Spotify on Apple Watch: Stream, Download & Control Music Anytime, Anywhere

Heading out for a morning run and don’t want to take your iPhone, but still want to enjoy your favorite tracks? Spotify on Apple Watch has your back.

Spotify on Apple Watch is one of the most convenient ways to listen to music and podcasts—even when your paired iPhone isn’t nearby. From controlling playback and downloading for offline use to streaming music directly, it brings your favorite tunes right to your wrist.

Here’s everything you need to know to get the most out of Spotify on Apple Watch.

Why Use Spotify on Apple Watch?

With Apple Music integrated seamlessly into the Apple ecosystem, you might wonder, “Why use Spotify at all?” Here’s why millions prefer Spotify—even on their Apple Watch:

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• Personalized Playlists: Spotify’s discovery algorithm is top-tier. From Daily Mixes to Release Radar, Spotify often nails your vibe better than Apple Music.
• Free Tier Available: Unlike Apple Music, Spotify offers a free version (with ads), allowing more users to enjoy it without a subscription.
• Spotify Connect: Control playback on any Spotify-connected device—like smart speakers, consoles, or desktops—right from your wrist.

Related: Apple Music vs. Spotify: Which is the best music streaming platform?

Prerequisites to Use Spotify on Apple Watch

Before diving in, make sure your setup checks all the boxes:

• Apple Watch Series 3 or later running watchOS 7 or newer.
• Spotify app installed on your paired iPhone.
• An active Spotify account (Premium required for streaming or downloads).
• Bluetooth headphones or AirPods paired with your Apple Watch.
• Spotify app installed on the Apple Watch: Open the Watch app on iPhone → Tap My Watch → Scroll to Available Apps → Tap Install next to Spotify.

How to Stream Music and Podcasts From Your Apple Watch

If you’re a Spotify Premium subscriber, you can stream music directly on your Apple Watch. Here’s how:

Note

For streaming, your Apple Watch must be connected to Wi-Fi or have cellular service enabled.

1. Open the Spotify app on your Apple Watch.
2. Swipe right on the player screen to browse and play a track from your library.
3. If the track you want to listen to isn’t in your library, swipe left on the player screen and tap the Magnifying Glass (Search) button to search for the intended track or podcast.
4. Tap the song name to play it and connect your Bluetooth headphones if they’re not already paired.
   
   

How to Download Playlists and Podcasts for Offline Playback

Spotify Premium users can download audio to their Apple Watch for offline listening—ideal for flights, gyms, or no-signal zones.

To download directly from your Apple Watch:

1. Make sure your Apple Watch is connected to the internet.
2. Open the Spotify app and navigate to the playlist, album, or podcast you’d like to download.
3. Tap the Download (Downward arrow in a circle) button and wait for the download to complete.
   
   

To queue downloads from iPhone, iPad, or Mac:

Even if your Apple Watch isn’t on your wrist, you can still queue downloads:

1. Open the Spotify app on the paired iPhone.
2. Navigate to the playlist or podcast you want to download on your Apple Watch.
3. Tap the three-dot (more options) button.
4. Select the “Download to other devices” option in the pop-up menu.
5. Tap the Download button next to the Apple Watch.
   
   

Your Watch will start downloading the files automatically when it’s charging and connected to Wi‑Fi.

Use Siri and Watch Face Complications for Quick Access

Control Spotify without touching the screen:

Say:

“Hey Siri, play [artist or playlist name] on Spotify”

Want even faster access? Add Spotify to your Watch face:

1. Tap the hold the watch face with complications and tap the Edit button.
2. Swipe right to access Complications and select the Complication you want to replace the Spotify complication with.
3. Tap the Back button at the top right corner.
4. Locate and select the Spotify app.
5. Select the Spotify Complication to add it to the watch face.
   
   

Now, just tap the Spotify complication to open the app instantly.

Troubleshooting Common Spotify Issues on Apple Watch

Run into a hiccup? Try these quick fixes:

Issue	Solution
Spotify is offline	Ensure your Watch is connected to Wi-Fi or has a nearby paired iPhone.
App not showing on Watch	Check the Watch app on iPhone and reinstall Spotify if necessary.
Can’t download music	Ensure you have Spotify Premium and a Wi‑Fi connection.
Playback keeps cutting out	Reconnect Bluetooth headphones or restart the Spotify app/Apple Watch.

Ready to Listen on the Go?

Spotify turns your Apple Watch into a mini music hub—perfect for runs, workouts, commutes, or simply disconnecting from your iPhone. With streaming, offline playback, Siri support, and watch face complications, you’ve got everything you need—right on your wrist.

Got any tips or questions about Spotify on Apple Watch? Share them in the comments below!

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