Key takeaways:
- Spotify is set to open automatically at startup by default, which can slow down your computer’s boot process
- You can easily disable Spotify’s auto-start feature in the app’s settings on Windows, Mac, and mobile devices
- Alternatively, use your operating system’s settings to prevent Spotify from launching on startup
Spotify is a fantastic music streaming service that allows you to listen to your favorite tunes anytime, anywhere. However, one minor annoyance is that the app is set to open automatically when you start your computer or mobile device. While this might be convenient for some users, others may find it unnecessary and prefer to launch Spotify manually when needed.
Having Spotify open on startup can slow down your device’s boot process, especially if you have multiple programs configured to launch automatically. Fortunately, it’s easy to prevent Spotify from opening on startup, giving you more control over your device’s performance. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to disable Spotify’s auto-start feature on various platforms.
Table of Contents
Disable Spotify’s Auto-Start Feature on Windows
To stop Spotify from opening automatically on your Windows PC, follow these steps:
- Open the Spotify app
- Click on the three dots in the top-left corner and select “Edit” > “Preferences”
- Scroll down and click “Show Advanced Settings”
- Under “Startup and Window Behaviour,” select “No” from the dropdown menu next to “Open Spotify automatically after you log into the computer”
- Close the Preferences window
Alternatively, you can use the Windows Task Manager to disable Spotify’s auto-start:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager
- Click on the “Startup” tab
- Locate “Spotify” in the list, right-click on it, and select “Disable”
Prevent Spotify From Launching at Startup on Mac
To stop Spotify from automatically opening on your Mac, you can either use the app’s preferences or your Mac’s System Settings:
Using Spotify’s Preferences:
- Open Spotify and click on “Spotify” in the menu bar
- Select “Preferences”
- Scroll down and click “Show Advanced Settings”
- Under “Startup and Window Behaviour,” choose “No” from the dropdown menu next to “Open Spotify automatically after you log into the computer”
Using Mac’s System Settings:
- Click on the Apple menu and select “System Settings”
- Click on “General” in the sidebar, then choose “Login Items”
- Locate “Spotify” in the list and click the “-” button to remove it
Stop Spotify From Opening on Startup on Mobile Devices
Android
- Go to your device’s “Settings” app
- Tap on “Apps & notifications”
- Find and tap on “Spotify”
- Tap on “Advanced”
- Toggle off the “Start app automatically” option
iOS
- Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone or iPad
- Scroll down and tap on “Spotify”
- Toggle off the “Background App Refresh” option
By disabling background app refresh, you prevent Spotify from running in the background when not in use, which includes launching at startup.
Benefits of Preventing Spotify From Opening on Startup
- Faster boot times: By reducing the number of apps that launch at startup, your device will boot up more quickly, allowing you to start working or browsing sooner.
- Improved performance: Fewer apps running in the background means more available system resources, resulting in better overall performance.
- Increased control: You decide when to launch Spotify, rather than having it open automatically every time you start your device.
FAQ
Will disabling Spotify’s auto-start feature affect my account or playlists?
No, preventing Spotify from opening on startup will not impact your account, playlists, or any other settings within the app. It simply stops the app from launching automatically when you start your device.
Can I re-enable Spotify’s auto-start feature if I change my mind?
Yes, you can easily re-enable Spotify’s auto-start feature by following the same steps outlined in this article and selecting “Yes” or “Minimized” instead of “No” in the app’s preferences. For Windows Task Manager or Mac’s System Settings, simply remove Spotify from the disabled or blocked apps list.
Will these steps work for the Spotify web player?
No, the methods described in this article are specific to the Spotify desktop and mobile apps. The web player does not have an auto-start feature, as it runs within your web browser.
I’ve followed the steps, but Spotify still opens on startup. What should I do?
If Spotify continues to open automatically after disabling the auto-start feature, try restarting your device. If the issue persists, uninstall and reinstall the Spotify app, then follow the steps again to ensure the auto-start feature is disabled.
By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily prevent Spotify from automatically opening when you start your computer or mobile device. This will help improve your device’s boot times, performance, and give you more control over when you use the app. Enjoy your music on your terms!