How to Add Songs to Local Files on Spotify on iPhone: A Deep Dive

So, you’ve got that killer track, the one Spotify inexplicably misses, and you’re itching to blast it through your Spotify playlists. You want to add your local files to Spotify on your iPhone. The process isn’t as straightforward as dragging and dropping, but fear not, music lover! Here’s the definitive guide:

The Short Answer: You can’t directly upload local files to the Spotify app on your iPhone for offline listening. Spotify’s iOS app only supports streaming and downloading from its existing catalog. The trick involves using the desktop app to upload your local files to Spotify, then ensuring both your computer and iPhone are on the same Wi-Fi network and you are logged into the same Spotify account. Next, create a playlist on the desktop app that includes your local files, and then that playlist should appear on your iPhone, allowing you to play those local tracks while connected to the network.

The Detailed Process: Spotify Local Files on iPhone Explained

Let’s break down the process step-by-step to get those local bangers bopping on your iPhone.

Step 1: Preparing Your Local Files

First, ensure your music files are in a compatible format. Spotify prefers MP3, M4P, and MP4 files. If your tracks are in another format, like FLAC or WAV, you’ll need to convert them. Numerous free online converters can handle this task. Place all the tracks you want to add into a dedicated folder on your computer.

Step 2: Adding Local Files to Spotify Desktop

This is where the magic happens.

1. Open the Spotify desktop app on your computer (Mac or Windows).
2. Click on the “Edit” menu (Windows) or the “Spotify” menu (Mac) in the top left corner of your screen.
3. Select “Preferences”.
4. Scroll down until you find the “Local Files” section.
5. Toggle the “Show Local Files” option to the “on” position.
6. Click “Add a Source” and select the folder containing your music files.

Spotify will now scan the selected folder and add the compatible files to your library.

Step 3: Creating a Playlist with Local Files

1. Go to “Your Library” in the Spotify desktop app.
2. You should see a new section called “Local Files”.
3. Find the tracks you want to add.
4. Create a new playlist by clicking the “+” button on the left sidebar or right-clicking on the selected songs and choosing “Add to Playlist” > “Create New Playlist.”
5. Give your playlist a descriptive name.
6. Add all your desired local files to this playlist.

Step 4: Syncing Your iPhone with Spotify

1. Ensure your computer and iPhone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. This is crucial for Spotify to recognize the local files.
2. Log in to the Spotify app on your iPhone using the same account you use on your desktop.
3. Give Spotify a few minutes to sync your library.
4. Navigate to “Your Library” and then “Playlists” on your iPhone.
5. You should now see the playlist you created with your local files.

Step 5: Playing Your Local Files on iPhone

1. Open the playlist containing your local files.
2. Tap on a song to play it.

Important Considerations:

• You’ll only be able to play these local files on your iPhone when both your computer and iPhone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Spotify streams the local files from your computer to your phone.
• Offline playback is not directly supported. You can’t download these local files for offline listening in the Spotify app. This is a key limitation.
• The quality of the streamed audio will depend on your Wi-Fi connection strength.
• Keep the Spotify desktop app running while you’re listening on your iPhone. Closing the desktop app will interrupt the streaming.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Local files not showing up: Double-check that “Show Local Files” is enabled in the desktop app preferences and that your iPhone and computer are on the same Wi-Fi network and logged into the same Spotify account.
• Files greyed out: This usually indicates that the file format is not supported, the file is corrupted, or Spotify can’t access the file due to permissions issues.
• Playback issues: Ensure your Wi-Fi connection is stable and that your computer is not in sleep mode.

While this method isn’t ideal, it’s currently the only way to listen to your local files on Spotify on your iPhone directly through the Spotify app. Consider using cloud storage services like Dropbox or Google Drive to upload your music and listen to it on the go via the service’s iOS apps for true offline capability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I download local files for offline listening on Spotify iPhone?

Unfortunately, no, you cannot directly download local files for offline listening on the Spotify iPhone app. This is a significant limitation. Spotify only allows offline downloads from its existing music catalog.

2. What file formats are supported for local files on Spotify?

Spotify primarily supports MP3, M4P, and MP4 files for local file playback. While it might sometimes recognize other formats, sticking to these three is recommended for optimal compatibility.

3. My local files are not showing up on my iPhone Spotify app. What should I do?

First, ensure your computer and iPhone are on the same Wi-Fi network. Then, verify that “Show Local Files” is enabled in the Spotify desktop app preferences. Finally, make sure you’re logged in to the same Spotify account on both devices. Restarting the Spotify app on both your computer and iPhone can also sometimes resolve the issue.

4. Do I need Spotify Premium to play local files on my iPhone?

No, you do not need a Spotify Premium subscription to play local files on your iPhone using the method described above. The functionality is available to both free and premium users.

5. Will my local files count towards my Spotify data usage?

Yes, when streaming local files from your computer to your iPhone over Wi-Fi, it will consume data on your Wi-Fi network. However, it won’t count against your mobile data plan unless you are using a mobile hotspot.

6. Can I add local files from my iPhone directly to Spotify?

No, you cannot directly add local files from your iPhone’s storage to Spotify. The process requires using the Spotify desktop app to upload the files from your computer.

7. What happens if I close the Spotify desktop app while listening to local files on my iPhone?

If you close the Spotify desktop app, the streaming of local files to your iPhone will stop. Your iPhone is essentially acting as a remote control for the desktop app in this scenario.

8. Can I play local files from Spotify on my iPhone using Bluetooth?

Yes, you can play local files streamed from your computer to your iPhone through Bluetooth speakers or headphones. Bluetooth is used for audio output from your iPhone, not for transferring the local files themselves.

9. Is there a limit to the number of local files I can add to Spotify?

Spotify does not explicitly state a limit to the number of local files you can add. However, adding a very large number of files might impact the performance of the app. It’s generally recommended to keep the number of local files manageable.

10. Can I use a NAS (Network Attached Storage) drive as a source for local files?

Yes, you can use a NAS drive as a source for local files, provided that the NAS drive is accessible from your computer and that you can select its shared folder as a “Local Files” source in the Spotify desktop app preferences.

11. My local files are greyed out in Spotify. What does this mean?

Greyed-out local files typically indicate that Spotify cannot access the file. This could be due to an unsupported file format, a corrupted file, or permissions issues. Ensure the file is in a supported format (MP3, M4P, MP4), that the file is not corrupted, and that Spotify has the necessary permissions to access the folder containing the file.

12. Are there alternative ways to listen to local music on my iPhone if I can’t use Spotify?

Yes, several alternative options exist. You can use Apple Music, which allows you to sync your own music library to your iPhone using iTunes (or the Music app on newer macOS versions). Alternatively, you can use cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive and their respective iOS apps to stream or download your music for offline playback. There are also dedicated music player apps that support importing local files directly, such as VOX or FLAC Player.