How to enable lossless audio on Spotify

Music streaming platforms have undergone constant evolution in recent years to appeal to increasingly demanding users. We've heard about vast catalogs, more precise algorithms, integrated podcasts, and social features. But those who love pure sound have missed something fundamental: lossless high-fidelity audio . Until now, Spotify has been under fire for not offering quality equivalent to rivals like Tidal, Amazon Music HD, or Apple Music . But that wait is over, as the Swedish company has just announced that Premium subscribers will be able to activate a lossless audio feature that promises to transform the music listening experience.
According to the firm, this new option will allow you to play FLAC tracks at up to 24-bit and 44.1 kHz , which is equivalent to CD quality and preserves virtually all of the original recording's details . The rollout has already begun in more than 50 countries , including territories such as Spain, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, and Austria , with a rollout that will continue to cover virtually all of the markets where Spotify operates.
If you have Spotify Premium and are eager to try this leap in quality, here are the steps you should follow.
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Make sure you have the latest version of the app on your mobile phone, computer or tablet.
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Enter the application and click on your profile
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Go to 'Settings and privacy'
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Inside, look for the 'Multimedia Content Quality' section.
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Change the current option to 'Lossless' for the modes you want: Wi-Fi, mobile data, or downloads.
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Please note that you will need to make this adjustment on each device you use, as it does not automatically sync between them.
Once activated, your app will display a "Lossless" badge that indicates the track is playing in that quality. You'll also see this indicator on devices compatible with Spotify Connect when streaming audio over wired or stable Wi-Fi networks.
Spotify has made it clear that this improvement will not entail any additional cost beyond what Premium subscribers already pay. It will also allow for minimal loss-free listening in various scenarios: streaming over Wi-Fi, mobile data, or via downloaded songs, giving users flexibility based on their connection and device needs.
However, there are some technical conditions that should be kept in mind.
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Headphones or speakers must support FLAC playback. Bluetooth, by nature, typically doesn't support lossless audio streaming due to bandwidth limitations. To take full advantage of the audio, it's best to use a wired connection or use compatible devices via Spotify Connect.
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Network quality matters: Listening over stable Wi-Fi or via tight broadband connections will maximize the experience. Slow or unstable networks may experience interruptions or automatic downgrades.
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Not all of the catalog will be immediately available with this label in all countries; the rollout will be gradual, and some songs may take time to incorporate the lossless version.
The introduction of lossless audio puts Spotify in a new league compared to its rivals. Until now, services like Apple Music already offered this capability, and platforms like Tidal and Amazon Music HD already had similar or higher quality levels. With this move, Spotify not only responds to those who demanded better audio fidelity, but also consolidates its Premium offering as more competitive from a technical perspective.
For users who listen to music on standard equipment , the difference won't be very large. But for those with good headphones, home sound systems, or dedicated equipment , the gains will be palpable: richer detail, better instrumental separation, and an experience closer to the original sound of the albums .
This update also comes at a time when competition for subscribers is intensifying. By not raising the price of its Premium plan to incorporate this feature, Spotify aims to retain its current base and attract listeners who are still reluctant , offering added value at no extra cost.
In conclusion, activating lossless audio is as simple as accessing the playback quality settings, choosing the "Lossless" option, and ensuring your device or headphones are compatible . Those who do so discover a richer, more detailed sound dimension closer to the original intentions of the artist and the recording studio. It has taken Spotify years to make this leap, but for many, the wait has been worth it.
ABC.es