How to Prevent Spotify from Opening on Startup (All Devices) in 2025

Introduction

Do you get frustrated when Spotify starts playing or pops up as soon as your device turns on? You’re not the only one! Many users have the same issue—Spotify just starts running on its own during startup. It can slow down your device, use more battery, and sometimes even ruin your peaceful morning.

Whether you’re using a Windows PC, Mac, iPhone, or Android phone, this guide will show you step-by-step how to stop Spotify from opening on startup. And don’t worry—it’s all written in simple, easy-to-follow language.

Let’s dive in and stop Spotify from auto-starting once and for all!

Why Does Spotify Open on Startup?

Before we fix it, let’s understand why this happens:

• Spotify adds itself to startup when you install the app.

• It’s designed to open automatically so you can start listening fast.

• On Windows and Mac, Spotify adds itself to the startup program list.

• On iPhones and Androids, Spotify might auto-connect or resume where it left off.

Now that we know the “why,” let’s jump into the solutions.

Opening on Startup – Windows (2025)

If you’re using Windows 10 or Windows 11, here’s how you can stop Spotify from auto-launching:

Method 1: Use Spotify’s Own Settings

1. Open the Spotify app.

2. Click your profile icon in the top-right corner.

3. Go to Settings.

4. Scroll down to Startup and Window Behavior.

5. Look for “Open Spotify automatically after you log into the computer.”

6. Change it to “No”.

That’s it! This tells Spotify not to open when you log in.

Method 2: Use Task Manager

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

2. Click the Startup tab.

3. Look for Spotify in the list.

4. Right-click it and select Disable.

Now Spotify won’t launch when Windows starts.

Opening on Startup – Mac (2025)

Mac users, here’s what to do:

Method 1: Remove Spotify from Login Items

1. Click the Apple menu and go to System Settings.

2. Select Users & Groups.

3. Choose your user account.

4. Click on Login Items.

5. Find Spotify, select it, then click the minus (-) button.

This stops Spotify from launching at login.

Method 2: Use Spotify App Settings

1. Open Spotify.

2. Click Spotify in the top-left menu bar.

3. Choose Settings.

4. Scroll to Startup and Window Behavior.

5. Set it to “No” or “Minimized”.

Done! Now it won’t open on its own when your Mac starts.

Opening on iPhone (2025)

On iPhone, Spotify doesn’t start on “startup” like on computers. But it may automatically resume playing, especially when connected to Bluetooth or CarPlay.

Here’s how to stop that:

Turn Off Background App Refresh

1. Go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh.

2. Find Spotify and turn it off.

Disable Auto-Play in CarPlay

1. Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions.

2. Tap Allowed Apps, then turn CarPlay off, or adjust playback settings in your car system.

Check Spotify Settings

1. Open the Spotify app.

2. Go to Settings > Playback.

3. Turn off “Autoplay”.

This prevents Spotify from automatically playing the next track or starting again.

Opening on Android (2025)

Android phones often allow apps to auto-launch in the background. To stop this, try these steps:

Turn Off Auto-Start (Device Settings)

1. Go to Settings > Apps > Spotify.

2. Tap Battery or App Launch (name varies by phone).

3. Disable Auto-Start or background launch.

Some phones (like Xiaomi, Vivo, etc.) may need extra permissions disabled in their own app managers.

Turn Off Autoplay in Spotify

1. Open Spotify.

2. Go to Settings > Playback.

3. Disable the “Autoplay” feature.

Stop Background App Usage

1. Go to Settings > Apps > Spotify.

2. Tap Battery.

3. Choose “Restricted” or “Don’t allow in background.”

Now Spotify will only run when you open it manually.

Extra Tips: How to Control Other Startup Apps Too

If Spotify is not the only app causing startup issues, you can manage all startup apps easily.

For Windows:

• Use Task Manager > Startup tab to enable/disable apps.

• Download tools like CCleaner or Autoruns for more control.

For Mac:

• Go to System Settings > Login Items to manage startup apps.

• Use apps like CleanMyMac to remove unwanted auto-launch items.

This will boost your startup speed and reduce background clutter.

Advanced Troubleshooting (Optional)

Still having trouble? Try these:

Clear Spotify Cache

• Sometimes Spotify stores settings in cache that may override changes.

• Go to Spotify Settings > Storage > Clear Cache.

Reinstall Spotify

• Uninstall Spotify and reinstall it.

• During reinstallation, avoid allowing it to start at login (watch for checkbox!).

Create a New User Profile (Windows/Mac)

• If the problem keeps returning, try creating a new user profile and install Spotify fresh.

Conclusion

Spotify is a great music app, but it shouldn’t take control of your device every time you turn it on. Whether you’re using a Windows PC, Mac, iPhone, or Android, stopping Spotify from opening on startup is quick, easy, and totally in your control.

By following the simple steps shared in this guide, you can enjoy faster device startups, save battery life, and avoid those unwanted pop-ups or auto-plays. From adjusting Spotify’s own settings to managing system startup options, you now have all the tools you need to take control in 2025.

FAQs 

Q1: How do I stop Spotify from opening on startup in Windows 11?

A: Open Spotify, go to Settings, scroll to Startup and Window Behavior, and set it to “No”. You can also open Task Manager, go to the Startup tab, find Spotify, and click Disable.

Q2: How do I prevent Spotify from launching at startup on Mac?

A: Go to Apple Menu > System Settings > Users & Groups > Login Items, select Spotify, and click the minus (-) button. You can also open Spotify > Settings and change Startup Behavior to “No”.

Q3: Can Spotify start automatically on iPhone? How do I stop it?

A: Yes, Spotify may auto-play when connected to Bluetooth or CarPlay. To stop it, go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh, and turn it off for Spotify. In the app, go to Settings > Playback and turn off Autoplay.

Q4: How do I stop Spotify from auto-starting on Android phones?

A: Go to Settings > Apps > Spotify, then tap Battery or App Launch and disable Auto-Start or Background Activity. Also, open Spotify > Settings > Playback and turn off Autoplay.

Q5: Will turning off Spotify on startup affect the app’s performance?

A: Not at all! Disabling Spotify from startup just means it won’t open automatically. You can still open and use it manually whenever you want—performance remains the same.

Q6: What should I do if Spotify still opens at startup after I disabled it?

A: Try the following:

• Double-check Spotify’s Startup Behavior setting

• Ensure it’s disabled in Task Manager or Login Items

• Clear Spotify cache

• Uninstall and reinstall the app with clean settings