How Much Data Does Spotify Use? Hidden Features That Drain It

Do you use Spotify often and find yourself wondering how much data the app consumes? If so, this guide has everything you need to know.

Spotify has become the world’s favorite music app, where millions of users can stream their playlists anytime, anywhere. And although it’s perfect for endless listening, it can also quietly eat through your mobile data faster than you might expect.

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how much data does Spotify use, reveal hidden features that drain extra data, and compare its usage with other popular streaming services. Plus, if you’re traveling, we’ll share a smart solution with Jetpac eSIM to keep your music playing without worrying about data limits.

How much data does Spotify use?

Spotify’s data usage depends on the audio quality you choose. On average, streaming music takes up around 40 MB to 150 MB per hour:

To put this into perspective, if you’re wondering how much data does Spotify use per hour, an hour of high-quality streaming (160 kbps) is like sending dozens of photos over chat. Meanwhile, an hour of very high quality (320 kbps) can quickly add up if you’re listening daily without Wi-Fi.

Keep in mind that downloads also use data upfront, but once your playlist is stored offline, you won’t need mobile data to listen. This makes downloading a smart choice if you’re on a limited plan or traveling.

Spotify Data Usage by Audio Quality Settings

As mentioned, the amount of data Spotify uses largely depends on the audio quality you choose. The app offers four streaming options: Low, Normal, High, and Very High. Each one affects how much data is consumed.

To address the question, "Does using Spotify use a lot of data?, let’s take a look at this quick breakdown of the app's data usage at different quality levels:

If you’re on a limited data plan, sticking with Low or Normal quality is a smart move. These settings keep Spotify’s data usage to a minimum.

High and Very High quality do provide richer sound, but the difference is barely noticeable when you’re listening through regular earphones or small speakers.

How to Check Spotify Data Consumption

If you’re concerned about whether Spotify uses a lot of data or just want to keep track of your streaming habits, you can easily check your data usage through the Spotify app itself. This helps you see how much data does Spotify use per hour and adjust your settings accordingly.

For iPhone users:

Open your device’s Settings app.

Scroll down and tap Cellular (or Mobile Data).

Find Spotify in the list to view how much mobile data it has used.

For Android users:

Go to your device’s Settings.

Tap Network & Internet (this may vary depending on your phone).

Select Data usage > Mobile data usage.

Choose Spotify to see detailed data consumption.

It's also possible to check how much data does Spotify use through the app itself. Here's how:

Open the Spotify app.

Go to Settings (the gear icon in the top-right corner).

Scroll down to Storage & Data (on some versions, it may be under Data Saver or Playback).

Here you’ll see details about your streaming and download data usage.

Tips to Reduce Data Drained by Hidden Features

Streaming on Spotify is convenient. However, it can quietly burn through your mobile plan. If you’ve ever wondered how much data does streaming music use or worried about how much data does Spotify use per hour, these tips will help you cut unnecessary consumption:

1. Disable Canvas (looping visuals)

Canvas adds short video loops to certain songs. They look cool, but they also use extra data. Turning them off helps keep streaming lean.

2. Turn off Autoplay (next song/playlist)

When Autoplay is enabled, Spotify keeps playing songs even after your playlist or album ends. While seamless, it means more streaming, which also means more data is drained.

3. Avoid “High Quality Streaming” on mobile unless on Wi-Fi

Very High quality (320 kbps) can use up to 150 MB per hour. Save this setting for Wi-Fi and stick to Normal or High when you’re on mobile data.

4. Pre-download playlists while on Wi-Fi

Downloading your favorite playlists ahead of time ensures you can listen offline without burning through mobile data.

5. Enable Data Saver Mode

Spotify’s Data Saver automatically lowers streaming quality and disables Canvas. It’s the easiest way to limit usage with one switch.

6. Monitor “Background App Refresh” or auto-sync

On both iOS and Android, background activity can silently consume data. Restricting Spotify’s background refresh prevents hidden drains.

7. Use Wi-Fi When Abroad or Get an eSIM Plan

Roaming charges can skyrocket with music streaming. Always connect to Wi-Fi when possible, or consider a travel-friendly solution like international eSIM plans. Options such as Jetpac’s international eSIM make it easy to stay connected abroad while keeping your Spotify streaming costs predictable.

Which Music Streaming Services Use Less Data?

If you’re worried about mobile usage, you’ve probably wondered: Does using Spotify use a lot of data compared to other apps? The truth is, most music streaming platforms consume similar amounts, but there are slight differences depending on bitrate and audio quality options.

Here’s a quick breakdown of how much data the major services use per hour:

Note: Values are approximate and can vary depending on connection, buffering, and compression.

As you see, Spotify is one of the more data-friendly options, offering a good balance between sound quality and mobile data use. Deezer is similarly efficient, while Apple Music and YouTube Music lean slightly higher in standard settings. Tidal, with its HiFi and Master tracks, is the most data-heavy.

Listen to Spotify Without Interruptions With Jetpac eSIM

Nothing kills the vibe faster than running out of data or dealing with expensive roaming charges while streaming your favorite playlists abroad. With Jetpac’s international eSIM plans, you can keep Spotify running smoothly no matter where your travels take you.

An eSIM for international travel eliminates the hassle of swapping physical SIM cards or hunting for local providers in every country. Just activate Jetpac’s international eSIM, and you’ll have reliable mobile data to stream music, download playlists, and stay connected on the go.

Whether you’re hopping between cities for work or exploring new destinations for fun, Jetpac makes sure Spotify stays with you every step of the journey.

Don’t let data limits stop the music. Explore Jetpac’s affordable plans today and travel with uninterrupted sound.

FAQs

How do I adjust the Spotify Audio Quality?

To change the audio quality on Spotify, open the app and go to Settings. Tap on Audio Quality (sometimes under Music Quality) and choose the preferred option for both streaming and downloads. You can select Low, Normal, High, or Very High depending on your preference and data plan. Adjusting these settings allows you to balance sound quality with mobile data usage or storage space.

How long will 1GB of data last on Spotify?

How long 1GB of data lasts on Spotify depends on the audio quality you’re streaming. At Low quality, you could listen for roughly 100 hours, Normal quality for about 25 hours, High quality for around 14 hours, and Very High quality for roughly 6–7 hours. Adjusting your streaming quality or downloading playlists for offline listening can help stretch your data further.

How much data does Spotify use to download music?

The amount of data Spotify uses to download music depends on the audio quality you select. Low quality songs use around 10 MB per hour, Normal quality around 40 MB per hour, High quality roughly 70 MB per hour, and Very High quality can reach 150 MB per hour. Keep in mind that these numbers are approximate and can vary slightly depending on song length and file compression. Downloading over Wi-Fi is recommended to avoid using your mobile data.

Does Spotify drain a lot of mobile data?

Spotify doesn’t necessarily drain a lot of mobile data, but the amount depends on how often and at what quality you stream. On average, how much data does streaming music use? For Spotify, it ranges from about 10 MB per hour on Low quality to around 150 MB per hour on Very High quality. If you listen for several hours a day without Wi-Fi, this can add up quickly. To save data, you can lower your audio quality, enable Data Saver mode, or download playlists in advance for offline listening.

How do I make Spotify use less data?

To reduce Spotify’s data usage, start by lowering the audio quality in the app’s Settings, choosing Low or Normal instead of High or Very High. You can also enable Data Saver mode, which automatically limits data-heavy features like Canvas visuals. Downloading playlists while on Wi-Fi for offline listening is another effective way to prevent mobile data drain. Finally, consider turning off Autoplay and restricting background app activity to keep streaming efficient.

How do I delete my cache in Spotify?

To clear Spotify’s cache and free up space on your device, open the app and go to Settings. Scroll down to Storage (or Storage & Cache on some devices), then tap Delete Cache and confirm. This removes temporary files without affecting your downloaded playlists or saved songs, helping the app run more smoothly.

Do downloaded songs use data on Spotify when played?

No, once you’ve downloaded songs on Spotify, they don’t use any mobile data when you play them offline. Data is only used during the initial download. After that, you can listen freely without worrying about extra charges or usage, making downloads a great option if you’re on a limited plan or traveling without reliable Wi-Fi.