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Spotify MiniPlayer on Mac: Built-in Controls & Alternatives
If you want Spotify controls beside your work, check Spotify’s own desktop Miniplayer first. A separate floating companion is another option when you prefer its layout or appearance.
Start with Spotify’s own Miniplayer
Spotify’s desktop Miniplayer announcement describes a small, resizable playback window and places its icon near the bottom-right playback controls, between volume and fullscreen. The announcement described Premium availability; check what your current desktop app and account offer.
- Open the Spotify desktop app on your Mac and start playback.
- Look for the Miniplayer icon in the playback-control area.
- Open it and resize the window to suit your desk.
Closing the main window is different from quitting Spotify. Keep the source app running while you use its controls.
If you cannot find the icon
Check your installed desktop app version and account availability against Spotify’s current documentation. The desktop app and web player can expose different interfaces. This guide does not promise that every account or version has the same controls.
What a separate companion adds
A floating companion has its own presentation rather than using Spotify’s window. Consider how much artwork you want to see, whether its controls work with your listening setup, and how it behaves beside your other windows. A native macOS widget and a separate floating window are different products.
We make LyricFlow, a floating Mac music companion with resizable artwork and available playback controls. Free does not expire. Optional Pro is US$3 once for additional customization. LyricFlow does not provide a Spotify subscription or bypass Spotify account requirements. Public lyrics are not included.
See LyricFlow’s desktop experience Compare Free and Pro
Before choosing a companion
- Check the Mac hardware and macOS requirements.
- Test the controls you actually use with your player.
- Read the app’s privacy and installation information.
- Prefer an interface you find useful over a longer feature list.
For Music’s built-in option, see Apple Music MiniPlayer on Mac.