Many music lovers cannot live without Spotify. This streaming service offers a huge library of music, podcasts, and other audio content, all of which can be accessed through a mobile phone or computer. But, how much data does Spotify use? This question is especially common among those with a limited data plan.
This tutorial explains how to effectively stream the music app without taking up all of your available data, how to keep track of your Spotify data usage, adjust the audio quality to use fewer KB, and other useful tips.
In this article
Spotify users need about 500KB of data to stream music in one minute. Depending your device, you can stream music for about 33 hours and 20 minutes of music with 1GB of data.
However, streaming is not the only activity requiring data when using Spotify. Here is a description along with a table of how much data Spotify uses:
| Activity | Data Used |
| 1 song at “Low” quality | 2-5 MB |
| 1 song at “Normal” quality | 5-10 MB |
| 1 song at “High” quality | 10-20 MB |
| 1 hour of music with “Low” audio quality | 3-5 MB per hour |
| 1 hour of music with “Normal” audio quality | 7-10 MB per hour |
| 1 hour of music with “High” audio quality | 15-25 MB per hour |
| Downloading 1-hour playlist | 50-150 MB |
Good to know: On average, Spotify users listen to music for 25 hours / month.
To check and manage the amount of cellular data that Spotify uses on your device, take these steps:
On an iPhone:
On an Android device:
Good to Know:
If you listen to music for a few hours per day, the volume of data used can accumulate quickly. Below we share some practical tips to reduce data usage on Spotify.
By default, the streaming quality of Spotify is set to High, which consumes more data. Using a lower setting means songs will use less cellular data per minute of listening. You will save the most data by selecting the minimum quality that still provides an enjoyable listening experience for your tastes. The higher the quality, the more data gets used with each song.
To change this setting:
If you know you will be somewhere without WiFi, proactively downloading playlists for offline use prevents data usage while listening on the go. Take these steps:
Note: Be sure to download large files over WiFi to avoid using mobile data. You can also download individual songs or choose the “Download Episode” podcast option. Downloading favorites keeps you entertained while keeping your data plan safe.
When you are connected to a wireless connection, Spotify will not use any of your mobile data. So whenever you have Internet access either at a café, in the office, or in shopping malls, etc. take its advantage. This will also ensure a more stable and uninterrupted listening experience. This tip is especially useful for people traveling abroad.
The Spotify app continues to use cellular data even when you are not listening to music. So, it is best to close the app when not necessary.
To close the app, swipe it away from the multitasking bar.
If you use Spotify on a mobile device, you can set a data limit for the app to avoid using too much data.
Go to Settings > Data Saver and set your desired limit
If you use Spotify on a computer, you can use a 3rd-party app to lower data usage. The apps are vary, and Spotiflyer is a good choice.
This tip is for people who travel internationally and use their home phone number to stay connected through roaming services.
Indeed, it is easy for your roaming charges to get get out of control while abroad, especially if you stream your favorite songs on the go. A solution to avoid high roaming charges is to use a prepaid eSIM data plan for Internet access and streaming Spotify music.
With a prepaid eSIM plan from Gigago, you only pay for the cellular data you use. No hidden fees or unexpected charges. In case you run low on data, you can top-up data with Gigago customer support or buy a new plan with a few taps.
A few other tips can help reduce your Spotify data consumption significantly:
Spotify utilizes algorithms to stream music, download music for offline listening, recommend music to users based on their interests.
Yes, downloading tracks and playlists uses data. However, it uses less data than streaming when you’re without WiFi. Downloading over WiFi avoids using mobile data.
Yes, higher audio quality settings like Very High use significantly more data per song or hour of listening compared to lower qualities such as Normal or Low.
In general, streaming playlists uses less data than streaming full albums continuously. Radio and automatically generated playlists are lower data options than specialized playlists or albums.
Yes, you can adjust the audio quality setting in the Spotify app independently for WiFi and cellular data connections.
Yes. You can download music from Spotify app with a Spotify premium subscription. But, downloading music files and play it outside the Spotify app is impossible.
With a Spotify Premium subscription, you can download your favorite songs to your device for offline listening. is means that you can play songs even when you’re not connected to the internet.
Yes, you can listen to music in Spotify’s free version, but there will be frustrating advertisements and restricted options of songs to choose from.
Whether you use a physical SIM or eSIM during your trip, this guide will walk you through the simple process of reconnecting with your home network and avoid any unwanted roaming charges.
Using one eSIM in multiple countries simplifies international travel and connectivity. Modern eSIM technology lets travelers stay connected across borders without switching physical SIM cards or paying high roaming fees.
Streaming music has become the way to enjoy songs, podcasts and audiobooks, with platforms like Spotify, Pandora, Apple Music, Amazon Music leading the trend. While streaming music is convenient, it is also associated with mobile data consumption, especially for users with limited plans. This article will explain: how much data does streaming music use across […]
Vodafone roaming in Canada lets you use your regular phone plan abroad through the “Roam Like Home” service. Before traveling to Canada, understanding how Vodafone’s roaming works can help you avoid unexpected charges and stay connected. This guide covers daily fees, network access, calling costs, and data usage while using Vodafone across Canadian networks. I. […]
Using Movistar services in the USA requires careful attention to roaming charges, as mobile data costs can reach $104.70 for just 10MB of usage. This guide covers essential information about activation methods, data plans, and cost management strategies for your US travel. Understanding these options helps you stay connected for navigation, messaging, and calls while […]
Traveling to the United States while using Orange mobile services can lead to high roaming costs. Although Orange Roaming is a straightforward option, several alternatives offer better value without compromising connectivity. Let’s explore these cost-effective solutions for staying connected during your US visit. I. How much does Orange roaming in the USA cost? Orange roaming […]
