For years, Spotify users have been waiting for true high-quality audio on the platform. After multiple delays, leaks, and CEO statements, Spotify finally introduced its own form of lossless audio, aimed at delivering higher fidelity playback for listeners who want better sound quality without switching services. If you’re ready to upgrade your listening experience, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about enabling Spotify Lossless — including device support, settings, limitations, Bluetooth issues, and troubleshooting.
What Is Spotify Lossless?
Spotify Lossless allows users to stream audio without traditional compression artifacts. In simple terms, lossless audio preserves more detail from the original master file compared to the standard Spotify Premium bitrate (320 kbps Ogg Vorbis). While Spotify hasn’t disclosed every technical specification publicly, its lossless tier is positioned to compete directly with:
- Apple Music Lossless
- Tidal HiFi / HiFi Plus
- Amazon Music HD
This shift marks a major upgrade for audiophiles, musicians, producers, and anyone who values sound quality.
Who Can Enable Spotify Lossless?
Spotify Lossless is currently accessible to:
✔ Premium subscribers in supported regions
✔ Users with compatible devices
✔ Accounts updated to the latest app version
It may not be available yet for:
✖ Free-tier users
✖ Kids accounts or supervised profiles
✖ Regions still awaiting rollout
This tier may be included as part of an upgraded Premium option in some countries.
Step-by-Step: How to Enable Spotify Lossless
1. Update the Spotify App
Go to:
- iOS: App Store → Updates
- Android: Play Store → Updates
Lossless won't appear on outdated builds.
2. Open Audio Quality Settings
Navigate to:
Settings → Audio Quality → Streaming Quality
If Lossless is supported in your region, you should see new quality toggle options.
3. Select “Lossless”
You may see multiple tiers:
- Normal
- High
- Very High
- Lossless
- (Some regions show HiFi or Hi-Res Lossless depending on device)
Choose Lossless for streaming. For local downloads, repeat the same under Download Quality.
4. (Optional) Enable “External DAC” Mode
For wired audiophile setups, Spotify may show:
Playback Devices → External DAC
This enables higher sample rate output and reduces OS-level downsampling.
5. Restart Spotify
Not always required, but refreshes the audio pipeline.
Device Compatibility Explained
Enabling Lossless does not guarantee you’ll hear true lossless audio. Hardware matters.
iPhone
Supports Lossless over:
✔ Lightning DACs
✔ USB-C DACs
✔ Wired headphones
✔ AirPlay (with limitations)
Does not support full lossless over standard Bluetooth.
Android
Varies significantly. Some devices support:
✔ LDAC
✔ aptX Lossless / aptX Adaptive
✔ USB-C DACs
Fragmentation makes Android compatibility trickier than iOS.
Desktop (Windows & macOS)
Best path for audiophiles due to:
✔ USB DAC support
✔ Optical output (some machines)
✔ Exclusive mode options in development
Smart Speakers & Soundbars
Compatibility depends on ecosystem:
- Sonos added pre-support via FLAC transport
- HomePod & AirPlay vary based on OS
- Bose, Harman, and Samsung still catching up
Can You Use Spotify Lossless Over Bluetooth?
The short answer: not truly.
Most Bluetooth codecs — including SBC and AAC — are lossy. Even LDAC and aptX Adaptive are not identical to uncompressed lossless but can preserve more detail.
Spotify may show “Lossless” enabled, but the audio path can down-convert during transport.
Audiophiles should prefer:
✔ Wired headphones
✔ USB DACs
✔ Desktop output
How to Verify Lossless Is Working
Spotify does not yet expose a full bit-depth indicator (like Tidal), but you can verify function through:
✔ Audio quality badges (beta)
✔ Sample rate indicators on DAC
✔ OS-level output inspection
✔ Device “Now Playing” metadata
Some DACs auto-switch and display:
16-bit/44.1kHz (CD quality)
24-bit/48kHz or higher (hi-res variants depending on support)
Common Issues & Fixes
Issue 1: Lossless Option Not Visible
Possible causes:
- Region not supported
- Premium not upgraded
- Outdated app
- Unsupported device
Fix: Update app + check availability notes.
Issue 2: Sound Downsamples to AAC
Happens mostly on Bluetooth and Apple ecosystems.
Fix: Use wired or external DAC.
Issue 3: Downloads Not Lossless
You must enable lossless under:
Download Quality
Streaming and downloading are separate toggles.
Issue 4: Battery Drain
Lossless consumes more:
- CPU processing
- Network throughput
- Storage
- Wireless bandwidth (if applicable)
Enable Data Saver for mobile use if needed.
How Much Data Does Spotify Lossless Use?
Lossless uses significantly more data than “Very High.” Estimates vary, but typical patterns:
- Normal: 0.5–1 MB/min
- High: 1.5–2.5 MB/min
- Very High: 3–4.5 MB/min
- Lossless: 8–12+ MB/min (varies by sample rate & bit depth)
Downloading is recommended for mobile users.
How to Use External DACs with Spotify
External DACs are the audiophile sweet spot. Steps:
- Connect DAC (USB-C, Lightning, USB-A, or optical)
- Set OS output to DAC
- Enable lossless in Spotify
- Test with high detail tracks
- Check DAC LED indicators
Brands like FiiO, iFi, and Schiit show sampling rates clearly.
Is Spotify Lossless Worth It?
For mainstream listeners:
✔ noticeable improvement vs. standard
✔ especially with wired headphones
For audiophiles:
✔ competitive with Tidal HiFi and Apple Music Lossless
✔ still slightly behind on hi-res specs (as of 2026)
For casual Bluetooth listeners:
✖ difference may be minimal
Final Thoughts
Spotify Lossless delivers the fidelity upgrade listeners have been requesting for years. While rollout is still expanding and device limitations persist — especially around Bluetooth — the feature marks a major shift in Spotify’s future. Enabling Lossless is simple, but getting the most out of it requires understanding hardware, codecs, and platform limitations. With more features expected this year, including possible artist-side mastering badges and hi-res expansion, Spotify is finally joining the modern audio quality race.