You can add local files to Spotify on desktop, but not on mobile apps
Spotify lets you upload music files stored on your computer and play them alongside your library — but only through the desktop app on Windows or Mac. The mobile apps for iOS and Android do not support local files at all. Once you add a file to Spotify on your computer, you can see it in your library and add it to playlists, but you will need to be on the desktop app or use Spotify Connect to play it on other devices.
Local files work best for music you own but Spotify does not have in its catalog — bootleg recordings, live shows, unreleased tracks, or songs from independent artists who have not uploaded to streaming services. Spotify will not play files it detects as copyrighted material owned by major labels, even if you own a copy.
Key Takeaways
- Local files must be stored on your computer in MP3, M4A, OGG, or FLAC format, and Spotify needs permission to access the folder where they live.
- You add local files through Spotify's desktop settings by pointing the app to a folder on your hard drive, not by uploading individual songs.
- Files appear in a "Local Files" section in your library once Spotify scans and recognizes them, which can take a few minutes.
- You can add local files to playlists and play them on other devices using Spotify Connect, but the original file must stay on your computer.
How to set up a local files folder on Windows
Start by creating a folder on your computer where you will keep the music files you want to add to Spotify. You can put this folder anywhere — your Desktop, Documents, or a dedicated Music folder. Move or copy your audio files into this folder. Spotify recognizes MP3, M4A, OGG, and FLAC files; it will ignore other formats.
Open Spotify on your desktop and go to Settings (the gear icon in the top right). Scroll down to the "Local Files" section. Toggle on "Show Local Files" first. Then click "Add a Source" and navigate to the folder you created. Select it and click "Open". Spotify will scan the folder and add any recognized files to your library within a few minutes.
If Spotify does not find your files after scanning, check that the file format is supported and that the audio files are not corrupted. You can also try moving the folder to a different location on your computer — sometimes permission issues prevent Spotify from reading files in certain directories.
How to set up a local files folder on Mac
Create a new folder on your Mac where you want to store the music files. Drag or copy your audio files into this folder. The process is the same as Windows — Spotify only recognizes MP3, M4A, OGG, and FLAC formats.
Open Spotify and click "Spotify" in the top menu bar, then select "Settings". Scroll to "Local Files" and toggle on "Show Local Files". Click "Add a Source", navigate to your folder, and select it. Spotify will scan and add the files to your library.
On Mac, you may need to grant Spotify permission to access your files. If Spotify asks for permission, go to System Preferences, then Security & Privacy, and make sure Spotify has access to your files and folders.
Where to find your local files in your library
Once Spotify finishes scanning, your local files appear in a section called "Local Files" at the bottom of your library on the left sidebar. Click on it to see all the songs Spotify found in your folder. The files are organized by artist and album based on the metadata in each file — if a file has no artist or album information, Spotify may group it under "Unknown".
You can search for local files using the search bar at the top of Spotify, just like any other song. You can also add them to playlists by right-clicking a local file and selecting "Add to Playlist". Local files in playlists will play when you are on the desktop app or when you use Spotify Connect to play on another device.
Playing local files on other devices using Spotify Connect
Local files only play on the computer where they are stored, but you can use Spotify Connect to play them on other devices in your home. Spotify Connect lets you control playback on one device from another device on the same Wi-Fi network. If you have a local file in a playlist and you use Spotify Connect to play that playlist on a speaker or another device, the file will play as long as your computer stays on and connected to the network.
To use Spotify Connect, open Spotify on any device on your home network and look for the "Devices Available" button (usually a speaker icon). Select your computer from the list. The playlist will play on your computer, but you control it from your phone or tablet. If you skip past a local file to a song that is in Spotify's catalog, playback will switch to the other device automatically.
Why Spotify might not find your files
If you add files to your local folder but Spotify does not show them in your library, check a few things. First, make sure the files are in a supported format — MP3, M4A, OGG, or FLAC. Spotify will not read WAV, AAC, or other formats. Second, verify that the folder path has no special characters or very long names, which can sometimes cause scanning problems.
Third, restart Spotify completely — close it and open it again. Sometimes the app needs a fresh start to scan a new folder. If files still do not appear, try moving your local files folder to a simpler location, like your Documents folder, and re-adding it in Settings. You can also check that Spotify has permission to read files from that location on your computer.
Spotify may also refuse to play files it recognizes as copyrighted material from major record labels, even if you own them. In that case, the file will appear in your Local Files section but will not play. This is rare with truly independent or unreleased music, but it can happen with bootleg recordings or leaked tracks.
Managing and updating your local files
You can add or remove files from your local folder at any time. If you add new files to the folder, Spotify will scan and add them the next time you open the app or refresh your library. If you delete files from the folder, they will disappear from your Spotify library the next time the app syncs — usually within a few minutes.
If you want to remove a local files folder from Spotify without deleting the files from your computer, go back to Settings, find the folder under "Local Files", and click the X next to it. The files will disappear from your Spotify library, but the actual files will stay on your hard drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add local files to Spotify on my phone or tablet?
No. The Spotify app on iOS and Android does not support local files. You can only add and manage local files through the desktop app on Windows or Mac. You can play local files on your phone using Spotify Connect if your computer is on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
What happens to my local files if I uninstall Spotify?
Your music files stay on your computer. Uninstalling Spotify only removes the app — it does not delete the files in your local folder. When you reinstall Spotify, you can add the same folder again and your files will reappear in your library.
Can I share local files with other Spotify users?
No. Local files only exist on your computer and cannot be shared through Spotify's sharing features. Other users cannot see or play your local files, even if you add them to a playlist and share that playlist. They will see the playlist, but the local files will skip or show as unavailable.
Do local files count toward my Spotify storage or data usage?
Local files do not use Spotify's storage — they use space on your computer's hard drive. When you play them over Wi-Fi or mobile data, they stream from your computer rather than from Spotify's servers, so they do use your internet connection.
Can I convert my local files to a different format if Spotify does not recognize them?
Yes. If you have files in WAV, AAC, or another unsupported format, you can use free software like Audacity or VLC to convert them to MP3 or M4A. Once converted, move the new files to your local folder and Spotify will recognize them on the next scan.