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Local Files

Local files are files that aren't hosted by Spotify but can be imported to Spotify from your own devices. You can then add them to playlists and enjoy them locally on the device they're stored on.

Here's how to import your local files to Spotify:

iOS mobile users head here ⬅️🍎

Android

SPOILER

1. Open your Home tab

2. Swipe left or tap your profile picture in the top left corner > Settings and privacy

3. Tap Apps and devices and under "Other devices", toggle on Local audio files.

4. Now head back to Your Library and you should see the Local files folder alongside your playlists.

5. Open the Local files folder and make sure to grant Spotify access to your photos and media. After that, you local files will appear here.

You can now continue to add them to playlists or just listen to them from your library.

Desktop

SPOILER

1. Click on your profile picture in the top right corner > Settings.

2. Under "Your Library", toggle on Show Local Files.

3. You can turn off any of the default local file sources or click on Add Source to add a custom folder where you have music stored.

4. The music files of these folders will be imported into Spotify and you will be able to find them in the Playlists section of Your Library

From there you can add them to playlists or play them directly.

Note: For iOS devices, the files need to be imported using a dedicated music data management app. Check out this FAQ for details.

Local File not playing?

⛔ Right now you can’t play Local Files with Connect.

⚠️ Files or downloads from illegal sources are not permitted. If your files have not been obtained from an official source, this is most likely why they are not playing.

If your file is purchased and downloaded from an official source, but still isn't playing, there're some things you can check.

Spotify supports .mp3, .mp4, and .m4p files. It doesn’t support .mp4 files that contain video, or the iTunes lossless format (M4A).
Some of your tracks may be protected in restricted formats.
Ensure the files aren’t DRM-protected.
Perform a clean reinstall of the app, ensuring to remove any leftover files.
Update your codec pack. This can also solve issues trying to play FLAC.
For iOS devices you need to use a dedicated audio library management software for the file transfer. Check this FAQ out for full details.

For more info on Local Files check out our support site.

Didn't help? Search for more Spotify Answers, or create a new thread and ask the Community.

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