A playlist you no longer want is cluttering up your Spotify library, but the right removal button depends on who created it. You can delete your own playlist or remove one you saved from someone else. Here’s how to do both on your phone or computer, plus how to clear downloads, change visibility, and undo an accidental deletion.
Delete your own playlist on iPhone or Android
Use this method for playlists you created on iPhone, iPad, or Android. You don’t need Premium.
Open the playlist you want to delete. Then tap its three-dot menu. The dots are horizontal on iPhone and iPad and vertical on Android. Select Delete Playlist.
One catch: Spotify treats deletion as unfollowing the playlist, so other followers can retain access. To restrict access, use Make private as explained below.
On a computer, use the playlist menu
In Spotify’s Windows or Mac app, right-click your own playlist and select Delete, or use the menu inside it:
- 1.Open the playlist you want to delete.
- 2.Click its three-dot menu.
- 3.Select Delete.
Saved playlists use a different control
For a playlist you saved or followed, including someone else’s playlist, open it first. Next, select the playlist’s green checkmark. Use the control for the whole playlist, not one beside an individual song.
Spotify displays Removed from Your Library when it’s removed. That’s the confirmation you’re looking for.
When a playlist won’t open
A saved playlist doesn’t have to open for you to remove it. You can use its library menu even when it’s unavailable.
On mobile, open Your Library. Select Playlists. Press and hold the playlist. Choose Remove from Your Library.
On desktop, right-click the playlist. Select Remove from Your Library.
For the keyboard route, open Spotify’s desktop app. Use Tab and the arrow keys to select the playlist entry in Your Library. Keep focus on the playlist itself, not its tracks.
Press Del or Backspace. The result depends on keyboard focus and the problem affecting the playlist. If removal still fails in the desktop app, try the same keyboard steps in the Spotify web player.
Leave a Blend you no longer want
A Blend has its own exit button. Use this method on iPhone or Android to remove yourself from the Blend.
Open the Blend. Tap its three-dot menu, shown as horizontal dots on iPhone or vertical dots on Android. Select Leave Blend.
Remove only the offline download
Want to clear the offline copy and keep the playlist? Remove its download. Downloading music playlists requires Premium.
Open Your Library in the mobile, tablet, or desktop app. On mobile, select Downloaded. Open the downloaded playlist you want to clear.
Select its green download-arrow button. On mobile, select Remove. If removing that download fails, select Remove all downloads under profile picture > Settings and privacy > Data-saving and offline > Storage on mobile. This clears all downloaded content on that device, including other playlists.
Hide a playlist or make it private
To hide a playlist from your profile on mobile or tablet, open its three-dot menu. Select Remove from profile. This removes the profile listing while leaving the playlist and shared-link access intact.
On desktop or the web player, right-click the playlist. Select Remove from profile.
To restrict access to a playlist you own, open its three-dot menu. Select Make private. The playlist stays in your library.
Recover a playlist deleted by mistake
Undo a desktop deletion immediately with Cmd+Z on Mac or Ctrl+Shift+Z on Windows, or restore it within 90 days online:
- 1.Open your account on Spotify’s website.
- 2.Select Recover playlists.
- 3.Select Restore beside the playlist you want back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove a playlist from Recently Played?
Spotify does not currently let you manually delete items from Recents. The old Remove from Recently Played command is no longer available.
Can I remove several playlists at once?
Yes, by deleting their containing folder in the desktop app or web player. First move out every playlist you want to keep. Then right-click the folder and select Delete. This deletes your own playlists inside it and removes followed playlists from your library.
Can I keep a playlist but stop it influencing my recommendations?
Open the playlist’s three-dot menu on iPhone, Android, or desktop. Select Exclude from your taste profile. This reduces the influence of past and future listening from that playlist without removing it from your library. Changes take effect within 48 hours; allow until the following week for some recommendations to update.