get your local files back on your mobile device.
Why Aren’t My Local Files Showing Up on Spotify?
There are several reasons why local files may not show up on Spotify on your phone. Some of the most common causes include:
- Incorrect Sync Settings: Your local files need to be synced properly between your computer and your mobile device.
- File Format Issues: Spotify only supports certain file formats for local files (MP3, MP4, M4P, and some FLAC files).
- Network Connectivity: If your devices aren’t connected to the same Wi-Fi network, the sync won’t work.
- Outdated App Version: An outdated version of Spotify may cause syncing issues.
- Offline Mode Settings: Spotify needs to be in offline mode for local files to appear on your phone.
How to Fix Spotify Local Files Not Showing Up on Your Phone
1. Ensure Both Devices Are on the Same Wi-Fi Network
First, make sure both your computer and phone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Spotify requires both devices to be on the same network in order to sync local files. If they’re not on the same network, they won’t be able to communicate, and your local files won’t show up on your mobile device.
2. Enable Local File Syncing on Desktop
You must sync your local files from your desktop to your phone manually. Here’s how you can do it:
- Step 1: Open Spotify on your computer.
- Step 2: Go to Settings by clicking the gear icon in the top right corner.
- Step 3: Scroll down to the Local Files section and toggle on the option for local files.
- Step 4: If the folder containing your local files isn’t listed, click Add a Source and select the folder where your music files are located.
3. Make Sure Your Files Are in a Compatible Format
Spotify only supports a limited range of file formats for local files, including MP3, MP4, M4P, and some FLAC files. If your files are in a different format, they might not appear. To fix this, you can convert your files to a supported format using an audio conversion tool.
4. Update the Spotify App
Sometimes, outdated versions of the Spotify app can cause syncing issues. To ensure everything is running smoothly:
- Step 1: Open the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android) on your phone.
- Step 2: Check if there’s an available update for the Spotify app. If there is, tap Update to install the latest version.
An updated app can help fix bugs and improve syncing functionality.
5. Switch to Offline Mode on Mobile
For local files to appear and play on your mobile device, you need to be in offline mode on Spotify. Here’s how to enable offline mode:
- Step 1: Open the Spotify app on your phone.
- Step 2: Go to Your Library.
- Step 3: Tap on the gear icon in the top right corner to open Settings.
- Step 4: Scroll down and toggle on Offline Mode.
This will allow Spotify to load and play the local files that you’ve synced from your desktop.
6. Check Your Spotify Premium Subscription
Local file syncing is available only for Spotify Premium users. If you’re using the free version of Spotify, you won’t be able to sync local files between devices. If you want to access your local files, you’ll need to upgrade to a Premium subscription.
7. Re-sync Local Files
Sometimes, simply re-syncing the files can fix the issue. To do this:
- Step 1: Open Spotify on your desktop.
- Step 2: Go to the playlist that contains your local files.
- Step 3: Toggle off Available Offline and then toggle it back on.
- Step 4: Wait for the files to sync, and check your mobile device again.
8. Clear Cache and Reinstall Spotify
If none of the above methods work, clearing the cache or reinstalling Spotify on your phone might resolve the issue:
- Step 1: Go to Settings on your phone and find Spotify in the list of apps.
- Step 2: Tap on Storage and select Clear Cache.
- Step 3: If clearing the cache doesn’t help, uninstall and then reinstall Spotify.
This will ensure you have a fresh copy of the app and might resolve any syncing problems.
Conclusion
It’s frustrating when Spotify local files don’t show up on your phone, but in most cases, the issue can be easily fixed by following the troubleshooting steps above. Ensure your devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network, check your local files for compatibility, and confirm that you’re using the latest version of the app. If you follow these steps, you should be able to enjoy your local music files on Spotify with ease!