Streaming music on Spotify when you’re on an airplane can be tricky. Airplane mode disconnects your phone from cellular data and WiFi, which means you can’t access Spotify’s library or stream songs. However, with a little prep work, you can still listen to Spotify tracks during your flight.
Here’s what you need to know about using Spotify in airplane mode with both iPhones and Android devices.
Does Spotify Work on Airplane Mode on iPhone?
The short answer is yes, you can listen to Spotify songs while in airplane mode on your iPhone. However, you need to download or share playlists, albums, or podcasts to your device before switching to airplane mode.
Here are the key things to know:
Enable Offline Mode on iPhone
To download Spotify content for offline listening, you need to enable offline mode in the app settings. Go to Your Library > Settings and toggle on “Enable Offline Mode.” This allows you to save music and podcasts on your device for listening without an internet connection.
Download Content Before Your Flight
With offline mode enabled, go to playlists, albums, artists, or podcasts you want to listen to and hit the “Download” button to save them locally. Downloads work over WiFi or cellular data. Make sure to do this before getting on the airplane when you still have an internet connection.
Read also: Spotify Free vs Spotify Premium
Switch to Airplane Mode
Once you’ve queued up content to download, turn on Airplane Mode by swiping up from the bottom of the screen to access Control Center, then tap the airplane icon. This will turn off all cellular, WiFi, and Bluetooth connections.
Listen to Downloaded Spotify Content
Now when you open the Spotify app in airplane mode, you can access all the playlists, albums, podcasts, and more that you downloaded for offline listening. Just tap on a downloaded item to play it.
So in summary – Spotify will work in airplane mode on iPhone, but you need to plan and download everything you want to listen to before getting on the plane.
Does Spotify Work on Airplane Mode on Android?
Just like with the iPhone, you can listen to Spotify music offline in airplane mode on Android. The process is very similar:
Enable Offline Mode
In the Spotify app, go to Settings > Enable Offline Mode. This lets you download content.
Download Playlists, Albums & Podcasts
Browse Spotify and download any playlists, albums, shows, or other content you want access to on the plane by tapping the download icon.
Turn on Airplane Mode
Switch your Android device to Airplane mode before your flight, which cuts off internet connectivity.
Listen to Downloaded Music and podcasts
Open Spotify and you can play anything you downloaded to listen offline, even with no WiFi or cell service.
Use Downloads Smartly
Be selective in what you download for offline use. Downloading your entire Spotify library could take up a lot of storage space on your device. Focus on downloading playlists or albums you want to listen to offline.
So in short – the Spotify app is fully functional to play downloaded content in airplane mode on Androids. Just plan and get the music and podcasts you want downloaded before you fly.
Does Spotify Work Without WiFi?
Beyond just airplane mode, Spotify will work without any WiFi connectivity as long as you have cellular data enabled. Here are some key points about using Spotify without WiFi:
- Streaming requires data connection – You can stream any song, playlist or podcast from Spotify’s catalog as long as your device has a cellular data or hotspot connection. Data rates apply.
- Downloads work offline – Any content you proactively download using offline mode will be playable without any internet connectivity at all.
- Limits on mobile networks – Streaming high-fidelity music can use a lot of data. Mobile networks may throttle bandwidth after a certain data usage. Downloads are better for uninterrupted listening.
- Connect to WiFi when possible – When you have access to a strong WiFi connection, use it for streaming or downloading to save your mobile data.
So in summary, yes Spotify will work without WiFi as long as you have mobile data connectivity. For the best experience, download content in advance to listen offline when you don’t have the internet.
How to Enable Offline Mode on Spotify
Here are step-by-step instructions to enable Spotify’s offline mode so you can listen without an internet connection:
On iPhone
- Open the Spotify app
- Tap on Your Library at the bottom
- Tap Settings
- Toggle on “Enable Offline Mode”
Once enabled, download icons will appear next to playlists, albums, and podcasts throughout the app. Tap them to save that content offline.
On Android
- Open the Spotify app
- Tap the three dots menu
- Go to Settings
- Toggle on “Enable offline mode”
You can then download music & podcasts to listen offline. Downloaded content appears in Your Library.
On Desktop
- Open the desktop Spotify app
- Click your profile name
- Go to Settings
- Toggle on “Enable offline mode”
Desktop offline downloads have to be renewed monthly, while mobile downloads last indefinitely. To enable offline mode in advance of any travel to access your Spotify library everywhere.
Check it also: Get Spotify For Free
How to Listen to Music on Airplane Mode for Free
Listening to Spotify on planes for free, without paying for a streaming subscription, takes a bit more planning. Here are some clever options:
- Use a free account – Spotify Free has shuffle play for playlists and stations that work offline. Enjoy shuffle play of downloaded playlists in airplane mode.
- Load your music – Own MP3s or other files? Import them into Spotify using the desktop app. Then download those tracks on your phone to play offline, even with a free account.
- Follow podcasts – Podcasts are free on Spotify. Follow your favorite shows and download episodes to listen to offline without paying.
- Use radio – Spotify’s radio stations work in offline mode. Download some stations you like to enjoy shuffled music offline.
- Let friends share playlists – Collaborative playlists still allow downloading for offline listening, even on Free accounts. Have premium friends share great playlists with you.
While not as robust as a Premium paid subscription, Spotify’s free tier still enables lots of offline listening options for airplane mode.
How to Download Songs on Spotify
Want to save specific songs from Spotify for listening offline and on planes? Here’s how to download music on both mobile and desktop:
At Mobile
- Tap the track or album you want to download
- Tap the download icon (usually 3 dots connected by lines)
- Select audio quality – Normal or High
- Downloaded songs appear in Your Library for offline play
On Desktop
- Hover over the track or album and click the download icon
- Choose download format – mp3 or ogg
- Find downloads in the Local Files section of Your Library
By using the mobile phone, you can also batch-download entire playlists for offline listening by tapping the 3 dots next to any playlist and selecting “Download.”
Downloaded Spotify songs stay in Your Library until you remove them. Streaming and downloads don’t count against storage limits. Enjoy Spotify’s full music catalog offline by proactively downloading your favorite tracks, albums, and playlists.
Spotify Premium Offline Perks
While Spotify’s free tier enables offline listening, a Spotify Premium paid subscription provides additional benefits:
- Unlimited skips – Freely skip songs in offline playlists instead of being limited to 6 skips per hour.
- Uninterrupted listening – Offline playback continues uninterrupted, without audio ads.
- High-quality audio – Download songs in premium high-fidelity sound quality.
- Unlimited downloads – No download limits like the 3,333 song cap on Spotify Free.
- Longer expiration – Downloads last indefinitely on mobile instead of expiring after 30 days.
So if you fly frequently or travel abroad with limited connectivity, a Spotify Premium subscription can optimize your offline listening experience. However, the free tier still provides ample offline playback options.
Now you know how to listen to Spotify in airplane mode on both iPhones and Android devices. Just remember to plan by enabling offline mode and downloading playlists, albums, or podcasts before your flight takes off. With the right prep, you can enjoy uninterrupted Spotify streaming even at 30,000 feet. Have a great flight and happy listening!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much storage space do Spotify downloads use?
Spotify downloads are efficiently compressed to not use much device storage. For example, 1 hour of high-quality music takes up around 60MB. Offline playlists are limited to 3,333 songs for free users.
Can I listen to Spotify on a plane without paying?
Yes! Spotify’s free, ad-supported tier allows you to download playlists, albums, and podcasts to listen to offline on planes for free. Just enable offline mode first.
Do all planes have WiFi for streaming?
Unfortunately no. While some airlines offer in-flight WiFi, connectivity can be limited, and streaming audio uses a lot of data. Downloading music and podcasts ahead of time is more reliable.
Can I use Spotify offline abroad?
Definitely. Spotify works in offline mode internationally. So download your favorite playlists before traveling overseas to avoid high roaming charges.
How long do mobile downloads last?
On Android and iOS devices, your Spotify downloads last indefinitely unless you manually remove them. Desktop offline playlists expire after 30 days and need renewing.
Conclusion
Using Spotify offline on airplanes is easy with just a bit of prep work. By enabling offline mode, downloading your favorite playlists, albums, and podcasts beforehand, and switching your device to airplane mode, you can enjoy ad-free, uninterrupted listening at 30,000 feet.
While free accounts have some limitations, Premium unlocks added perks for seamless offline playback. So next time you have a long flight ahead, set up your Spotify library for offline listening and fly high with your custom soundtrack. Music makes every journey better.