How to Access Spotify's Hidden Basic Plan: A Step-by-Step Guide
How to Switch to Spotify Basic Subscription:
- You must first be a Premium subscriber in the United States
- Navigate to your Account Management settings
- Select 'Manage Subscription'
- Look for the downgrade option to Basic plan
Important Notes:
- Basic plan costs $1 less than Premium and excludes audiobooks
- Only existing Premium subscribers can access Basic plans
- New customers must subscribe to Premium first, then downgrade
- Basic subscription maintains the 15.2% royalty rate for songwriters/publishers
Allowed Downgrades:
- Premium to Basic
- Premium Duo to Duo Basic
- Premium Family to Family Basic
Restrictions:
- Cannot switch between different Basic plan types
- Cannot start as a new Basic subscriber
- Premium gift cards won't work with Basic plans
- If you cancel Basic, must resubscribe to Premium first
AirPods and phone on Spotify screen
Note: Spotify intentionally makes the Basic plan difficult to find and access, keeping it hidden behind the Premium subscription paywall. The option is not visible on their main subscription page.