You can add music files stored on your computer to Spotify, but the process differs between desktop and mobile

Spotify lets you include MP3 files and other audio formats you own — songs you've downloaded, recordings you've made, or files from sources outside Spotify — in your library and playlists. On a computer, you point Spotify to a folder containing your files and they appear in a "Local Files" section. On a phone or tablet, the process is more limited: you can only add local files through the desktop app first, then sync them to your mobile device over the same Wi-Fi network.

The files must be in a format Spotify recognizes: MP3, M4A, AAC, OGG, or FLAC. Spotify does not support WAV or ALAC files. Once added, local files appear only on devices where you've set them up — they don't sync across all your devices the way Spotify's catalog does.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows or Mac, open Spotify settings, find the Local Files section, and point it to a folder containing your music files.
  • Local files must be in MP3, M4A, AAC, OGG, or FLAC format; Spotify will not recognize WAV or ALAC files.
  • On mobile, you must first add local files on your desktop, then enable the local files setting in the mobile app while connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
  • Local files appear only on the device where you added them and do not sync across your phone, tablet, and computer automatically.

Adding local files on Windows or Mac

Open Spotify on your computer and go to Settings (the gear icon in the top right corner). Scroll down until you see "Local Files" — it appears near the bottom of the settings menu. Toggle the switch next to "Local Files" to turn it on.

Click "Add a Local Folder" and navigate to the folder on your computer that contains the music files you want to add. Select the folder and confirm. Spotify will scan it and add any recognized files to your library. You can add multiple folders by clicking "Add a Local Folder" again. If you remove a folder from this list later, those songs disappear from your library.

The files appear in a section called "Local Files" in your library sidebar on the left. You can create playlists that mix Spotify's catalog with your local files, but you cannot download local files for offline listening the way you can with Spotify's regular songs.

Adding local files on iPhone or iPad

The iOS version of Spotify does not let you add local files directly from your phone. Instead, you must add them on a Mac or Windows computer first, then enable them in the mobile app. Make sure your iPhone or iPad is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer.

Open the Spotify app on your iPhone or iPad and go to Settings (the gear icon). Scroll down and toggle on "Local Files." Spotify will search your home Wi-Fi network for local files you've added on your computer and display them in the app. If they don't appear immediately, try closing and reopening the app or restarting your phone.

Local files on iOS appear in your library but cannot be downloaded for offline use. If you leave your home Wi-Fi network, you will not be able to play them.

Adding local files on Android

Android offers more flexibility than iOS. You can add local files directly from your phone by going to Settings, scrolling to "Local Files," and toggling it on. Spotify will scan your phone's storage for music files in supported formats.

You can also add files from your computer the same way you would on iOS: enable local files on your desktop, connect your Android phone to the same Wi-Fi network, then toggle on "Local Files" in the mobile app. Android will find the files on your home network.

Like iOS, local files on Android cannot be downloaded for offline listening and require a Wi-Fi connection to your home network to play.

File format and naming requirements

Spotify recognizes MP3, M4A, AAC, OGG, and FLAC files. It does not support WAV, ALAC, or DSD formats. If you have files in unsupported formats, you will need to convert them using a free tool like Audacity or VLC before adding them to Spotify.

Spotify reads the metadata (artist name, song title, album name) from your files to organize them in your library. If your files have incomplete or missing metadata, they may appear with generic names like "Unknown Artist" or "Track 1." You can edit metadata using a free tool like MusicBrainz Picard before adding the files to Spotify, or you can rename them directly in Spotify after they appear in your library.

Troubleshooting local files that don't appear

If you've added a folder but the files don't show up in Spotify, first check that the files are in a supported format. Open one of the files on your computer to confirm it plays — if it doesn't, the file may be corrupted. Try removing the folder from Local Files settings and adding it again.

On mobile, make sure you're connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer. Local files only sync over your home network, not over cellular data. If files still don't appear, restart both your phone and your computer, then toggle Local Files off and on again in the mobile app.

If a file has a very long name or contains special characters, Spotify may skip it. Try renaming the file to something shorter and simpler, then rescan the folder.

Playing and organizing local files in playlists

Once local files appear in your library, you can add them to playlists just like any other song. Create a new playlist, click the plus icon, and search for the local file by name. You can mix local files and Spotify songs in the same playlist.

Local files you add to a playlist on your computer will appear in that playlist on your phone or tablet, but only while you're on your home Wi-Fi network. If you travel or switch networks, the local files in your playlists become unavailable until you reconnect to the same Wi-Fi.

You cannot share playlists that contain local files with other Spotify users. When someone else opens a shared playlist, they see only the Spotify songs — the local files are hidden from them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I download local files for offline listening?

No. Spotify's offline download feature works only with songs from Spotify's catalog. Local files cannot be downloaded and are only playable when you have an internet connection and are on the same Wi-Fi network as the computer where you added them.

What happens if I delete the original file from my computer?

The song disappears from your Spotify library and playlists. Spotify does not store a copy of local files — it only points to the folder on your computer. If you remove the folder from Local Files settings or delete the file itself, it's gone from Spotify too.

Can I share a playlist with local files with friends?

Your friends will see the playlist, but only the Spotify songs will play for them. Local files are hidden in shared playlists and cannot be played by other users, even if they have the same files on their computer.

Do local files count toward my Spotify storage limit?

Spotify does not impose a storage limit on local files. You can add as many as your computer's hard drive can hold. However, local files take up space on your device's storage, so check your available disk space before adding large music libraries.

Why do my local files have generic names like "Unknown Artist"?

Spotify reads the artist, album, and song title from your file's metadata tags. If these tags are missing or incomplete, Spotify displays generic names. Edit the metadata using a free tool like MusicBrainz Picard before adding the files, or edit the song information directly in Spotify after they appear in your library.