Many people use Spotify for its huge library of over 100 million songs. Premium subscribers can download tracks for offline listening on desktop or mobile apps, which makes the process feel very easy.
But when users try to find those downloaded files on their device, they often cannot. The songs are not stored as MP3s or other normal audio files. They also cannot be opened in regular music players or moved to other devices.
The reason is Digital Rights Management, or DRM. Like many other music services, Spotify encrypts downloaded songs so they only work in the Spotify app. This protects music from sharing and helps maintain licensing agreements, but it can be frustrating if you want to play music on unsupported devices or keep songs permanently.
Removing DRM from Spotify music is one possible solution, but it should be done carefully because of legal considerations. In this post, we explain what Spotify DRM is and introduce tools that can convert Spotify music into DRM free files for easier offline listening. Software such as ViWizard Spotify Music Converter can extract MP3 files from Spotify streams, but the files should always be used for personal listening only.
Download Spotify music, podcasts and audiobooks as MP3 and more. Keep full sound and listen offline anytime.
Part 1. What Is Spotify DRM?
Digital Rights Management, or DRM, is a system used to control access to digital content and prevent unauthorized copying or sharing. It is widely used across streaming services, from video platforms to music services like Spotify. On Spotify, DRM protects how music is accessed, stored, and played. According to research on Hacker News, Spotify DRM essentially applies AES-128-CTR encryption over standard OGG audio files.
What Spotify DRM Means for Spotify
For Spotify, DRM ensures songs are only played through authorized accounts and apps, like the Spotify app or web player. It protects agreements with record labels and allows features like offline listening while keeping control over how music is used. DRM also supports the subscription model, keeping downloaded songs tied to the user account and requiring occasional verification with Spotify's servers.
What Spotify DRM Means for Users
For users, DRM mostly runs in the background, but it limits how music can be used. Downloaded tracks are not saved as MP3 or AAC files. Instead, they are stored as cache files in proprietary formats that only the Spotify app can read. This prevents users from transferring songs to other devices, sharing with friends, or backing them up.
Even with a Premium subscription, every stream or download is protected by DRM. If a user logs out, cancels their subscription, fails to reconnect to the internet, or if licensing agreements change, offline downloads may stop working.
Despite these limits, DRM allows Spotify to provide a large streaming catalog and offline listening. It protects the service, but it can be frustrating for users who want more control over their music.
Part 2. How Spotify DRM Works
Spotify DRM relies on encryption, account authentication, and license verification.
Instead of standard audio files, Spotify streams music in Ogg Vorbis format with DRM encryption that only the Spotify app can decode. When a song is played, the app checks with Spotify's servers to confirm the account has permission to access it. Once verified, the app decrypts the audio and plays it.
Offline downloads work in a similar way. Although stored on users' devices, these files cannot be used outside the app because they rely on Spotify's decryption system. To keep downloads active, the app must occasionally reconnect to the internet to verify the subscription and refresh the license. If verification fails or the license expires, downloaded tracks may stop playing until the app reconnects.
Part 3. Why Remove DRM from Spotify Music
Depending on how you use Spotify, DRM can create several unexpected limits. These include:
Music locked in Spotify: Downloaded songs only play in the Spotify app. Other players cannot open them.
Cannot move to other devices: Songs cannot be copied to phones, USB drives, or backup libraries.
Stops if subscription ends: Downloads stop working when the Premium subscription expires.
Needs occasional verification: Offline tracks require the app to check the account. Without verification, music may stop playing.
Music is not permanent: Songs can disappear if Spotify removes them or licensing agreements change.
Playlists stay inside the app: Playlists cannot be exported or played outside Spotify.
Key Takeaways:
I'm all for supporting artists and streaming services, but the way these rules are set up often ends up making things harder for people who just want to keep the music they've paid for.
Digital access is marketed like a purchase, but it's more like renting — your access can be taken away at any time because of DRM.
That's why many Spotify users end up needing a DRM-removal tool like ViWizard Spotify Music Converter.
I'll be honest — I'm one of those people who likes to keep a personal archive of all the music I've loved over the years. Not to share it or upload it anywhere — just to keep it for myself like forever.
After trying different ways to do this, using a DRM removal tool like ViWizard has been the safest and most reliable way to make sure that the music I enjoy today doesn't just disappear tomorrow because of changes in licensing or account problems. Let's get to know more about how it works to remove DRM from Spotify.
Part 4. How to Remove DRM from Spotify Music
If you want to keep your Spotify music for good, ViWizard Spotify Music Converter is an easy solution—no Premium subscription needed. It lets you remove DRM from music, podcasts, and audiobooks (with an eligible subscription) by recording at up to 15x speed.
Here's how it works: Open ViWizard, log in with your account, pick your music, and select the DRM-free format you want. ViWizard does the rest, making it seem like you're just streaming music, like in the Web Player. The conversion process works for all your selected tracks, but keep in mind, this method isn't an "all-at-once" solution. It's still a proceed-with-your-own-risk method, so we recommend converting your music library slowly to avoid any issues.
ViWizard offers various DRM-free formats like MP3, M4A, M4B, WAV, FLAC, or AIFF. It also removes ads for free users, giving you a Premium-like experience. You can create a personal offline music library with essential ID3 tags, download as much as you want, and keep your music free from restrictions.
ViWizard works on both Windows and Mac. Try it now to remove DRM and keep your music forever!
Key Features of ViWizard Spotify Music Converter
Free Trial Free Trial* Security verified. 5, 481,347 people have downloaded it.
- Download Spotify songs, playlists, podcasts, and audiobooks extremely fast at up to 15x speed
- Convert Spotify into MP3, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, M4A, and M4B losslessly
- Lets you play Spotify tracks offline on any device without restrictions
- Works seamlessly on Windows and macOS, supporting the built-in Spotify Web Player
Step 1Download and Install a DRM Removal Tool
Begin by downloading a reputable DRM removal tool that is compatible with your operating system (Windows or Mac). Choose a tool designed to convert Spotify music into non-DRM audio formats. After the download completes, follow the installation prompts to set up the software. Once installation is finished, open the application to start the process of converting your Spotify music into DRM-free files.
Step 2Log in to Your Spotify Account and Select Music
Launch the DRM removal tool and log in using your Spotify account credentials. This will grant access to your full library, including all saved playlists, albums, and tracks. You can either search for specific songs or browse through your playlists. Select the music you want to convert by adding them to the conversion queue. You can add multiple songs, albums, or playlists at once.
Step 3Choose Output Format and Customize Settings
Access the settings menu to select the desired output format for your converted music. Common formats like MP3, AAC, or FLAC work well for most devices and media players. To maintain high-quality audio, choose the maximum bitrate (320kbps). You can also adjust other settings, such as sample rate and audio channels, based on your preferences. Once you've customized the settings, confirm by applying them.
Step 4Start the Conversion Process
Once your settings are configured, click the "Convert" button to begin the DRM removal process. The software will quickly process the selected Spotify tracks, removing DRM protection and converting them into your chosen audio format. After the process is complete, navigate to the designated output folder to access the converted tracks. These files are now DRM-free and can be played on any compatible device without the need for a Spotify account.
Step 5Transfer DRM-Free Files
Now that you've successfully used ViWizard Spotify Music Converter to liberate your Spotify music from DRM, the next exciting step is transferring these DRM-free tracks to your mobile device - whether you're an iPhone or Android user, we've got you covered.
For iPhone Users:
- Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable.
- Open iTunes on your computer.
- Click on the device icon in iTunes.
- Navigate to the "Music" tab.
- Check the "Sync Music" option.
- Select the converted Spotify tracks in your local library.
- Click "Apply" to start the sync process.
For Android Users:
- Connect your Android device to your computer via USB.
- Access your Android device's file system on your computer.
- Locate the "Music" or "Media" folder on your Android device.
- Copy and paste the ViWizard-converted Spotify music files into the designated folder.
Part 5. Is It Legal to Remove Spotify DRM?
The topic of DRM removal often raises legal questions. Music streaming platforms rely on licensing agreements with record labels and artists, and DRM is one way these agreements are enforced.
Whether removing DRM from Spotify music is legal depends on how the music is used and the laws in your region. In the United States, the Digital Millennium Copyright Act forbids bypassing protections that control access to copyrighted works. Because of this, removing DRM may violate copyright law if it bypasses protections set by the rights holder.
Some people argue that removing DRM for personal use, such as making backups or playing music on unsupported devices, may be acceptable in certain situations. Tools like ViWizard Spotify Music Converter may advertise DRM removal, but in practice they usually decode Spotify streams and save them as MP3 files instead.
These situations are interpreted differently across regions, so it is important to review the copyright rules where you live before attempting to convert Spotify music. In most cases, legality depends on both local law and how the converted files are used.
Part 6. Ways to Get DRM-Free Spotify Music
There are several approaches people use when they want more flexible access to tracks from Spotify. Some rely on conversion tools like ViWizard Spotify Music Converter, which convert streaming music into standard audio formats. Others use recording tools such as Audacity to capture audio in real time. Another option is buying DRM‑free music from online stores when permanent ownership is important. Each approach reflects the same goal of keeping music accessible outside the Spotify app.
Way 1: Convert Spotify music to DRM‑free formats
Use a Spotify music converter to export songs into common formats such as MP3, FLAC, WAV, or AAC. Programs like ViWizard Spotify Music Converter work with the Spotify app or web player and let you load songs, albums, or playlists for conversion. Most tools keep details like artist names, album artwork, and track titles, and they support batch conversion for large playlists. Many users choose this method because Spotify downloads normally stay locked inside the app. After conversion, the tracks work like regular audio files that can be moved to phones, USB drives, media libraries, or MP3 players without opening Spotify.
Way 2: Record Spotify audio while it plays
Another option is recording the audio output while Spotify plays the music. Tools like Audacity or other system audio recorders capture the sound from your computer and save it as a new file, usually in MP3 or WAV format. Start recording, play the song in Spotify, and stop when the track finishes. Many people use this method because recording tools are widely available and often free. The main drawback is time. Since everything happens in real time, recording a full playlist takes longer, but it remains a simple workaround that works with most streaming audio.
Way 3: Buy DRM‑free versions of songs you discover on Spotify
Spotify is often used to discover music rather than store permanent copies. If you want DRM‑free files, you can buy the songs from digital music stores that offer downloadable tracks. Many artists release their music on platforms like Bandcamp or other online stores where downloads are available in formats such as MP3 or FLAC. Once purchased, the files can be stored locally and played on any device without app restrictions or subscription requirements.
Part 7. Best Spotify DRM Removal Software
Over time, several applications have appeared that focus on converting music from Spotify into normal audio formats. These tools usually connect to the Spotify player and export songs while keeping details such as artist names, album artwork, and playlists. Programs like ViWizard Spotify Music Converter are designed for this purpose, allowing Spotify tracks to be saved as common audio formats for personal use.
Best overall for most users
ViWizard Spotify Music Converter is one of the most popular tools for downloading and converting Spotify tracks, albums, and playlists. It's known for its high-speed conversion—up to 5x faster—and supports common formats like MP3, M4A, WAV, and FLAC. It also preserves ID3 tags such as artist, album, and genre. If you want a reliable, easy-to-use program that works on both Windows and Mac, ViWizard is a top choice—especially for users who want their entire library available offline without relying on Spotify's app.
Trusted and stable option
NoteBurner is another highly rated tool that lets you convert Spotify music into DRM-free formats for offline listening. It offers excellent output quality, retains metadata, and supports MP3, AAC, FLAC, WAV, and AIFF. Compatible with both free and Premium Spotify accounts, it's often praised for its stable performance and frequent updates. While you'll need to pay for the full version after the free trial, its reliability and solid support make it a go-to for many long-term users.
Best balance of price and features
TuneFab strikes a great balance between ease of use and functionality. It supports batch downloading, offers up to 320kbps audio quality, and handles popular formats like MP3 and FLAC. Available on both Windows and macOS, it also lets you customize bitrate and sample rate settings. Though it's a paid product, it's more affordable than some alternatives—making it a smart choice for users who want flexibility without overspending.
Great for DRM removal and customization
UkeySoft specializes in DRM removal, and its Spotify Converter delivers with solid performance. It supports a wide range of audio formats and lets you set output quality up to 320kbps. A useful bonus is the ability to adjust conversion speed, which helps balance speed and quality. While the interface feels a bit dated, it's functional and easy to learn. This is a strong pick if you want more control over the conversion process and don't mind some manual setup.
Advanced features, less beginner-friendly
Leawo Prof. DRM isn't limited to Spotify—it also supports iTunes videos, audiobooks, and eBooks, making it an all-in-one DRM removal suite. For Spotify, it captures and converts songs while preserving original audio quality and metadata. However, its interface is cluttered and less intuitive for beginners. If you're tech-savvy and looking for a tool that handles multiple types of media, Leawo is worth exploring.
Solid performance, aging design
Ondesoft offers a dependable Spotify downloader that supports MP3, WAV, M4A, and FLAC formats. It works with both free and Premium Spotify accounts and retains most metadata. Performance-wise, it's fast and accurate, but the user interface feels outdated and hasn't seen much improvement in recent years. Still, if you care more about results than looks, Ondesoft remains a practical option.
Best for recording any audio source
ViWizard Audio Capture is different from traditional converters—it records audio in real time from any app. That means you can capture not only Spotify but also YouTube, podcasts, and internet radio. It supports formats like MP3, M4A, FLAC, and more, and allows multi-track recording. While it doesn't remove DRM directly, it's a flexible tool for capturing music from platforms that don't offer downloads.
Free and powerful, but technical
Audacity is a well-known open-source audio recorder and editor used by musicians, podcasters, and hobbyists. You can use it to record Spotify in real time, but it's not designed for that specifically. Setup requires configuring your audio input manually, and there's no built-in metadata tagging. Still, for users comfortable with audio editing or looking for a free, flexible option, Audacity is a powerful tool—you'll just need to invest some time.
Free Spotify recorder for real-time recording
Spytify is a lightweight, Windows-only tool that automatically records Spotify songs as they play. It splits and names tracks automatically, and it's completely free—no subscriptions or watermarks. However, since it records in real time, you'll need to let playlists play all the way through. It also doesn't remove DRM. Still, if you're patient and want a zero-cost backup solution, Spytify is a solid choice.
Outdated and unreliable
Deezify started as a Chrome extension for downloading from Spotify and Deezer, but it hasn't received meaningful updates in years. Most users now report that it doesn't work, crashes often, or can't connect to Spotify at all. With so many better-maintained tools available, Deezify is best avoided unless you're just curious—just don't expect much from it.
Part 8. Spotify DRM FAQs
Can You Convert Spotify Downloads Directly to MP3?
No. Spotify downloads are locked and only work within the app. Tools like ViWizard can't convert them directly. You'll need to stream the music through Spotify and then record it as MP3 or other formats.
Is It Legal to Remove DRM from Spotify Music?
It depends on where you live. In some places, removing DRM for personal use is okay, but in others, it's not. Make sure to check the laws in your country before using DRM removal tools.
Can You Move Spotify Music to an SD Card or USB Drive?
No, not directly. Spotify downloads can only be used within the app. But after converting songs to MP3, you can move them to any storage device for offline listening.
Are There Free Tools to Remove DRM?
Yes, tools like Audacity can record Spotify music for free. They work, but they take longer and may not give the best sound quality compared to paid options.
Will Using DRM Tools Get Your Spotify Account Banned?
It's possible. Using these tools goes against Spotify's rules. Some people have had their accounts banned, especially if they download too much music too fast. To be safe, use the tools carefully and don't download too much at once.
Conclusion:
The process of removing DRM from Spotify is pretty simple with the help of ViWizard Spotify Music Converter. If you are looking for a feasible way to help you remove Spotify DRM, just try it, and you'll find it out. Furthermore, you can download Spotify songs without Premium and listen to them anywhere and anytime.
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Adam Gorden, the digital media specialist at ViWizard, is dedicated to providing the best solutions for digital media management, including audio and video conversion, file optimization, and media workflow enhancements.
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