Is it a Virus?
NO - Safe
Typically located in C:\Program Files\Spotify or C:\Users\<User>\AppData\Local\Spotify
Warning
Multiple processes may be normal
Telemetry runs as separate sub-processes; this is expected for data collection and crash reporting
Can I Disable?
YES
Telemetry can be disabled via Spotify settings, but some diagnostics may be limited
What is SpotifyTelemetry.exe?
SpotifyTelemetry.exe is the background telemetry component of the Spotify Desktop app. It runs alongside the main Spotify process to collect anonymous usage data, performance metrics, and crash reports that help Spotify improve streaming reliability and user experience. It is designed to respect user privacy with aggregated data and throttled submissions.
SpotifyTelemetry.exe executes as a separate child process within the Spotify installation, sending diagnostic information to Spotify servers. It operates in a sandboxed manner to limit access to user data and only reports non-identifiable metrics and crash data.
Quick Fact: SpotifyTelemetry was introduced to estimate crash rates and feature usage without exposing personal identifiers.
Types of Spotify Telemetry Processes
- Main Telemetry Process: Core telemetry data collection for the app
- Error Reporter: Crashes and exceptions are batched and sent for analysis
- Usage Metrics: Anonymous feature usage and session data
- Background Sync: Synchronizes settings and diagnostic info with the cloud
- Updater Helper: Supports telemetry-related update checks
- Networking Helper: Handles data transfer to Spotify servers
Is SpotifyTelemetry.exe Safe?
Yes, SpotifyTelemetry.exe is safe when it is the legitimate file from Spotify installed from spotify.com or via the official app.
Is SpotifyTelemetry.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real SpotifyTelemetry.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware can masquerade under similar names. Always verify the file path and digital signature.
How to Tell if SpotifyTelemetry.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\Spotify\ or C:\Users\\AppData\Local\Spotify\; any other path is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click SpotifyTelemetry.exe -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show a valid signature from "Spotify AB" or "Spotify Ltd".
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 0.5-6% CPU per process and 20-100 MB memory. Constant high usage when idle is suspicious.
- Behavior: SpotifyTelemetry.exe should run with Spotify or during update/diagnostic cycles. If it runs continuously without Spotify, investigate.
Red Flags: If SpotifyTelemetry.exe is located in unusual folders (e.g., C:\Windows\, AppData\Roaming), runs when Spotify isn't open, has no digital signature, or uses excessive resources constantly, scan your system with antivirus software. Look for similarly named files like "SpotifyTelemetryx.exe" or other variants.
Why Is SpotifyTelemetry.exe Running on My PC?
SpotifyTelemetry.exe runs as part of the Spotify desktop experience. It collects anonymized usage data and crash reports to help improve performance, reliability, and feature sets. It may also run during updates and background sync.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Spotify Use: If you have Spotify open, telemetry collects data on usage and performance in real time.
- Background Data Sync: Telemetry may run to synchronize offline data, playlists, and settings with your account.
- Update Checks: Telemetry can accompany update checks to report issues and verify version integrity.
- Crash and Diagnostics Reporting: When a crash occurs, the telemetry process submits diagnostic information to Spotify's servers.
- Startup and Background Task: Spotify may start telemetry-related tasks at login to prepare data for the session.
Can I Disable or Remove SpotifyTelemetry.exe?
Yes, you can disable Spotify telemetry. It won't affect core playback, but some diagnostic data collection will stop. You may also opt to uninstall Spotify or modify privacy settings.
How to Stop SpotifyTelemetry.exe
- End Telemetry Process: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), find SpotifyTelemetry.exe, and End Task
- Disable in Spotify Settings: Open Spotify, go to Settings > Privacy > Diagnostics and disable data sharing or telemetry options
- Prevent Startup: Task Manager > Startup tab > Disable Spotify so telemetry won't start at login
- Stop Background Apps: In Spotify settings, disable "Continue running background apps when Spotify is closed"
- Uninstall Spotify (if desired): Windows Settings > Apps > Apps & Features > Spotify > Uninstall (you may reinstall later)
How to Uninstall Spotify
- ✔ Windows Settings -> Apps -> Apps & Features -> Spotify -> Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel -> Programs -> Uninstall a program -> Spotify -> Uninstall
- ✔ Consider alternative players: Apple Music, YouTube Music, Deezer
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If SpotifyTelemetry.exe is consuming excessive resources, use the following checks to identify causes and apply fixes.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Too Many Active Sub-processes: Close or pause less-used features; restart Spotify to reset telemetry subprocesses
- Background Extensions or Diagnostics: Disable non-essential extensions and ensure diagnostics are limited to essential data
- Outdated Spotify Version: Update Spotify to the latest version via Settings -> Help -> About Spotify
- Malware Impersonation: Run a full antivirus/antimalware scan and verify digital signatures
- Large Local Cache: Clear cache within Spotify settings and free up disk space
- Conflicts with Security Software: Temporarily disable conflicting security software or whitelist SpotifyTelemetry.exe
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Spotify Task Manager (in-app) to identify high-usage items
2. Restart Spotify to reset telemetry processes
3. Clear cache: Settings -> Storage -> Clear Cache
4. Update Spotify to the latest version
5. Disable unnecessary background data in Settings -> Privacy
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SpotifyTelemetry.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate SpotifyTelemetry.exe is part of the Spotify desktop app and is digitally signed by Spotify AB. Always verify the file path and signature.
Why is SpotifyTelemetry.exe running when Spotify isn't open?
Telemetry can run as background services for data collection, crash reporting, and update checks even when the main app window is closed.
How can I disable Spotify telemetry?
Disable telemetry in the Spotify app settings (Privacy/Diagnostics). You can also stop the process in Task Manager or disable Spotify startup.
Where is SpotifyTelemetry.exe located?
Typically in C:\Program Files\Spotify\SpotifyTelemetry.exe or C:\Users\<Username>\AppData\Local\Spotify\SpotifyTelemetry.exe, depending on installation and version.
What data does Spotify telemetry collect?
Telemetry collects anonymized usage data, performance metrics, and crash reports to help improve streaming quality while omitting personal identifiers.
Can I remove Spotify telemetry without uninstalling Spotify?
Disabling telemetry in settings or stopping the telemetry process will reduce data collection without uninstalling the app; some diagnostics may still be limited.