How to Stop Spotify from Opening on Startup Mac (6 Best Ways for 2024)

Spotify is a fantastic music app, but it can be frustrating when it opens automatically every time you start your Mac. If you're looking for how to stop Spotify from opening on startup Mac, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll explore various methods to disable this feature. By the end of this post, you’ll have complete control over your startup apps, allowing for a faster and cleaner boot process. Let’s dive right in! 

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Why Does Spotify Open on Startup? 

Spotify, like many applications, is often set to open when your Mac starts up. This default setting can be convenient for some, as it provides instant access to music. However, for others, it can slow down the boot process, use up resources, or simply be an unnecessary distraction. You might wonder “why does Spotify open on startup Mac?”. It could be due to Spotify's settings or macOS's system preferences. 

There are a few reasons why Spotify might be configured to open automatically on startup: 

• Automatic Login Preference: Spotify might have been set to open at login during the initial setup or through app preferences. 
• System Login Items: macOS allows certain apps to open automatically at login to enhance productivity. 
• Background Services: Some apps, including Spotify, install background services that launch at startup. 

Regardless of the cause, how to stop Spotify from opening on startup Mac is relatively simple. Here are several methods to prevent it from doing so. 

Method 1: Disable Spotify's Auto-Startup Feature in the App Settings 

The easiest way to stop Spotify from opening on startup Macis by adjusting the settings directly within the app. Follow these steps: 

1. Open Spotify: On your Mac, open the Spotify application. 
2. Go to Preferences: Click on Spotify in the top-left corner of your screen and select Preferencesfrom the dropdown menu. 
3. Scroll Down to Startup and Window Behavior: Look for the Startup and Window Behavior section. 
4. Set 'Open Spotify Automatically' to No: You’ll see an option that says “Open Spotify automatically after you log into the computer.” Click the dropdown and select No. 

5. Close the App: Once you’ve made the change, close Spotify to apply the settings. 

   

   

This method should help youstop Spotify from opening on startup Mac, but if the issue persists, there are other ways to address it. 

Method 2: Use MacOS System Preferences 

If Spotify still opens after disabling the startup option in the app itself, you may need to check your Mac’s system settings. Here’s how to make Spotify not open on startupby using System Preferences: 

1. Go to System Settings: Click on the Apple icon in the top-left corner of your screen and select System Settings (or System Preferences depending on your macOS version). 

   

2. Select Users & Groups: In the System Settings menu, look for Users & Groups and click on it. 

3. Login Items Tab: Once inside Users & Groups, you’ll see a tab labeled Login Items. Click it to see a list of apps that are set to open when you log in. 

   

4. Remove Spotify from the List: If you see Spotify in this list, select it and then click the minus (-) button to remove it from the startup apps. 

   

5. Restart Your Mac: To confirm that Spotify no longer opens at startup, restart your Mac and see if the change worked. 

This method is a bit more involved, but it ensures that Spotify won’t launch automatically when you log in. 

Method 3: Manage Background Services 

Spotify, like many apps, may install background services that run at startup even after you’ve disabled the main app from launching. To manage background services on macOS: 

1. Open Finder: Navigate to your Finder window. 
2. Go to Applications: Select Applicationsfrom the left-hand sidebar. 
3. Right-click Spotify: Locate Spotify in your Applications folder, right-click it, and select Show Package Contents. 
4. Find and Disable Services: Open the Contentsfolder and look for any background services associated with Spotify. If you find services you don’t want running, you can remove or disable them. 

This is a more technical approach to the question of “how to stop Spotify from opening on startup Mac”, so be cautious when removing services, as it can impact app performance. By managing these services, you can further ensure that Spotify does not interfere with your startup process. 

Method 4: Use a Third-Party App Manager 

Sometimes, manually managing your startup apps can be a hassle. If you’re looking for an easier way to control all your login items in one place, a third-party app manager can be helpful. Tools like CleanMyMac or AppCleaner allow you to quickly manage startup programs, including Spotify. 

How to Stop Spotify from Opening on Startup Mac Using CleanMyMac:  

1. Download and Install CleanMyMac: You can find CleanMyMac on the Mac App Store or its official website. 
2. Open the App: Once installed, open CleanMyMac. 
3. Go to Optimization: In the sidebar, find the Optimizationsection and click on it. 
4. Manage Login Items: You’ll see a list of all apps that are set to open at login. Find Spotify in the list and disable it. 

This method is great if you want an easy and comprehensive way to manage all your startup apps in one place. 

Method 5: Update macOS and Spotify 

Sometimes the issue of apps opening on startup persists because of outdated software. Ensuring both macOS and Spotify are updated to their latest versions can sometimes resolve these issues. 

How to Stop Spotify from Opening on Startup Mac by Updating MacOS:  

1. Open the System Preferences Menu: Select System Preferences by clicking the Apple icon. 
2. Select Software Update: Check if there is a new version of macOS available. If so, download and install the update. 

How to Stop Spotify from Opening on Startup Mac by Updating Spotify:  

1. Open Spotify: Launch the app. 
2. Click Spotify in the Menu Bar: In the top-left corner, click on Spotify, and then select About Spotify. 
3. Check for Updates: Spotify will let you know if there’s an update available. If so, update the app by following the on-screen directions. 

Updating software can resolve bugs or issues that might be causing Spotify to open at startup, so it’s always a good idea to keep both macOS and Spotify up-to-date. 

Method 6: Reinstall Spotify 

If none of the above methods work, you can try uninstalling and reinstalling Spotify to stop Spotify from opening on startup Mac. This can sometimes reset the app’s startup behavior. 

1. Uninstall Spotify: Open Finder, navigate to Applications, find Spotify, and drag it to the Trash. Empty the Trash to complete the uninstallation. 
2. Download Spotify Again: Go to the official Spotify website and download the latest version of the app. 
3. Reinstall the App: Follow the installation instructions, and ensure that you do not check any options related to startup during setup. 

After reinstalling, you can recheck Spotify’s startup preferences to make sure it isn’t set to open automatically. 

Final Thoughts 

Stopping Spotify from starting automatically is a relatively simple task, but it may require a bit of tweaking depending on your preferences. You can essentially stop Spotify from opening automatically when your Mac boots up by following these instructions on how to stop Spotify from opening on startup Mac, giving you more control over how your computer behaves.