How To Get Spotify To Show Lyrics

Jacob Bergman

green and black plastic tool

Spotify offers a feature that allows users to see lyrics for many songs within their extensive library. This functionality is integrated into both the mobile and desktop applications, as well as on certain smart TV models. Users of the Spotify mobile app on iOS and Android can enjoy this feature by playing a selected track and then swiping up from the Now Playing screen to reveal the song’s lyrics.

On desktop platforms like Windows and Mac, accessing lyrics is just as simple. While a song is playing, users can click on the microphone icon situated in the Now Playing bar, and the lyrics will display, allowing listeners to follow along in real time. The lyrics feature is seen as a valuable addition to the music listening experience, transforming simple listening into an engaging sing-along session.

For those using the free version of Spotify, the access to lyrics may be limited, while Spotify Premium users enjoy unrestricted access to this feature. As the database of song lyrics on Spotify continues to expand, more users find that their favorite songs are accompanied by this enhancement.

How To Get Spotify To Show Lyrics (2026 Guide)

Spotify includes a built-in lyrics feature powered by Musixmatch, available on iPhone, Android, desktop, and smart TVs. If you don’t see lyrics, it’s often just a settings or app update issue.


🔹 1. Check That Lyrics Are Available

Not every song has lyrics — availability depends on the artist and Musixmatch.
Try testing with a popular track (e.g., “Shape of You” by Ed Sheeran) to confirm the feature works.


🔹 2. How To See Lyrics on Mobile (iPhone & Android)

  1. Open the Spotify app.
  2. Play a song.
  3. Tap the Now Playing bar at the bottom of the screen.
  4. On the song page, swipe up or tap “Lyrics” (if available).
  5. The lyrics will appear and scroll in sync with the music.

💡 Tip: Tap the microphone icon at the bottom-right corner to enter Karaoke Mode, which highlights the current line as you sing along.


🔹 3. How To See Lyrics on Desktop (Windows & Mac)

  1. Open Spotify Desktop and play a song.
  2. Click the microphone icon in the Now Playing bar (bottom-right).
  3. The lyrics panel will open, showing real-time synced lyrics.

🔹 4. How To See Lyrics on Smart TVs and Consoles

  1. Open Spotify on your smart TV or console app.
  2. Play a song.
  3. If lyrics are supported, they’ll appear automatically on-screen or after selecting the “Lyrics” option.

🔹 5. If Lyrics Don’t Show Up

If you don’t see lyrics where they should appear, try these quick fixes (source: GuidingTech):

  • ✅ Update Spotify to the latest version.
  • 🔄 Log out and back in to refresh your session.
  • ⚙️ Clear cache (Settings → Storage → Clear Cache).
  • 🌐 Check your internet connection.
  • 🆕 Reinstall the app if the issue persists.

🔹 6. Region and Account Notes

  • Lyrics are available in most countries, but not all.
  • Make sure your Spotify app language matches your region for best results.
  • Free and Premium users both have access to lyrics — no subscription required.

✅ Summary: Quick Steps

PlatformHow to View Lyrics
iPhone / AndroidPlay a song → Tap Now Playing → Swipe up
DesktopPlay a song → Click 🎤 (microphone icon)
Smart TV / ConsolePlay a song → Select “Lyrics” (if available)

💡 Bonus Tip: Karaoke Mode

Spotify’s Karaoke Mode lets you sing along while tracking your performance score — available on mobile and desktop for selected songs.

Key Takeaways

  • Spotify provides a feature to view lyrics on various platforms including iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, and selected smart TVs.
  • Lyrics can be accessed on mobile by swiping up on the Now Playing screen or by clicking the microphone icon on desktops.
  • While the feature is available to all users, Spotify Premium offers full access to lyrics.

Viewing Lyrics on Spotify

Spotify users enjoy a range of features, including one that shows the lyrics of many songs. This enhances the listener’s experience as they can read the words and sing along while listening.

Accessing Lyrics

Listeners can find song lyrics on Spotify with a simple tap. On the now playing screen, look for the microphone icon. This action reveals the lyrics that scroll in real time with the song.

Spotify’s Lyrics Feature

Spotify collaborates with Musixmatch, a music data company. This partnership brings time-synced lyrics to listeners, making it easier to follow along with the song being played.

User Interaction with Lyrics

Spotify offers more than just lyrics. Users can interact with the feature by sharing favorite lines on platforms like Instagram stories. If the lyrics resonate, listeners can highlight and share them.

Platform-Specific Lyric Display

Spotify’s lyrics are available across devices. This includes the desktop app, mobile apps on iOS and Android, and even on smart TVs. Every platform presents the lyrics slightly differently to fit the screen.

Lyric Availability and Functionality

Most songs on Spotify come with lyrics, but not all. Availability may vary, and in some cases, users might find that lyrics for certain tracks are missing or display incorrectly.

Integrations and Extensions

Beside its own lyrics feature, Spotify offers Genius’ ‘Behind the Lyrics’ service. This provides song insights and commentary along with the lyrics. Users enjoy rich content about their favorite tracks.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes lyrics might not show. In such cases, Spotify suggests checking for app updates or reaching out through their help section. They keep updating and resolving common issues.

Enhancing Music Experience

Lyrics on Spotify magnify the joy of music by letting listeners sing along. This feature adds depth to the listening experience, making it more immersive and enjoyable.