How to Download Music to Apple Watch

Play music on your smartwatch without an iPhone

What to Know

  • Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone, then tap Add Music to add music.
  • Tap the three dots under an album or playlist then tap Download.
  • Spotify albums can also be downloaded in the same way providing you have a Spotify Premium account.

This article explains how to download music to your Apple Watch so that you can listen offline without your iPhone. It also covers how to download music from Spotify. 

How to Download Music to Apple Watch

Downloading music to your Apple Watch is a fairly simple process, providing you know where to look. Here's how to download and add music to your Apple Watch.

  1. On your paired iPhone, tap the Apple Watch app.

  2. Scroll down and tap Music.

    You may need to choose your Apple Watch first from a list.

  3. Tap Add Music.

    Steps required on iPhone to add music to Apple Watch
  4. Browse through your music collection to find the track/s you wish to add.

  5. Tap the plus icon next to the album or playlist you want to add to your Apple Watch.

    Steps required to add music to Apple Watch via iPhone

Can Apple Watch Play Music Offline?

Yes, providing you have enough storage space on your Apple Watch. Here's how to do so.

  1. On your Apple Watch, tap the Music app.

  2. Tap Library.

  3. Tap Playlists, Artists, or Albums to find what you want to download.

    Steps required on Apple Watch to add music
  4. Tap the song or album you want.

  5. Tap the three dots.

  6. Tap Download.

    Steps required on Apple Watch to download music
  7. The song will now download to your Apple Watch so you can listen to it offline.

How Do I Put Music on My Apple Watch Without My iPhone?

If you have an Apple Music subscription, you can add music directly using your Apple Watch. Here's how to do so.

  1. On your Apple Watch, tap the Music app.

  2. Tap Library, Listen Now, or Search to find the album or playlist you want to add.

  3. Tap the album.

  4. Tap the three dots.

  5. Tap Add to Library.

    Steps required to add music to Apple Watch via Apple Music
  6. The music is now available to stream via your Apple Watch. To download it for offline listening, follow the instructions above. 

Can I Download Spotify Songs to Apple Watch? 

It's possible to download Spotify songs to your Apple Watch for either offline or online listening. To listen to music offline, you'll need a Spotify Premium account. Here's how to download songs.

  1. On your Apple Watch, tap Spotify.

  2. Swipe to the left to Your Library.

  3. Tap Your Library.

  4. Tap the playlist or album you want to download.

    Steps required to add music to Apple Watch via Spotify
  5. Tap the three dots.

  6. Tap Download to Apple Watch. The song or album will now download.

How to Add a Workout Playlist to Your Apple Watch

If you want to add a playlist that automatically plays when you start a workout via the Workout app, you can do this. Here's what to do.

  1. On your iPhone, tap the Apple Watch app.

  2. Tap Workout.

  3. Tap Workout Playlist.

    You may need to scroll down to find this.

  4. Tap the playlist you want to automatically play every time you begin a workout.

    Steps required to add workout playlist to Apple Watch
FAQ
  • How do I remove music from an Apple Watch?

    On the Watch app on your iPhone, tap My Watch, then scroll down and tap Music. Tap Edit, then tap Delete next to any music you want to remove from your Apple Watch.

  • Can I use headphones to listen to Music on an Apple Watch?

    Yes, as long as they're Bluetooth headphones. To use Bluetooth headphones or speakers with your Apple Watch, first put the Bluetooth device into discovery mode, then, on your Apple Watch, open Settings, tap Bluetooth, then tap the Bluetooth device when it appears.

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