How To Revert To Classic Spotify Desktop UI?

Spotify has provided a new UI update for its desktop app. However, users and music enthusiasts are finding the new interface less interactive. So, as a solution to the issue, I will tell you how to revert to the classic Spotify desktop UI.

I have explained how to change to the old smooth UI of the popular music streaming app on all the major operating systems such as Windows, macOS, and Linux. With the new update, the search bar on the home page has shifted to the left-hand panel.

Previously with the classic old desktop UI of Spotify, you could easily access the native search box and instantly type your music query. That is not possible with the new interface for most users. So, by following this guide you can fix all that inconvenience and enjoy the previous interface.

Revert To Classic Spotify Desktop UI

With the current desktop version, you b have to click on Search which is not easily visible. Those who do not frequently use Spotify desktop or new users will easily get confused. Below is a screenshot of my Spotify auto-updated to the latest UI. You can see the search bar has been repositioned to the left-hand panel instead of the top.

Spotify new UI after the March Update

To get to the old UI, you have to make a small change in the configuration file of the Spotify desktop app. This file is easily accessible on your computer irrespective of the operating system you are using.

Change to Spotify Classic UI on Windows OS

If you use a Windows computer, then follow this guide.

  • Open file explorer
  • go to the following path I have mentioned below
  • C:\Users\Username\AppData\Roaming\Spotify\prefs
    Spotify UI update
  • Open prefs file using the Notepad app
  • In that file prefs, add this line
    ui.experience_override=‘’classic”

change to classic old UI of Spotify

Note: In the command replace Username with the particular username that you use for your computer. 

Also, remember that in File Explorer you have to enable Hidden Files under the option View in the menu bar. This will allow you to access the AppData folder.

After you change to the Spotify classic UI using the above steps, you will have the search bar on the top of the display. here is a screenshot from my Spotify after executing the tweak to the AppData.

Spotify classic UI

Changing to Spotify Classic UI on Linux

On Linux, the process to revert to the classic Spotify desktop UI is the same as we did in Windows.

  • navigate to home/$USER/.config/Spotify/prefs
  • In the prefs file add ui.experience_override=‘’classic”

How to Change to Spotify Older Interface on Mac OS

If you are on a MacBook or iMac, then here are the steps that you have to follow to change Spotify to its classic UI.

  • Launch finder
  • On the left-hand panel click on your username
  • You will see all the including folders will show up
  • Now make the hidden Library files visible by pressing Command + Shift +.
  • Click on Library > Application Support > Spotify > prefs
  • As you saw the steps for Windows and Linux, same you have to do here
  • In the prefs file add the line
     ui.experience_override=‘’classic”

For all the operating systems make sure to restart the Spotify app after you tweak the prefs file. After restarting Spotify will be back to its classic desktop UI.

Try this guide out for your respective computer if you are finding the new UI of Spotify less interactive and helpful.

Comments

  1. I’m on MacOS & I got to Library > Application Support > but I was not able to find the Spotify folder. It’s definitely installed, is there a workaround to this issue?

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