How to uninstall Spotify on a Mac and clear its cache

Cache, downloads and the app are different

Spotify uses storage both for reusable playback cache and for downloaded music or podcasts. The cache helps playback; downloads make eligible content available offline. Removing the app, clearing cache and removing downloads are distinct jobs.

If Spotify works and storage is the only concern, start inside its own settings. There is no need to remove the whole app to discard reusable cache. If the problem persists after a normal restart or update, Spotify documents a quick reinstall followed by a more complete reset.

We did not remove an app, clear a cache or measure recovered storage for this guide. Your result depends on the existing cache, downloaded content and any custom storage location; no fixed gigabyte saving is promised.

Before uninstalling: preserve what is yours

Confirm that you can sign in using the same account and login method. Check important playlists in that account. A different account after reinstall can make saved music appear missing even though the software installation succeeded.

Keep original local audio files in a verified backup. A playlist reference and Spotify’s offline download are not a substitute for your original recording or music file. Do not include your Music folder in a broad “Spotify cleanup” merely because Spotify has used files from it.

Spotify warns that downloaded music and podcasts must be downloaded again after reinstalling. Plan for that bandwidth and for an internet connection before a trip. If you need offline listening immediately, do not start a clean reinstall just to test a cosmetic issue.

Clear Spotify’s cache without uninstalling

1. Open Spotify’s settings. Click your profile picture and choose Settings.
2. Find Storage. Scroll to the storage section and review what is shown.
3. Choose Clear cache. Read the prompt before confirming. This is Spotify’s documented desktop cache control.
4. Check downloads separately. If you still need room, review downloaded albums, playlists or podcasts through Spotify’s download controls.
5. Expect cache to grow again. Listening can recreate reusable data. Its return alone is not a failed uninstall or a hidden extra copy of the app.

The storage page also documents Change location for the desktop cache. If you previously chose another location, review that setting before removing the app. Do not assume every desktop cache uses a default path listed in an old tutorial.

Use the Mac cache guide for other apps. Clearing every app’s cache at once can obscure which change helped and create unnecessary downloading or rebuilding.

Uninstall the Mac app

Choose Spotify › Quit Spotify. Wait for it to close, then open Finder › Applications and move Spotify to the Trash. If it is in use, close the actual app instead of only its window; the in-use removal guide has the next checks.

Spotify’s quick reinstall procedure then empties the Trash and installs a fresh copy. Review the Trash before emptying it, because that removes other items already there too. If you want a pause with a possible easy restore, do not empty it until you have checked the intended selection.

A removal-only task does not require reinstalling. If you do reinstall to troubleshoot, use Spotify’s official download and sign in with the same account. That is separate from any decision about a Premium plan.

Optional clean removal of named user data

Spotify’s current clean reinstall instructions identify these locations within your user Library. With Spotify quit, use Finder › Go › Go to Folder to inspect each exact path:

Move only the identified Spotify folders you intend to reset to the Trash, after checking backups and download needs. Skip a missing folder. Do not delete the Caches or Application Support parent directory, and do not use a system-wide Library path in place of your own ~/Library.

The support folder is not merely another spelling of “cache.” Treat its removal as a clean reset and expect to restore settings or downloads as needed. Spotify then recommends restarting the device before a clean reinstall.

Uninstalling does not cancel Premium

To stop a direct Premium subscription, Spotify’s account page has Manage your plan › Cancel subscription. If billing is through a partner, use the provider shown in the account’s payment information. Removing the Mac app does not perform that cancellation.

Spotify says playlists and saved music remain when an account switches to its free service. A zero-priced trial can end immediately when canceled, whereas an ordinary paid plan usually continues to the next billing date. Read the account’s confirmation rather than inferring billing status from an empty Applications folder.

Account closure is another action again. Do not delete an account just to remove a local installation. Keep the distinction between local files, service access and billing clear.

Where Tend fits

Tend’s free Clean Up scan can list eligible app caches in your home folder, and Space Map can show large user support data. Inspection is free; moving selected eligible items to Trash requires Pro. Quit Spotify first and review the exact paths.

Tend does not know which offline episodes you need, verify your playlist account or cancel Premium. It protects managed media libraries from broad removal, but your ordinary local audio still deserves a backup. Use the general uninstall guide for the broader app-removal workflow.

Questions

Related guides

Sources

• Spotify, storage and desktop cache controls.
• Spotify, quick and clean Mac reinstall steps and offline downloads.
• Spotify, canceling Premium and billing-provider differences.

Sources checked 23 October 2026. Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we'll fix it.