How to Install Spotify in Ubuntu

Note: The commands in the original version of this article used the old apt-key tool and an outdated signing key. apt-key is deprecated on current Ubuntu releases and those commands no longer work, so we have replaced them with the methods below.

Method 1: Install Spotify using the Ubuntu App Center (easiest)

1. Open the App Center from the dock or the Applications menu. On older Ubuntu versions it is called Ubuntu Software.
2. Search for Spotify.
3. Select it and click Install. Enter your password when asked.
4. Once installed, open Spotify from the Applications menu and sign in.

The App Center installs the Snap version of Spotify, which is the same package as in Method 2.

Method 2: Install Spotify using Snap (recommended)

Snap is built into Ubuntu, and Spotify publishes its own Snap package. Snap apps update automatically in the background.

1. Open your terminal (press Ctrl + Alt + T).
2. Run the following command:

   sudo snap install spotify

3. Wait for the download to finish, then launch Spotify from the Applications menu or by typing spotify in the terminal.

If you see “snap: command not found” (for example on some Ubuntu-based distributions), install Snap support first:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install snapd

Method 3: Install Spotify using Flatpak

If you prefer Flatpak, or your distribution does not use Snap (Linux Mint, for example, disables Snap by default), you can install Spotify from Flathub. Note that the Flathub package is maintained by the community, not by Spotify itself.

1. Install Flatpak:

   sudo apt install flatpak

2. Add the Flathub repository if you don’t already have it:

   flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

3. Install Spotify:

   flatpak install flathub com.spotify.Client

4. Log out and back in (needed the first time you set up Flatpak), then open Spotify from the Applications menu. You can also start it with flatpak run com.spotify.Client.

Method 4: Install from Spotify’s official apt repository

There is another official method, which installs Spotify from Spotify’s own repository as a regular .deb package. It is a secure way to get Spotify, and updates arrive through the normal sudo apt upgrade process. However, Spotify changes its signing key from time to time, so we do not hard-code it here. Instead:

1. Visit Spotify’s official “Spotify for Linux” download page and copy the current command that downloads and adds the repository signing key.
2. Add the Spotify repository by running:

   echo "deb https://repository.spotify.com stable non-free" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/spotify.list

3. Update the package list and install Spotify:

   sudo apt update
   sudo apt install spotify-client

If apt update shows a “NO_PUBKEY” or signature error, the signing key is missing or out of date. Get the latest key command from Spotify’s download page and run it again.

Which method should you choose?

• Snap / App Center: Best for most Ubuntu users. One command and automatic updates.
• Flatpak: Best if you use Flatpak for your other apps or your distribution does not support Snap.
• Official apt repository: Best if you want a traditional .deb package and prefer to avoid Snap and Flatpak.

Troubleshooting

• Spotify opens with a blank or black window: Fully quit Spotify and open it again. Updating your graphics drivers can also help.
• Media keys don’t work: Make sure Spotify is running and try restarting it. Some desktop environments need a moment to detect it.
• Spotify won’t start after an update: Remove it and install it again using the same method you used before.
• Don’t mix methods. Installing Spotify with more than one method can create duplicate icons and confusion. Keep just one.

How to uninstall Spotify from Ubuntu

Use only the command that matches how you installed it:

• Snap: sudo snap remove spotify
• Flatpak: flatpak uninstall com.spotify.Client
• apt repository: sudo apt remove spotify-client

Frequently asked questions

Is Spotify free on Ubuntu?

Yes. The Linux app works with both free and Premium Spotify accounts, just like on Windows and Mac.

Is there an official Spotify app for Linux?

Yes, Spotify provides a Linux client through its Snap package and its own apt repository. Spotify describes the Linux client as less officially supported than its Windows and Mac apps, but it works well for most users.

Can I use Spotify on Ubuntu without installing anything?

Yes. You can open the Spotify Web Player in a browser like Firefox or Chrome and listen without installing the app.

That’s it. We hope this guide helped you install Spotify on your Ubuntu PC and get everything working fine. If you have any more questions, please feel free to leave a comment in the comment section below. We will always be happy to assist you as soon as possible. Alternatively, read our article on How to Download Music from Spotify in Desktop, iPhone, iPad or Android.

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