How to Filter Explicit Content on Spotify

Part 1. How to Filter Explicit Content on Spotify

Filtering explicit content on Spotify is easy and gives you control over what plays in your playlists, searches, and recommendations. Still, it's a good idea to double-check the steps to make sure everything is set correctly. Spotify's explicit filter is called "Explicit content." If you want to block explicit music, simply turn this option off, which means explicit content is not allowed.

Turn Off Explicit Content on Mobile (iOS & Android)

On mobile, explicit content is turned on by default, so you'll need to switch it off if you want to block explicit songs.

Step 1 Open the Spotify app on your phone or tablet.

Step 2 Tap the Profile icon in the top-right corner and go to Settings > Privacy.

Step 3 Tap Content and Display.

Step 4 Switch the toggle off next to Allow Explicit Content to block explicit songs.

Step 5 Spotify will no longer play tracks labeled as explicit, and you'll be notified if a song contains explicit content.

Turn Off Explicit Content on Desktop (Windows & Mac)

On desktop, you can turn off explicit content from Spotify's settings in just a few clicks.

Step 1 Open the Spotify desktop app.

Step 2 Click your Profile in the top-right corner and select Settings.

Step 3 Scroll down to the Explicit Content section.

Step 4 Turn the toggle off next to Allow playback of explicit-related content to block explicit songs.

Step 5 Spotify will block all explicit tracks, so they won't play in playlists or search results.

Turn Off Explicit Content on Web [Spotify Premium Family Accounts]

For Family plans, the web settings let you control explicit content for each member.

Step 1 Log in to your Premium Family account on the Spotify website.

Step 2 Go to the Family Plan page.

Step 3 Select the family member whose content settings you want to manage.

Step 4 Toggle Remove explicit content on to block explicit songs.

Step 5 From now on, explicit content will be blocked for that family member across their devices.

So what happens next? Explicit music and podcasts are skipped, and explicit audiobooks are hidden. For example, if you try to play a blocked song, you'll see a message like, "Spotify can't play this right now because it contains explicit content." The track appears grayed out, is skipped automatically, and even the lyrics won't show as usual. For Family plans, parents can also control whether family members can hear explicit songs, helping ensure a suitable listening experience when listening with kids, in public, or when you just want a clean session.

Part 2. How to Enable or Allow Explicit Content on Spotify

Explicit content is usually turned on by default, but you can check or turn it back on at any time. Allowing explicit songs gives you full access to Spotify's library of over 100 million tracks, including the genres and songs you enjoy most. On mobile, desktop, or the Web Player, it's just a single toggle away. The setting is still called "Explicit content," but this time, make sure it's enabled. Once it's on, any previously blocked explicit music, podcasts, or audiobooks will be available again.

Turn On Explicit Content on Mobile (iOS & Android)

Explicit content is usually enabled on mobile, so you may not need to change anything. If it was turned off before, you can switch it back on to allow all songs to play.

Step 1 Open the Spotify app on your phone or tablet.

Step 2 Tap the Profile icon in the top-right corner.

Step 3 Go to Settings & Privacy > Content and Display, then switch the toggle on next to Allow Explicit Content.

Step 4 You can now enjoy songs with explicit labels in playlists or search results.

Turn On Explicit Content on Desktop (Windows & Mac)

On desktop, enabling explicit content restores access to all tracks, including songs with strong language. Just make sure the setting is turned on in your preferences.

Step 1 Open the Spotify desktop app.

Step 2 Click your Profile in the top-right corner and select Settings.

Step 3 Scroll down to the Explicit Content section.

Step 4 Turn the toggle on next to Allow playback of explicit-rated content to allow explicit songs.

Step 5 You'll now be able to listen to explicit songs freely.

Turn On Explicit Content on Web [Spotify Premium Family Accounts]

For Family accounts, turning on explicit content on the web allows selected members to listen without restrictions. Changes apply across their linked devices.

Step 1 Log in to your Premium Family account on the Spotify website.

Step 2 Navigate to the Family Plan page.

Step 3 Click the family member you want to adjust.

Step 4 Find Remove explicit content and switch it off to allow explicit songs.

Step 5 Explicit content will now be available for that family member.

Part 3. How to Get Clean and Explicit Versions on Spotify

Many songs have both explicit and clean versions, giving you more choice in different situations. This is helpful when some explicit tracks aren't clearly marked with the "E" label and you hear unexpected swearing. When explicit filtering is on, Spotify shows clean versions automatically when they're available. You can also find different versions by checking the album page or searching with keywords like "clean version" or "explicit version." Keep in mind that not every song with an explicit version has a clean one, but it's always worth checking.

Find Explicit Content on Mobile & Desktop

If explicit content is allowed, Spotify will show and play explicit versions by default. You can usually find them directly from the album page or search results.

Step 1 Open the Spotify app on your phone, tablet, or computer, then use the Search bar to find the song you're interested in.

Step 2 From the search results, click or tap the song to open its album page, where all available versions are listed together.

Step 3 Scroll down through the tracklist and look closely for songs marked with an "Explicit" label or an "E" icon next to the title.

Step 4 Select the explicit version you want to play, and Spotify will start streaming it immediately (as long as explicit content is allowed in your settings).

Find Clean Content on Mobile & Desktop

Whether explicit filtering is turned on or off, Spotify shows clean versions automatically if they're available. You can also search for a song with "clean version" to find a suitable alternative.

Step 1 Open Spotify and go to the Search section, then type the song title followed by keywords like "clean version" or "radio edit."

Step 2 Review the search results carefully to see whether a clean version appears separately from the original track.

Step 3 If nothing shows up in search, open the song's album page and scroll through the full tracklist to check for versions labeled "Clean."

Step 4 Click or tap the clean version to start playing it (keep in mind that not every song offers a clean release).

Part 4. How to Gain More Control over Explicit Content on Spotify

If Spotify's built-in explicit content toggle feels too limited, there are a few practical alternatives that offer more consistent control. These options work well for families, shared devices, offline listening, or anyone who wants fewer surprises beyond simply turning explicit content on or off.

1. Use Spotify Kids

Spotify Kids is a popular choice for families who want a safer listening space. It runs as a separate app where explicit lyrics are blocked by default, and music is organized by age group. In everyday use, this means children can explore music freely without parents needing to check settings or playlists all the time. It's simple, hands-off, and ideal for shared phones, tablets, or home devices.

Step 1 Download the Spotify Kids app from the App Store or Google Play, then sign in using your existing Spotify Premium Family account.

Step 2 Once logged in, choose an age group for the child profile, which automatically filters out explicit lyrics and mature themes.

Step 3 Let kids explore music, stories, and playlists designed specifically for their age range, without worrying about unexpected explicit content appearing.

Step 4 If needed, return to the Family Plan settings on the Spotify website to adjust permissions or switch age categories as your child grows.

2. Use ViWizard Spotify Music Converters

ViWizard Spotify Music Converter suits users who want more permanent control. Instead of relying on Spotify's filters, it lets you keep only the versions you're comfortable with - usually clean tracks - saved as regular audio files. Many users prefer it for converting songs, albums, playlists, podcasts, and even audiobooks for cars, MP3 players, speakers like Toniebox, or shared libraries where Spotify's settings may not apply or could be changed accidentally.

Key Features of ViWizard Spotify Music Converter

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