Spotify's color options depend on which device you're using
Spotify doesn't offer a universal color picker that lets you change the app to any shade you want. Instead, the app comes with a small set of built-in themes — usually a dark mode, light mode, and sometimes a high-contrast option — and the choices vary between your phone, computer, and web browser. On most devices, you can switch between these preset themes in your settings, but you cannot customize individual colors or create your own theme.
The app's appearance also syncs with your device's system settings on many platforms. If your phone or computer is set to dark mode, Spotify will often follow that choice automatically unless you override it in the app's own settings.
Key Takeaways
- Spotify offers preset themes (dark, light, and sometimes high-contrast) rather than custom color controls, and the available options differ by device type.
- On iPhone and Android, you change the theme in Settings > Display, and the choice usually overrides your phone's system setting.
- On Windows and Mac, the theme setting is in Preferences > Display, and the app can be set to follow your computer's dark mode or light mode automatically.
- The web player (spotify.com) typically uses your browser's dark mode setting and offers limited or no manual theme controls.
- Some older Spotify versions or regional accounts may have fewer theme options available.
How to change the theme on iPhone and iPad
Open Spotify and tap the home icon at the bottom of the screen. Tap your profile picture in the top right corner, then select Settings. Scroll down to the Display section and tap it. You'll see options for Dark, Light, or Device Default (which follows your iPhone's system setting). Choose the one you want and the app will switch when ready.
If you choose Device Default, Spotify will match whatever dark or light mode your iPhone is using. If you pick Dark or Light manually, the app will stay in that theme even if you change your phone's system setting.
How to change the theme on Android phones
Open Spotify and tap the home icon at the bottom. Tap your profile picture in the top right, then tap Settings. Scroll to Display and tap it. You'll see theme options — usually Dark, Light, and Device Default. Select the theme you prefer.
Android's dark mode setting is found in your phone's Settings app under Display or Display and Brightness (the exact name varies by manufacturer). If you choose Device Default in Spotify, the app will follow whatever you've set there. If you manually pick a theme, Spotify will ignore your phone's system setting.
How to change the theme on Windows
Open Spotify on your computer. Click the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the top left corner, then select Edit and choose Preferences. Scroll down to the Display section. You'll see options including Dark, Light, and often Use system setting. Click the one you want.
If you select Use system setting, Spotify will match the dark or light mode you've chosen in Windows Settings. You can override this by picking a specific theme manually. The change takes effect when ready, though you may need to restart the app if it doesn't update right away.
How to change the theme on Mac
Open Spotify and click Spotify in the menu bar at the top of the screen. Select Preferences. In the window that opens, click the Display tab. You'll see theme options — typically Dark, Light, and Use system setting. Click your choice.
On Mac, Use system setting means Spotify will follow the dark or light mode you've set in System Preferences under General. If you manually choose a theme, Spotify will stick with it regardless of your Mac's system setting. The change happens right away.
What to do if Spotify's web player won't change color
The Spotify web player (spotify.com) has limited theme controls. It typically follows your browser's dark mode setting automatically. If your browser is set to dark mode, the web player will be dark; if your browser is in light mode, the player will be light.
You cannot manually override the theme in the web player the way you can in the desktop or mobile apps. If you want more control over Spotify's appearance, use the desktop app instead. Some browsers also let you force dark mode or light mode on specific websites through their settings, which may affect how the web player looks.
Why Spotify doesn't offer custom colors
Spotify's design team chose to offer only preset themes rather than full customization. This keeps the app consistent across all devices and makes it easier for Spotify to maintain the interface. Custom color options would also make the app slower to load and harder to test across millions of device combinations.
The preset themes are designed to work well with Spotify's branding and to be readable in both bright sunlight and dim lighting. If you want a different look, you can use your device's system-wide dark mode or light mode setting, which will affect Spotify along with most other apps on your phone or computer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Spotify a different color like blue or green?
No. Spotify only offers dark, light, and sometimes high-contrast themes. You cannot change the app to custom colors or pick a different accent color. The preset themes are the only options available across all devices.
Why does Spotify look different on my phone than on my computer?
Spotify's theme options vary slightly by device. Your phone and computer may have different preset themes available, and they may not stay in sync if you manually set different themes on each device. Check the Display settings on each device separately to see what options are available.
If I turn on dark mode on my phone, will Spotify automatically switch?
Only if you've set Spotify to Device Default in the Display settings. If you manually chose Dark or Light, Spotify will ignore your phone's system dark mode and stay in the theme you picked.
Does Spotify have a high-contrast theme for accessibility?
Some regions and account types have a high-contrast option in the Display settings, but it's not available everywhere. Check your Display settings to see if it's offered. If you need better contrast, your device's system-wide accessibility settings may also help.
Will changing Spotify's theme affect my playlists or saved songs?
No. Changing the theme only changes how the app looks. Your playlists, saved songs, listening history, and all other content stay exactly the same.