Do you use Spotify on your MacBook or MacBook Pro? As one of the most popular music streaming services, Spotify offers access to over 82 million songs and 4 billion playlists. With new features and bug fixes released regularly, it’s important to keep the Spotify app up to date on your Apple laptop.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the steps to check for and install Spotify updates on your MacBook or MacBook Pro. Whether you use the desktop or web player, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in!
How to Update Spotify on MacBook?
Spotify periodically releases new versions of the desktop and web players. Like other apps, staying current ensures you have the latest features and performance improvements. Here are a few ways to check for updates:
1. See If Spotify Needs an Update
Open the Spotify desktop app on your MacBook/MacBook Pro. Look at the top right corner of the app window. If you see a blue dot next to your profile picture, an update is available.
This blue notification dot only appears if an update is waiting. If the dot isn’t there, your Spotify app is already up to date.
2. Look in the Mac App Store
Even if you don’t see the blue dot, it’s a good idea to periodically check the App Store for updates. Here’s how:
- Tap on the App Store icon located in either your dock or applications folder.
- Select the Updates tab located at the top of the App Store window.
- Check if Spotify is on the list of apps with available updates. If so, the button will say “Update” instead of price.
3. Check the Currently Installed Version
You can also manually check your currently installed Spotify version and compare it to the latest.
- In Spotify, click Spotify in the menu bar and select About Spotify.
- A window will pop up showing the version number under Application Version.
- Go to the Spotify website and find the latest release notes. Compare your version to the most recent.
If your installed version is lower, an update is available.
How to Update Spotify on MacBook Pro?
Once you’ve confirmed a Spotify update is available, updating is simple. The procedure is fast and will require just a couple of minutes.
1. Update via the Mac App Store
If Spotify appears under Updates or the blue notification dot is visible, updating through the App Store is the easiest method.
- Click the Update button next to Spotify in the App Store.
- Enter your Apple ID password when prompted.
- The update will download and install automatically.
- When finished, Spotify will relaunch with the new version active.
Updating apps via the App Store ensures you always get the latest release. It also downloads safely over an encrypted connection.
2. Update from Within the Spotify App
Sometimes Spotify updates may not show under App Store Updates. In this case, pull down the update directly in the Spotify app.
- Click the profile icon in the top right and select About Spotify.
- In the About Spotify window, click Update.
- If there is an update, it will be automatically downloaded and installed.
- Once complete, Spotify will relaunch freshly updated.
Updating directly from the app itself ensures you grab the latest version right from the source.
3. Update on Login or Restart
If you don’t see update prompts in the app or App Store, restarting Spotify may trigger an update. When opening Spotify, it automatically checks for new versions in the background.
Try quitting and reopening the app. If an update is queued up, it could instantly start downloading. Updating on login or restart means you don’t have to manually check—Spotify handles it for you.
How to Update Spotify through Alternative App Stores?
While the Mac App Store provides a smooth updating experience, you may get Spotify from another source. Here’s how updating works in some secondary app marketplaces:
1. SetApp
If you subscribe to Spotify through SetApp, updates get handled automatically. SetApp pushes the latest Spotify version to all users. Simply reopen Spotify to find it’s magically updated.
2. Homebrew Cask
Those who installed Spotify via Homebrew Cask can update with a quick terminal command:
brew update && brew upgrade spotify
This fetches the newest Homebrew package list and then upgrades Spotify to the latest release. Much easier than updating manually.
3. Direct Download
Downloading Spotify directly from the website instead of an app store? You’ll need to periodically re-download new versions as they are released. Watch the Spotify site for updated announcements.
Unfortunately, direct downloads don’t auto-update. But the full installers always contain the newest app version.
How to Enable Automatic Spotify Updates?
Instead of checking for updates repeatedly, you can set Spotify to update itself automatically. Here are a couple of ways to enable auto-updating:
1. Use the Mac App Store
If you downloaded Spotify from the App Store, you already have auto-updates! App Store apps can automatically update in the background with a single click:
- Open the App Store on your Mac.
- Go to Preferences in the App Store menu.
- Check the box for “Install app updates”.
Now Spotify will update whenever a new version hits the App Store. No effort is required!
2. Adjust Software Update Settings
For non-App Store installs, the Software Update preference pane provides auto-update options:
- Go to System Preferences > Software Update.
- Check “Automatic updates” and “Download new updates when available”.
- Toggle on “Install app updates”.
Now OS-level updates will be installed for Spotify too. Set it and forget it!
3. Use Third-party Auto-updater Tools
Utilities like MacUpdate and AppFresh can automatically check for Spotify updates in the background. Once a new version is found, you can approve the update with a single click.
Using auto-update software streamlines the process so Spotify stays up to date effortlessly.
How to Fix Common Spotify Update Problems on Mac?
While Spotify updates typically run smoothly, issues can occasionally pop up. Below are a few typical issues like as the error code 50 along with their solutions.
1. Spotify Won’t Update in the App Store
If the App Store shows Spotify needs an update but doesn’t let you update, try the following:
- Restart your Mac and check for updates again
- Update other pending App Store apps first
- Check for macOS updates and install if available
- Sign out of the App Store then sign back in
Restarting, updating other apps, installing system updates, and logging often resolve stuck updates.
2. Updating Hangs or Doesn’t Complete
Slow or stalled updates usually come down to internet connectivity issues. Try the following fixes:
- Reset the home router and modem
- Switch from WiFi to wired ethernet
- Disable VPNs, proxies, and firewalls temporarily
- Move closer to the WiFi router
- Retry over a different network connection
Unreliable connections can interrupt the update process. Changing networks or disabling restrictive settings may allow updates to be completed.
3. Spotify Not Showing Update Prompts
If Spotify appears outdated but doesn’t prompt for updates, try:
- Checking for app updates in System Preferences
- Reinstalling Spotify cleanly
- Downloading directly from the Spotify website
- Switching update channels (beta vs stable release)
Wiping and reinstalling Spotify can make update prompts reappear. Downloading the latest installer guarantees an updated version too.
4. Can’t Log In to Spotify After Update
Major Spotify updates sometimes log users out and require re-login. Check the release notes for mentions of logout prompts. Make sure your Spotify credentials are handy before updating.
Keep Grooving with the Latest Spotify Version
By keeping Spotify up to date on your MacBook or MacBook Pro, you ensure you always have access to the latest features. Take advantage of speed improvements, UI enhancements, and other goodies added with each release.
Check the Spotify app and App Store regularly for available updates. Enable auto-updating wherever possible to further simplify the process. If you face issues during updates, try the troubleshooting tips mentioned.
Now get ready to enjoy your favorite playlists, albums, and podcasts on Spotify’s newest version! The most innovative music streaming experience keeps improving with every update.
Now that you’re all caught up, it’s time to crank up the tunes and groove to the latest beats!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Updating Spotify on your Mac ensures you have the latest features and improvements. Here are some common questions about keeping Spotify up to date:
What are the benefits of updating Spotify regularly?
Updating Spotify gives you access to the newest features, performance enhancements, bug fixes, and security updates. Frequent updates help keep Spotify secure and working at its best.
Does Spotify update itself automatically?
If you install Spotify from the Mac App Store, it can update automatically. For other installation methods, you’ll need to manually check for updates. But you can enable auto-updating through System Preferences.
Where do I find Spotify updates and release notes?
Check the Mac App Store Updates tab or the Spotify About window to see available updates. Release notes are posted on the Spotify Forums announcing changes in each new version.
Will I lose my playlists and settings when updating?
No, updating the Spotify app retains all your data, playlists, favorites, settings, etc. But big version jumps may require re-logging into your Spotify account.
Does Spotify have beta or early access updates?
Yes, Spotify offers a beta program for early access to new features and updates. Sign up on the Spotify Community site to join the beta channel.
Why does Spotify show no internet connection after updating?
Major Spotify updates can reset your settings, so double-check connectivity settings if offline after an update. Simply re-entering WiFi or ethernet details will restore access.
Can I go back to an older version of Spotify if needed?
Downgrading Spotify is not officially supported, but is possible on some systems by retrieving previous installer versions. But updating is recommended for feature access and security.
Conclusion
Keeping Spotify updated on your MacBook or MacBook Pro takes just a few minutes, but provides major benefits. By updating regularly, you gain access to the latest features, improvements, and bug fixes. Spotify is constantly working to enhance platform speed, capability, and reliability.
Don’t miss out on new music discovery options, UI enhancements, listening recommendations, and other innovations added in each release. Take advantage of the smooth auto-update options provided by the Mac App Store and System Preferences to take the headache out of upgrading.
Or simply check for the blue dot indicator when opening Spotify to update with a single click. Keeping your Spotify app version current ensures the best listening experience as the service continues evolving.