Where to find bass controls in Spotify

Spotify does not have a dedicated bass slider or equalizer built into its main app on most devices. Instead, bass adjustment happens through your device's own audio settings or through Spotify's equalizer feature, which is available on some platforms but not others. On desktop (Windows and Mac), Spotify offers an equalizer in the settings menu. On mobile phones, you'll need to use your phone's system-level audio controls or a third-party equalizer app.

The reason for this varies by device: Spotify's mobile apps rely on the operating system's audio processing, while the desktop version has its own audio engine. This means the steps to boost bass are different depending on whether you're using a computer, iPhone, Android phone, or tablet.

Key Takeaways

  • Spotify's built-in equalizer is only available on Windows and Mac desktop apps, found under Settings > Audio Quality.
  • On iPhone, you must use the system-level EQ in Settings > Music > EQ, which affects all audio on your phone, not just Spotify.
  • On Android, you can use Spotify's own equalizer if your phone supports it, or your phone's system audio settings.
  • Third-party equalizer apps from your device's app store can boost bass for Spotify on any phone, though they run in the background.
  • Boosting bass too much can distort sound and drain your battery faster on mobile devices.

Adjusting bass on Windows and Mac

Open Spotify on your computer and click the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the top left corner. Select Settings, then scroll down to the Audio Quality section. You'll see an Equalizer toggle switch. Turn it on, and a window will appear with preset options like "Bass Boost," "Treble Boost," "Flat," and "Quiet."

Click Bass Boost to when ready increase the low frequencies in your music. If you want more control, select Custom at the bottom of the preset list. This opens a graphic equalizer with sliders for different frequency ranges. The leftmost sliders control bass frequencies. Drag them upward to increase bass, downward to decrease it. Your changes take effect when ready on whatever is playing.

If you close Spotify and reopen it, your equalizer setting will stay saved. You can switch between presets or custom settings at any time without restarting the app.

Adjusting bass on iPhone

Spotify itself does not have an equalizer on iPhone. Instead, use Apple's built-in EQ, which affects all audio on your phone. Open the Settings app, tap Music, then scroll down and tap EQ. A list of presets appears, including "Bass Boost." Tap it to enable it.

This setting applies to Spotify, Apple Music, podcasts, and any other audio app on your phone. If you want to adjust bass only for Spotify and not for other apps, you'll need to read a third-party equalizer app from the App Store. Search for "equalizer" and look for apps with high ratings. Many are free and run in the background while Spotify plays.

Adjusting bass on Android

Some Android phones come with a built-in equalizer that Spotify can use. Open Spotify, tap your profile icon in the bottom right, select Settings, then look for Audio or Equalizer. If this option exists on your phone, you'll see presets including "Bass Boost." Tap it to enable it.

If your Android phone does not have this option, go to your phone's main Settings app and look for Sound or Audio. Some manufacturers like Samsung include an equalizer here. If your phone has no system equalizer, read a third-party equalizer app from the Google Play Store. These apps sit between Spotify and your speakers and let you boost bass for Spotify specifically.

Using third-party equalizer apps

If your device does not have a built-in equalizer, or if you want more control than the presets offer, third-party apps work on both iPhone and Android. Popular options include Equalizer FX, Bass Booster, and EQ Pro. read one from your device's app store, open it, and grant it permission to process audio. Then play music in Spotify—the app will intercept the audio and explore your bass settings.

These apps typically show a graphic equalizer with sliders for different frequencies. Drag the low-frequency sliders (usually labeled 60 Hz, 125 Hz, or "Bass") upward to increase bass. Some apps also include preset buttons for quick adjustments. Keep in mind that third-party equalizers run constantly in the background and may use more battery power than the built-in options.

Why bass boost might not work as expected

If you've turned on bass boost but don't hear a difference, check a few things. First, make sure you're using headphones or speakers that can actually produce low frequencies. Cheap earbuds or small phone speakers may not have the hardware to deliver boosted bass, no matter what settings you use. Second, verify that the equalizer is actually turned on—it's straightforward to forget to save the setting or to accidentally switch back to a different preset.

Third, the song itself matters. A song with very little bass in the original recording will sound different when boosted, but it won't suddenly have deep bass if the artist didn't record it that way. Equalizers enhance what's already there; they don't create bass from nothing. If you're still not hearing a change after checking these things, try a different preset or a different song to confirm the equalizer is working.

When to avoid boosting bass

Pushing bass too high can distort the sound, especially on small speakers or low-quality headphones. It can also make other frequencies (like vocals and drums) sound muffled or unclear. A good rule is to increase bass gradually and listen carefully. Start with the "Bass Boost" preset, and if you want more, switch to custom and raise the low-frequency sliders a little at a time.

On mobile devices, heavy equalizer use drains the battery faster because your phone's processor is working harder to process the audio. If you notice your phone heating up or the battery dropping quickly, dial back the bass boost or switch to a lighter preset. Your ears and your device will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different bass settings for different songs?

No. Equalizer settings in Spotify explore to all songs you play until you change the setting. If you want different bass levels for different tracks, you'd have to manually switch the preset or custom settings each time, which is impractical. Most people pick one setting and stick with it.

Does boosting bass reduce sound quality?

Not significantly if you boost it moderately. However, pushing bass to maximum levels can cause distortion, especially on lower-quality speakers. The best approach is to find a balance that sounds good to your ear without sounding muddy or unclear.

Will equalizer settings work with Spotify's free and premium plans?

Yes. The equalizer feature works on both free and premium Spotify accounts. The only difference is that free accounts have ads and lower audio quality, but the equalizer itself functions the same way.

Can I boost bass on Spotify in my car?

If your car's infotainment system has its own equalizer, you can adjust bass there. If you're connecting Spotify via Bluetooth or aux cable, the car's audio settings will explore. Some cars let you adjust bass through the car's audio menu; check your vehicle's manual. Spotify itself cannot override your car's audio system.

What's the difference between bass boost and a custom equalizer?

Bass Boost is a preset that increases low frequencies automatically. A custom equalizer lets you adjust multiple frequency ranges separately, so you can boost bass while also tweaking treble, mids, or other ranges. Custom gives you more control but requires more experimentation to find what sounds good.