To open Spotify automatically on a Mac, go to System Settings, General, Login Items and add Spotify under Open at Login. To open it only when you start work, together with your other apps, use an Apple Shortcut or ClapSnap, which opens the whole set on a double clap or snap.
Spotify is a favourite for focus music, and many people want it playing as soon as they start work.
Open Spotify at every login
macOS can open Spotify each time you log in. Follow the steps below, or right-click Spotify in the Dock and choose Options, then Open at Login.
Use Spotify's own setting
Spotify has its own option: open Spotify's Settings, find Startup and window behaviour, and choose whether Spotify opens automatically after you log in.
Open Spotify with the rest of your workspace
To open Spotify only when you start work, together with your other apps:
- Apple Shortcuts: add an Open App action for Spotify and each companion app, then run the shortcut from a hotkey or the menu bar. See how to open multiple apps with one shortcut.
- ClapSnap: add Spotify to your app list and double clap or snap; everything opens together, with no keyboard. See how to make your Mac open apps when you clap.
When to open Spotify on demand
If you only want music while working, not every time the Mac starts, add Spotify to your work set instead of Login Items.
Apps people open with Spotify
Spotify is part of the designer workspace, student workspace, writer workspace. For every method in one place, see 7 ways to open apps automatically on Mac.
Add Spotify to Login Items
- Open System Settings. Choose Apple menu, then System Settings.
- Go to Login Items. Select General, then Login Items.
- Add Spotify. Under Open at Login, click the add button and choose Spotify from Applications.
- Restart to check. Log out and back in; Spotify should open on its own.
Questions
How do I stop Spotify opening on startup on Mac?
Turn off its own startup option in Spotify's settings, and remove it from Login Items in System Settings if it is listed there.
How do I stop Spotify opening at login on Mac?
Open System Settings, General, Login Items, select Spotify under Open at Login and click the minus button. Also turn off Spotify's own startup setting.
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