SoundCloud's download rules and what you can actually save

SoundCloud lets some tracks be downloaded by the artist or uploader, but not all. When a download button appears next to a track, you can save it directly to your device. If no button shows, the artist has disabled downloads for that track, and SoundCloud's terms do not allow you to save it another way. The method changes depending on whether you are using a computer, iPhone, or Android phone.

Before you start, understand that downloaded tracks stay on your device but may have restrictions. Some artists set downloads to expire after a certain time, or to work only offline. Check the track page to see if the artist has added any notes about how long you can keep the file or what you can do with it.

Key Takeaways

  • Only tracks with a visible download button can be saved; if no button appears, the artist has disabled downloads for that track.
  • On a computer, click the download button and choose where to save the file, which usually goes to your Downloads folder.
  • On iPhone, you need the SoundCloud app and must tap the three dots next to a track, then select "Save to Files" to store it on your phone.
  • On Android, the SoundCloud app has a download icon next to downloadable tracks that saves files directly to your phone's storage.
  • Downloaded tracks may have expiration dates or offline-only restrictions set by the artist, so check the track details before relying on the file.

Downloading on a Windows or Mac computer

Open SoundCloud in your web browser and find the track you want. Hover your mouse over the track title or artwork. A row of buttons will appear, including a down arrow icon labeled "Download." Click that button.

A dialog box will open asking where you want to save the file. By default, most browsers save to your Downloads folder. You can change the location if you prefer. The file will be an MP3 or WAV file depending on what the artist uploaded. Once the download finishes, you can move the file to any folder on your computer, add it to music software like iTunes or Spotify, or transfer it to another device.

Downloading on an iPhone using the SoundCloud app

Open the SoundCloud app and find the track. Tap the three horizontal dots (the menu icon) next to the track name. A menu will pop up with several options. Look for "Save to Files" or "Save to Library" depending on your app version.

If you tap "Save to Files," the app will ask which folder you want to use. Choose a location in the Files app on your iPhone, or create a new folder. The track will download and appear in that folder. You can then open it with any music player app that reads local files, such as Music, VLC, or Infuse. If the option says "Save to Library," the track saves within the SoundCloud app itself and you can play it offline through SoundCloud.

Downloading on an Android phone using the SoundCloud app

Open the SoundCloud app and navigate to the track. Look for a down arrow icon next to the track name or in the track details. Tap the down arrow. The app will begin downloading the file to your phone's storage, usually in a folder called SoundCloud or Downloads.

Once the download is complete, you can find the file using your phone's file manager app (often called Files, My Files, or File Manager depending on your Android version). From there, you can move it to a different folder, share it, or open it with any music player app installed on your phone. The file will remain on your device even if you uninstall the SoundCloud app, unless you delete it manually.

What to do if the download button does not appear

If you do not see a download button or icon next to a track, the artist has turned off downloads for that song. This is the artist's choice, and there is no way to download it through SoundCloud. Some artists only allow downloads for certain tracks, such as free releases or remixes, while keeping others streaming-only.

Your options are to listen to the track through SoundCloud's streaming service, or to contact the artist directly to ask if they will share the file with you. Some artists sell downloads through Bandcamp, their own website, or other music stores if you want to own a copy.

Understanding file formats and quality

SoundCloud downloads come in two formats: MP3 or WAV. MP3 is smaller and works on almost any device or music player. WAV is larger but preserves more audio detail. The artist decides which format to offer when they upload the track. You cannot change the format after downloading—you get what the artist provided.

The audio quality depends on what the artist uploaded to SoundCloud, not on SoundCloud itself. If an artist uploaded a low-quality file, the download will be low-quality. If they uploaded high-quality audio, the download will reflect that. SoundCloud does not compress or improve files during download.

Moving downloaded tracks to music apps and devices

Once you have a downloaded file on your computer, you can add it to music software. In iTunes on Mac or Windows, drag the file into your library, or go to File > Add to Library and select the file. In other music apps like Foobar2000 or MusicBee, use the File menu or drag the file into the app window.

To move files to another device, connect your phone or tablet to your computer with a USB cable, then drag the file into the device's music folder. Alternatively, use cloud storage like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive to upload the file from your computer and download it on another device. Some music players, like Plex or Subsonic, let you upload files to a personal server and stream them across devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I download a SoundCloud track if I do not have a SoundCloud account?

Yes. If the download button is visible on the track page, you can download it without logging in. You do not need an account to save tracks that the artist has made downloadable. However, you will need an account to use the SoundCloud app on your phone.

What happens to a downloaded track if the artist deletes it from SoundCloud?

The file stays on your device. Once you download a track, it is yours to keep. If the artist removes it from SoundCloud later, your downloaded copy is not affected. You can still play it, move it, or share it as you wish.

Can I download a full SoundCloud playlist at once?

SoundCloud does not have a built-in feature to download entire playlists. You must download tracks one at a time. If you want to download many tracks, you will need to go through each one and click the download button separately.

Is it legal to download tracks from SoundCloud?

If the artist has made the track downloadable on SoundCloud, you are allowed to download it. That is the artist's permission built into the platform. However, you should respect any restrictions the artist sets, such as not sharing the file publicly or not using it commercially if they have noted that.

Why does my downloaded file not play in my music app?

The most common reason is that your music app does not support the file format. If the track is a WAV file and your app only plays MP3, it will not work. Try opening the file with a different music player, or convert it using free software like Audacity or MediaHuman Audio Converter. Another reason could be that the file did not download completely—try downloading it again.