Spotify 'Exclusive Mode' brings hi-fi audio to your desktop: here's how to enable it

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Works best with a DAC

Spotify
(Image credit: Shutterstock)

After years of teasing, Spotify finally added lossless audio for Spotify Premium users last September. In a surprise move, Spotify just released a new hi-fi audio feature for its Windows desktop app.

Spotify has lagged behind some of the best music streaming services when it comes to hi-fi audio, but the company is finally playing catch up.

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Spotify says that Exclusive mode is “ideal for listeners with external audio equipment (like a DAC or audio interface) who want the purest possible sound.” The announcement posts claims that your computer can alter audio before it reaches your DAC by resampling it, mixing in other system sounds or adjusting the volume.

The mode overrides that potential alteration to ensure that you get the highest quality version of the track.

Exclusive Mode is free for Premium subscribers.

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How to turn on Exclusive mode

  • Ensure external DAC or audio interface is connected to your desktop
  • Open Spotify and navigate to Settings
  • Select Playback
  • Go to Audio Output, select your device from the dropdown menu
  • Toggle on Exclusive mode

Some caveats

Spotify logo on a sparkly background

(Image credit: Spotify)

Mac users are out of luck for now, though Spotify says an Apple version is in the works.

Additionally, Spotify says that while "exclusive mode" is on, other apps will be "unable to play sound through that device." You'll need to switch your computer's default audio output to another device if you have multiple audio devices playing sound.

Also, Exclusive mode is unavailable for music videos, podcasts, preview clips or canvas clips.

The blog post notes that exclusive mode will work with speakers straight up but it does work best with a DAC or audio interface.

For more information checkout the Spotify support page or the blog post announcement.

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Scott Younker
Scott Younker
West Coast Reporter

Scott Younker is the West Coast Reporter at Tom’s Guide. He covers all the lastest tech news. He’s been involved in tech since 2011 at various outlets and is on an ongoing hunt to build the easiest to use home media system. When not writing about the latest devices, you are more than welcome to discuss board games or disc golf with him. He also handles all the Connections coverage on Tom's Guide and has been playing the addictive NYT game since it released.

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