How to Upgrade to Spotify Premium: Full Guide

Upgrading to Spotify Premium removes ads, lets you download music for offline listening, and allows you to skip tracks without limits. This guide covers the simple steps to upgrade from the free tier, whether you’re on a phone, tablet, or computer, and what to do if you run into any snags.

What You’ll Need

An active Spotify account (free tier is fine).
A valid payment method: credit/debit card, PayPal, or a mobile payment option (depending on your region).
The Spotify app installed on your device, or access to the Spotify website.
For some offers (like Student or Duo), you may need to verify eligibility with additional info.

Step-by-Step

Log in to your Spotify account. Open the Spotify app on your phone or tablet, or go to spotify.com on your computer. Make sure you’re logged in with the account you want to upgrade.
Navigate to the Premium section. In the mobile app, tap the “Home” icon, then tap the “Premium” button at the top of the screen (it looks like a small banner or a gear icon depending on your version). On the desktop app, click your profile picture in the top-right corner and select “Premium” from the dropdown. On the web player, click “Upgrade” in the top-right.
Choose your plan. Spotify offers several Premium plans: Individual, Duo (for two people), Family (up to 6), and Student. Tap or click the plan you want to see its price and details. If you’re a student, you’ll need to verify your enrollment through SheerID later.
Click “Get Premium” or “Start” for your chosen plan. This begins the checkout process.
Enter your payment information. Fill in your credit card details, or choose PayPal or another available option. For some mobile users, Spotify might offer billing through your Apple App Store or Google Play account—if so, you’ll be redirected to confirm with your Apple ID or Google account.
Review and confirm. Check the plan name, price, and billing cycle (monthly, annual, etc.) before confirming. Click “Start” or “Subscribe” to finalize.
Wait for confirmation. Once payment goes through, Spotify will show a success message. You’ll also receive a confirmation email. Your account is now Premium—you can immediately start downloading music and enjoying ad-free listening.

Common Mistakes

Upgrading on the wrong account. If you’re already logged in on a device, but you have multiple Spotify accounts, you might accidentally upgrade a secondary one. Double-check the email address shown in the app before paying.
Choosing a plan with extra steps. Student, Duo, and Family plans require verification or invitations. If you pick one of these and don’t complete the verification, your upgrade won’t go through.
Using an expired or declined card. If your payment method fails, Spotify will not complete the upgrade. Make sure your card is valid and has sufficient funds.
Assuming free trial is automatic. Some plans offer a free trial, but you still need to enter payment details. If you cancel before the trial ends, you won’t be charged.

Tips

Take advantage of free trials. Spotify often gives new Premium users a 1-month (or longer) free trial. Use it to test the service before committing.
Check for student discounts. If you’re enrolled in a college or university, the Student plan is significantly cheaper and includes Hulu (in some regions). Verify through SheerID to get the discount.
Use prepaid cards. If you don’t want to link a bank card, you can buy a Spotify gift card or a prepaid Visa/Mastercard and use that as your payment method.
Manage your plan from your account page. After upgrading, you can change plans, update payment info, or cancel anytime from your Spotify account settings.

Troubleshooting

Payment is declined but my card is fine. Try a different payment method (e.g., PayPal instead of card). If that fails, check that your billing address matches the one on file with your bank. Contact your bank if the issue persists.

I upgraded but I still see ads. First, log out and log back in on all devices. On mobile, make sure the app is updated. If ads still appear, check your account status on the Spotify website—it should say “Premium.” If it says “Free,” the upgrade didn’t complete.

I was charged but don’t have Premium. Wait a few minutes—payment processing can be slow. If it’s been over an hour, contact Spotify support with your receipt.

I can’t find the Premium button. On the mobile app, the button might be under “Settings” > “Account” > “Premium.” On desktop, click your profile icon and look for “Premium.” If you’re in a region where Spotify is not available, you won’t see the option.

Student verification fails. Make sure you’re using your school email or have your enrollment documents ready. If you’re not a student, choose a different plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I upgrade to Premium with a gift card? Yes, you can redeem a Spotify gift card to your account, and then use the balance to pay for Premium. The gift card must cover the full cost of the first month.

Does Spotify Premium work on all devices? Yes, your Premium subscription is tied to your account, so it works on your phone, tablet, computer, and smart speakers, as long as you’re logged in.

Can I cancel Premium anytime? Yes, you can cancel your subscription anytime from your account settings. You’ll keep Premium until the end of the billing period, then revert to free.

Is there a family plan? Yes, the Family plan costs more than Individual but allows up to six accounts under one roof. You’ll need to verify your address and each member must live at the same address.

What happens to my playlists when I upgrade? Nothing—your playlists, saved songs, and followers all stay intact. Upgrading only adds features; it doesn’t remove anything.

Can I get a refund if I don’t like it? Spotify does not offer refunds for Premium subscriptions, but you can cancel and use the service until the end of the paid period. If you were charged by mistake, contact support.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

More in this bed

The whole Tech How-To bed →