How much data does Spotify use, and how can you reduce it?

Spotify data usage by streaming quality

Spotify lets you pick your streaming quality — which is fantastic if you're trying to balance great sound with data savings. Each setting uses a different amount of data, so knowing what each means can help you make smarter choices when using the app on cellular data.

Low-quality setting

​​Low quality (24 kbps) is your best friend if you're trying to stretch your data. Here are some estimations for the data usage:

• Per minute: ≈0.18 MB

• Typical 3-minute song: ≈0.54 MB

• Per hour of streaming: ≈10.8 MB

• To hit 1 GB: ≈94.8 hours of nonstop listening.

Remember, while low quality keeps your data usage impressively lean, you might notice the difference in sound — especially if you’re listening to music, not podcasts.

Normal quality setting

Normal quality (96 kbps) strikes a good balance between sound quality and data savings. It's ideal if you don't want to burn through your data too fast — that's why it's the default setting on many devices, and the estimated data usage is:

• Per minute: ≈0.72 MB

• Typical 3-minute song: ≈2.16 MB

• Per hour of streaming: ≈43.2 MB

• To reach 1 GB: ≈23.7 hours of listening

It's a good option for travelers who want decent audio without constantly worrying about their data limit.

High-quality setting

High quality (160 kbps) is ideal for music lovers who notice and care about the difference in sound. It's still relatively data-friendly but a step up from a normal quality setting, and it adds up to this:

• Per minute: ≈1.2 MB

• For a typical 3-minute song: ≈3.6 MB

• Per hour of listening: ≈72 MB

• To reach 1 GB: ≈14.2 hours

This setting is a nice middle ground for those who want quality without draining data too fast. Keep an eye on your plan if you're binging entire albums or playlists, though!

Very high quality setting

Only Spotify Premium users can choose a very high-quality (320 kbps) setting. If you love clear sound, this is for you — you'll hear every note, beat, and breath. However, you'll also burn through your data faster than with any other option:

• Per minute: ≈2.4 MB

• For a 3-minute song: ≈7.2 MB

• Per hour of listening: ≈144 MB

• To reach 1 GB: ≈7.1 hours

So, while Very High is an audio treat, it's not the most data-friendly setting. It's best for short sessions, Wi-Fi zones, or if you've got a generous data plan and want the best sound wherever you go. However, if you’re traveling and have plans to use other apps as well, you might want to check how much data do you use for Instagram, Netflix, and TikTok. It might help you plan accordingly. 

Spotify data consumption comparison

Let's sum it all up so you can easily compare each setting and pick the one that fits your data plan:

Keep in mind that these rates are estimates, and real-world usage might vary depending on the type of content and your connection. But overall, these numbers will give you a good sense of what to expect.

How much data does Spotify use to download music?

Planning to download your favorite playlists for offline listening? If you're a Spotify Premium subscriber, you're in luck — you can download songs ahead of time and enjoy them without using any mobile data.

Downloading uses about the same amount of data as streaming. So if you're planning to listen to your road trip playlist in High quality, expect it to use around 3.6 MB per song, just like it would if you were streaming it live.

However, even though this means downloading doesn't save data during the download itself, it does help you avoid using mobile data later when you're offline — it's a very convenient option if you're traveling.

How to check Spotify data usage on iOS and Android

Unfortunately, Spotify doesn't have a built-in data tracker that shows how much mobile data you're using. But don't worry — your phone has your back.

iOS devices

If you're on iOS, head to:

1. Open “Settings.”

2. Select “Mobile service” or “Cellular” (depending on your region).

3. Scroll through the list of apps until you find Spotify.

4. The amount of data Spotify has used will be displayed next to it.

You'll see how much data the app has used since the last reset. You can even reset statistics manually to track usage over a shorter period.

Android devices

1. Open “Settings.” 

2. Go to “Network & internet” (or “Connections”).

3. Tap “Data usage.”

4. Select “App data usage” (or “Mobile data usage”).

5. Scroll down and choose the Spotify app to see the data usage for the selected period.

This check-in can be very important if you monitor your data plan closely, especially when traveling or using an eSIM.

How to decrease the data usage when using Spotify

Whether you're rocking a limited data plan or just want to be extra mindful while traveling, especially if you're using an eSIM, there are a few simple ways to reduce the amount of data Spotify uses.

Adjust streaming quality

Audio quality makes a big difference when it comes to data consumption. The lower the quality, the less data used — easy! If you want to adjust it on a mobile device:

1. Tap your profile picture at the top.

2. Tap “Settings and privacy.”

3. Select your preferred settings under “Audio quality” (iOS) or “Media quality” (Android).

If using the desktop app, click your profile picture at the top and select “Settings.” Under “Audio quality,” choose your preferred settings — and that's it

Enable Data Saver mode

Spotify has a built-in Data Saver mode that helps reduce your usage automatically. It lowers the audio quality and shows fewer images. If you want to turn it on:

1. Tap your profile picture at the top.

2. Tap “Settings and privacy.”

3. Tap “Data-saving and offline.”

4. Switch “Data saver” on.

Disable Canvas

The visuals are a cool addition to the songs you're listening to, but they can use up extra data. To turn off Canvas on your mobile app:

1. Tap your profile picture at the top.

2. Tap “Settings and privacy.”

3. Under “Content and display,” switch Canvas off.

If you're on the desktop app:

1. Click your profile picture at the top, and select “Settings.”

2. Under “Display,” switch off “Display short, looping visuals on tracks (Canvas).”

You can keep listening to music or podcasts by tweaking these settings without worrying about hitting your data limit.

Get an eSIM for your next trip and listen to Spotify without interruptions

Whether you're streaming your favorite playlist on a train through Europe or downloading podcasts for a long-haul flight, using your Spotify app abroad shouldn't be a big problem. An eSIM can help.

An eSIM is a digital SIM that makes it easy to get mobile data wherever you go. You can forget about swapping out physical SIM cards or hunting for public Wi-Fi.

With the Saily eSIM app, you can avoid those dreaded data roaming charges and enjoy a smooth, secure connection while you vibe to your Spotify favorites.