Downloading a Spotify playlist lets you listen on an iPhone 7 without using mobile data or when you have no signal. Downloads for music playlists require a Spotify Premium plan; on the free plan, mobile downloads are generally limited to podcasts. Also note that the iPhone 7 cannot update past iOS 15, and newer versions of the app may eventually stop supporting it.
Quick Answer
Open the playlist in the Spotify app and tap the download arrow below the playlist name. When the arrow turns green, the songs are saved for offline listening.
How to Make a Spotify Playlist Available Offline
- Open the Spotify app and sign in with a Premium account.
- Tap Your Library and open the playlist you want.
- Tap the download arrow (a downward arrow in a circle) below the playlist title.
- Stay on Wi-Fi until every song shows a green download icon.
- To listen with no connection at all, go to Settings, Playback, and turn on Offline mode.
Offline Listening at a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Plan needed | Premium for music playlists |
| Where downloads go | Inside the app, not the Music library |
| Stay signed in | Go online at least once every 30 days to keep downloads |
| Remove downloads | Tap the green arrow again |
Troubleshooting
- The download arrow is missing: you may be on the free plan, or the item is a podcast or album with a different layout.
- Downloads pause: check storage in Settings, General, iPhone Storage, and make sure Download using cellular is on if you are not on Wi-Fi.
- To tidy up space first, read how to check your iPhone storage.
- Want friends to hear your list? See how to make a Spotify playlist public on iPhone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many songs can I download?
Spotify allows up to 10,000 songs on each of up to five devices, according to its help pages.
Do downloaded songs use data?
No. Once downloaded, they play from the phone. Only album art and lyrics may still use data when online.
Why did my downloads disappear?
Downloads are removed if you do not go online for 30 days, if you sign out, or if your Premium plan ends.
Summary
- Use a Premium account.
- Open the playlist.
- Tap the download arrow and wait for green icons.
- Turn on Offline mode when needed.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.