Spotify is one of the most popular music apps in the world, but let’s be honest, sometimes the volume just doesn’t hit right. The sound can feel unexpectedly soft, whether you’re using Bluetooth speakers, earbuds, or your phone’s built-in speaker.
That’s especially frustrating when you’re trying to work out, block out distractions, or simply enjoy a favorite track the way it’s meant to be heard. Fortunately, there are a few practical tweaks that can make a noticeable difference in how loud Spotify sounds.
This guide walks through settings inside the Spotify app, adjustments you can make on your device, and other helpful tips. You don’t need to be tech-savvy to follow along. Just a few taps here and there could transform your listening experience.
Let’s get started with the first and simplest fix: checking Spotify’s built-in volume settings.
Check Spotify’s Built-In Volume Settings
Spotify gives you a direct way to boost your playback volume right from the app, though it’s easy to overlook. Whether you’re using a phone or a desktop, this is where you should begin.
In the mobile app:
- Open Spotify and tap the gear icon (Settings) in the top-right corner.
- Scroll down and select Playback.
- Under “Volume level,” choose Loud.
This setting increases overall audio output by removing Spotify’s default limit. However, it may slightly reduce audio quality in some cases, especially with lower-end headphones. Still, if volume is your main concern, it’s a fair trade-off.
On the desktop app:
- Click your profile icon and go to Settings.
- Scroll to Audio Quality and look for the Volume level setting.
- Set it to Loud.
This change takes effect instantly. Try playing a song before and after adjusting it to hear the difference. It won’t make your speakers any more powerful, but it pushes Spotify’s internal limit as far as it can go.
Turn Off Volume Normalization
Volume normalization is meant to balance the loudness of all songs so that you don’t get surprised by sudden changes. But in doing so, it often lowers the volume of already loud tracks, which isn’t ideal when you’re looking for a punchy sound.
To disable this on mobile:
- Open Settings in the Spotify app.
- Go to Playback.
- Toggle off “Enable Audio Normalization.”
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On desktop:
- Open Spotify, click your profile, and select Settings.
- Under Audio Quality, toggle off “Normalize volume.”
Disabling this feature allows louder songs to play at their full intensity. You might notice a slight jump in volume on some tracks, especially newer pop and hip-hop songs that are mastered louder by default.
Traditionally, this isn’t a volume boost, but it does lift a quiet cap Spotify places on your music. Try it for a few days to see if it works for your taste.
Adjust Your Device’s Sound Settings
Even if Spotify’s in-app volume is set to max, your phone or computer might still be limiting the sound. Devices often include safety settings, sound limiters, or EQ presets that can lower volume without you realizing it.
On iPhones, go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Headphone Safety. Here, turn off “Reduce Loud Sounds” if it’s enabled. Then, head to Settings > Music > EQ and choose a preset like “Late Night” to boost perceived loudness.
Android devices vary, but you’ll typically find EQ and volume limit options under Settings > Sound or Settings > Audio. Some phones, like Samsung or OnePlus, offer a “Sound quality and effects” menu with Dolby Atmos or similar enhancements. Turn those on if available.
For Windows users, right-click the speaker icon and choose Sound settings. Navigate to your output device > Properties > Enhancements, and enable “Loudness Equalization.” It smooths audio levels and raises overall volume.
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On macOS, open Audio MIDI Setup from Utilities. Select your output device and adjust the Format and Volume sliders to max. For more control, you can also explore third-party sound boosters.
Tweaking just one of these settings might not change much, but adjusting several together can give Spotify a noticeable boost.
Use an Equalizer to Boost Frequencies
An equalizer, or EQ, lets you shape how different audio frequencies sound, boosting bass, cutting treble, or enhancing mids. It can make your music sound louder without touching the actual volume slider.
Spotify has a built-in EQ on mobile. To find it, go to Settings > Playback > Equalizer. From here, choose a preset like “Bass Booster” or “Loudness.” If you want to customize it, slightly raise the midrange and high-mid frequencies. It adds presence without distortion.
On iPhone, you can also adjust the EQ in Settings > Music > EQ and try “Late Night” or “Loudness” options for more punch.
Many Android devices have their own sound settings or equalizer under Settings > Sound. If yours doesn’t, consider installing a free third-party EQ app.
Just remember: boosting too many frequencies at once can muddy the audio. The goal is clarity and punch, not just loudness. Start small, test with different genres, and tweak as needed.
Try External Volume Booster Apps or Extensions
If your Spotify audio still isn’t loud enough after tweaking in-app and device settings, external volume booster tools can help. These apps or browser extensions raise your system’s output volume beyond its default max. Just be careful not to overdo it.
For desktop users:
- Boom 3D (Mac & Windows) – A premium app with system-wide volume boosting, presets, and 3D surround sound.
- Equalizer APO (Windows) – Free, powerful tool for customizing audio, though it has a learning curve.
- BackgroundMusic (Mac) – Lets you control and boost volume per app.
For browsers:
- Volume Master (Chrome) – A simple extension that increases tab volume up to 600%. Great for Spotify Web.
Mobile users have limited options due to OS restrictions, but some Android phones allow third-party boosters like “Extra Volume Booster” or “Speaker Boost.” Always check ratings and avoid apps that request suspicious permissions.
Volume booster tools can make a big difference in noisy environments, but they may distort sound or stress your speakers. Use them moderately, and consider pairing them with a better set of headphones or speakers for a cleaner upgrade.
Use Better Output Devices
Sometimes, it’s not the app or settings; it’s the hardware. Upgrading your audio gear can dramatically change how loud and full your Spotify music sounds.
Here are a few things to look for:
- Headphones with Built-in Amplifiers – Provide more headroom and volume.
- Bluetooth Speakers with High Wattage – Louder and clearer in open spaces.
- Wired over Wireless – Wired options often offer stronger, uncompressed sound.
Also, pay attention to placement. Position your speaker near walls or corners to naturally amplify bass and volume. Even tilting it slightly upward can direct more sound toward you.
Investing in better gear might cost more up front, but the difference in sound quality and volume is well worth it if music is a daily part of your routine.
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Clear Cache or Reinstall Spotify
If Spotify still sounds quieter than expected, corrupted cache files could be to blame. Clearing them out often resolves glitches affecting playback quality or volume.
To clear the cache on mobile:
- Go to Spotify Settings
- Tap Storage
- Select Clear Cache
If that doesn’t help, try uninstalling and reinstalling the app. This will give you a clean version with default settings and clear out any deeper bugs.
It’s a simple fix that often gets overlooked. Regularly clearing the cache can also keep Spotify running smoothly over time.
Check for App or OS Updates
Outdated apps or operating systems can sometimes cause performance issues, including inconsistent audio. Spotify regularly releases updates to improve playback and fix bugs, so it’s smart to keep everything up to date.
Check the App Store or Google Play for pending Spotify updates on mobile devices. At the same time, make sure your iOS or Android version is current.
How to Check for Updates in Mac OS Computer
For desktop users, update Spotify through the app menu or re-download it from the official site. And don’t forget to check for Windows or macOS updates as well.
A simple update can often resolve audio issues without much effort.
Conclusion
Louder Spotify sound isn’t just about cranking the volume; it’s about knowing where to look. From built-in settings to hardware upgrades and system tweaks, there are multiple ways to improve your listening experience.
Try combining a few of these methods for the best results. Whether you’re blasting your favorite playlist or zoning into focus mode, better volume makes everything sound more alive.
Take your time, test different combinations, and find what works for you. Music should feel good, and now, it can finally sound good too.
