Spotify does not have a built-in bass control in its main app

Spotify's mobile and desktop apps do not include a dedicated bass slider or equalizer. The company removed equalizer features from most versions of its app years ago, and they have not returned. If you are looking to boost or cut bass on Spotify directly through the app, that option does not exist on iPhone, Android, iPad, Mac, or Windows.

Your device's own audio settings, however, can shape the bass you hear. The method depends on whether you use a phone, computer, or external speaker, and each route has different controls available.

Key Takeaways

  • Spotify itself has no equalizer or bass control; you must adjust sound through your device or speaker instead.
  • On iPhone, use the EQ setting in the Music app under Settings > Music > EQ, which affects all audio played through the phone.
  • On Android, the Spotify app has no equalizer, but your phone's system settings or a third-party equalizer app can adjust bass.
  • On Windows and Mac, third-party audio software or your operating system's sound settings can boost or reduce bass.
  • External speakers and headphones often have their own bass controls, which is the simplest way to change bass without touching your device settings.

Adjusting bass on iPhone through the Music app EQ

iPhone has a system-wide equalizer that affects all audio played through the phone, including Spotify. Open Settings, tap Music, then scroll down and tap EQ. You will see preset options like Bass Booster, Bass Reducer, Treble Booster, and others. Tap Bass Booster to increase low frequencies, or Bass Reducer to cut them. These presets explore to Spotify and any other app that plays sound through your iPhone.

The EQ setting works whether you use the iPhone speaker, wired headphones, or Bluetooth headphones. If you turn EQ off, the setting reverts to Flat, which means no adjustment. You can change the preset at any time without restarting Spotify.

Using an equalizer app on Android

Android phones do not have a system-wide equalizer built into settings the way iPhones do. Spotify's Android app also does not include an equalizer. Your option is to read a third-party equalizer app from the Google Play Store, such as Equalizer FX, Bass Booster, or Poweramp Equalizer. These apps sit between Spotify and your phone's speaker or headphones and adjust the sound in real time.

After you install an equalizer app, open it and look for a Bass Booster or custom EQ slider. Increase the bass slider to boost low frequencies. Some apps let you save presets so you can switch between settings quickly. Keep in mind that using an equalizer app uses a small amount of battery power and may slightly reduce audio quality depending on the app.

Adjusting bass on Windows through system audio settings

Windows 10 and Windows 11 include a system-wide equalizer in some versions. Right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar, select Open Volume mixer, then look for an app called Equalizer APO or check your sound card's control panel. Some sound cards made by Realtek, ASUS, or other manufacturers include their own equalizer software that came with your computer.

If your computer does not have a built-in equalizer, read a free third-party app like Equalizer APO or VB-Audio Equalizer. These run in the background and adjust all audio from Spotify and other apps. After installation, restart Spotify and open the equalizer app to boost or cut bass.

Adjusting bass on Mac through system audio settings

Mac does not have a system-wide equalizer in System Preferences. Your best option is to use a third-party app like Boom 3D, SpeakLine, or Nuage. These apps sit in your menu bar and let you adjust bass, treble, and other frequencies for all audio on your Mac, including Spotify. Some are free with limited features; others charge a one-time fee or subscription.

Alternatively, if you use Bluetooth headphones or a speaker, check whether the headphones or speaker have their own app or physical controls for bass adjustment. Many wireless headphones include a companion app with an equalizer built in.

Using bass controls on headphones and speakers

The simplest way to change bass is often through your headphones or speaker, not your device. Many wireless headphones and Bluetooth speakers have a dedicated bass button, a bass slider in their companion app, or a physical dial. Beats headphones, Sony WH-1000 models, JBL speakers, and others include bass controls in their own apps or on the device itself.

Check the manual or app for your headphones or speaker to find the bass control. This method works across all devices — phone, computer, tablet — because the adjustment happens at the speaker level, not the app level. It also does not drain your device's battery the way a software equalizer does.

Why Spotify removed its equalizer

Spotify had an equalizer in its desktop app and some mobile versions years ago but removed it to simplify the app and reduce development complexity. The company has not brought it back despite user requests. Spotify's focus is on music discovery and streaming rather than audio customization, so they rely on device-level controls instead.

This design choice means Spotify works the same way across all platforms — the app plays audio, and your device or speaker handles the sound shaping. It also means your bass settings carry over to other apps on your phone or computer, not just Spotify.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Spotify's equalizer on the web player?

No. Spotify's web player at spotify.com has no equalizer or bass control. You must use your device's system audio settings or a third-party equalizer app to adjust bass while playing Spotify in a browser.

Does adjusting bass in the Music app EQ on iPhone affect other apps?

Yes. The EQ setting in iPhone's Music app is system-wide and affects all audio played through your phone, including Spotify, YouTube, podcasts, and any other app that produces sound.

Will using a third-party equalizer app drain my battery faster?

Yes, slightly. An equalizer app runs in the background and processes audio in real time, which uses more CPU and battery than playing audio without one. The impact is usually small but noticeable on older phones or during long listening sessions.

What if my headphones have their own app with bass controls?

Use the headphones' app first. It is the most direct way to adjust bass and does not require changes to your device settings. If the headphones' bass controls are not strong enough, you can layer a device-level adjustment on top.