How to Stop Spotify from Opening on Startup (Android, Windows + Mac)
Spotify is one of the most popular streaming services globally, offering an unparalleled listening experience. However, if you find Spotify starting automatically every time you boot up your device, it can become quite an annoyance. Not only does it slow down the startup process, but it also adds unnecessary clutter to your system. Fortunately, stopping Spotify from launching on startup is relatively simple, regardless of whether you’re using Android, Windows, or Mac. Here’s how you can disable Spotify’s auto-start feature on these platforms step by step.
Windows
On Windows, Spotify can auto-start through its internal settings or the system’s startup configuration. You can disable it from either location:
Method 1: Through Spotify Settings
- Open the Spotify application on your computer.
- Click on your profile icon in the top-right corner and select Settings.
- Scroll down and click on the Advanced Settings toggle at the bottom.
- Look for the Startup and Window Behavior section.
- Under the setting titled Open Spotify automatically after you log into the computer, choose No.
Spotify will no longer start automatically when you power on your PC.
Method 2: From Task Manager
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
- Go to the Startup tab.
- Locate Spotify in the list of programs.
- Right-click on Spotify and select Disable.
This ensures Spotify stays disabled from system-level auto-start behavior.
Mac
If you’re on a Mac, Spotify may auto-start due to Login Items or its internal preferences. You can prevent this quickly with the instructions below:
Method 1: Through Spotify Settings
- Open Spotify on your Mac.
- Click on Spotify in the menu bar and navigate to Preferences.
- Select Advanced Settings.
- Under Startup and Window Behavior, locate the option Open Spotify automatically after you log into the computer and set it to No.
Method 2: Using Login Items
- Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and go to System Settings (or System Preferences depending on your macOS version).
- Open Users & Groups or Users & Accounts.
- Click on your username and select the Login Items tab.
- Look for Spotify in the list, select it, and click the minus (-) button to remove it.
These steps will disable Spotify from launching each time your Mac starts.
Android
On Android, Spotify typically doesn’t auto-start unless it’s running in the background with permissions. Here’s how to disable it:
- Go to your phone’s Settings.
- Navigate to Apps or Applications, depending on your device model.
- Locate and tap on Spotify.
- Tap Battery or Power Management.
- Ensure that Spotify is not set to Allow background activity. If it is, toggle it off.
Additionally, on some devices, you might find an option called Auto-start. Disable this if Spotify is listed there.
Final Thoughts
Stopping Spotify from opening on startup can help free up system resources and reduce the time your device takes to boot. Whether you’re on Windows, Mac, or Android, the steps provided here will help you regain control over when Spotify starts running. With just a few adjustments, you can enjoy Spotify only when you actually want to use it and not have it run unnecessarily in the background.
FAQs
Q: Why does Spotify start automatically on startup?
A: Spotify is configured by default to auto-start when you boot your device. This ensures convenience for users who listen to music regularly but can be toggled off if unnecessary.
Q: Will disabling auto-start affect my Spotify app performance?
A: No, disabling auto-start only prevents the app from launching when you boot your device. It won’t affect how Spotify performs once you open it manually.
Q: Do these changes apply across devices?
A: No, you’ll need to follow the steps individually for each device, as the settings are device-specific.
Q: Can I re-enable auto-start for Spotify in the future?
A: Yes, you can always reverse these steps to re-enable Spotify’s auto-start behavior if you change your mind.