Spotify Lossless: Quality, Requirements, and How to Enable
Spotify calls its new feature Spotify Lossless audio. This feature gives you the best sound quality on the service. This has been a highly requested update for years. Lossless audio is rolling out now for Premium subscribers. It means you hear more of the music than ever before. You get a richer, much more detailed listening experience.
Understanding Spotify Lossless Quality
Lossless means the audio file keeps all the original data. When Spotify used standard quality, the audio file was compressed. That compression removed some data to make the file smaller. This removal saves space and bandwidth. But it also removes subtle sounds. Lossless compression uses the FLAC format. FLAC shrinks the file size but keeps all the data intact. You lose no audio information.
The Technical Jump
Previously, Spotify’s best quality was “Very High.” That was a compressed format. Now, Lossless streams music at up to 24-bit/44.1 kHz.
1. 24-bit provides greater dynamic range. This means the difference between the quietest and loudest sounds is bigger. The music feels fuller.
2. The 44.1 kHz is the sampling rate. This is the same rate used for CDs.
The quality available covers nearly every song in the Spotify library. This means you can listen to new releases and old favorites with better detail.
What Doesn’t Have it ?
Lossless quality does not apply to all content. The enhanced quality is currently unavailable for:
Rollout and Getting Access
The Lossless rollout began in September 2025. It is going out gradually. It is reaching over 50 markets over several months. This staggered rollout ensures smooth service delivery.
Countries like the US, UK, Germany, Japan, and Australia were among the first markets to see it. If you are a Premium subscriber, you will get a notification. This appears right in your Spotify app. It tells you when Lossless is ready for your account. You must wait for that notification.
Why the Long Wait?
Spotify took time to build this feature right. They focused on three things:
How to Turn Spotify Lossless On ?
You must enable Lossless manually. The setting is not automatic. You do this inside the Spotify app settings. And you must select the setting on each device you want to use.
Step-by-step instructions:
Understanding Your Choices
Lossless files are very large. They use much more data than standard quality. Spotify gives you maximum control over your data usage.
When Spotify Lossless is active, a Lossless indicator appears. You see this in the Now Playing view or the bar. It confirms you are streaming at the highest quality.
Hardware and Connection Requirements
Lossless quality needs good equipment. It also needs the right connection. This is the most critical part of the experience.
The Speed Requirement
Lossless quality needs high bandwidth. The audio data stream is constant and large. Spotify recommends a steady internet connection of 1.5 to 2 Mbps. If your connection drops below this speed, you may hear buffering. The app may automatically lower the quality to prevent glitches.
Why Wired is Better
For the very best experience, use wired headphones or wired speakers. This is the most reliable way to transfer large amounts of data. The cable does not compress the audio signal.
The Bluetooth Bottleneck
Bluetooth currently does not provide enough bandwidth. It cannot transmit the full Lossless audio signal. The signal must be compressed before it is sent over Bluetooth. Even expensive headphones and high-end codecs like aptX HD or LDAC compress the signal. The music you hear over Bluetooth is technically not fully lossless.
Using Spotify Connect
Spotify Connect is the preferred wireless solution. This allows the streaming speaker to connect directly to the internet. The speaker itself retrieves the large Lossless FLAC file from Spotify. The speaker’s own circuitry decodes the file. Your phone only acts as a remote control. This bypasses your phone’s Bluetooth limits.
Supported Devices
Lossless audio is available on mobile, desktop, and tablet apps. It also works with many Spotify Connect devices. Currently supported brands include:
Support for more brands is always rolling out. Support for devices from Sonos and Amazon is expected soon after the initial launch. To use Connect, make sure your third-party device has the latest firmware. Check the device settings or contact the manufacturer for help with updates.
Troubleshooting and Fine Print
If you think you are listening in Lossless but do not hear a difference, check a few things:
1. Check the indicator: Make sure the Lossless indicator appears on your screen. If it doesn’t appear, the connection or device is not ready.
2. Network connection: If you hear playback glitches or buffering, try lowering the audio quality. Also, move closer to your Wi-Fi router. A weak signal will force the quality to drop.
3. Original recording: Lossless quality depends on the original recording. Spotify can only deliver the quality the artist recorded in the studio. If the master recording itself had limitations, the Lossless version won’t sound perfect. The new feature gives listeners every detail, but this includes both the good parts and the imperfections of the original track.
Conclusion
Spotify Lossless gives Premium users a clear audio upgrade. It delivers 24-bit/44.1 kHz FLAC files. You must enable it in your settings. For true Lossless sound, use a wired connection or Spotify Connect. This feature improves the listening experience greatly. It shows Spotify continues to invest in its Premium service.
