The streaming service Pandora launched in 2005.
And continues to grow years later.
In fact, you may even listen to Pandora offline today.
On your smartphone, Apple Watch, or Fitbit.
How exactly?
Continue reading to learn:
- 3 easy ways to listen to Pandora offline.
- How Pandora Plus and Pandora Premium differ in terms of offline listening.
- 9 reasons why you can’t listen to Pandora offline and how to quickly fix them.
- And a lot more…
Can you listen to Pandora offline?
You can listen to Pandora offline. You’ll just need to be a Pandora Plus or Premium subscriber. For Plus subscribers, you may only download the 3 stations that you listen to the most. For Premium subscribers, you may go to My Collections. And select the tracks or stations that you want to download.
How to listen to Pandora offline? 3 ways
#1: Through your smartphone
Pandora’s offline listening mode is only available for Plus and Premium subscribers.
And as with Audible, you can only listen to Pandora offline through the app version.
So if you’ve been using Pandora strictly via desktop or web browser…
You’d need to download the app on your phone.
It’s available on iOS and Android.
How to install Pandora on iOS
- Launch the App Store on your phone.
- Search for the Pandora app.
- Tap the Get button beside Pandora.
How to install Pandora on Android
- Open your Google Play Store app.
- Look for the Pandora app.
- Tap Install.
Once you’ve installed the app on your smartphone, open it. Then sign in with your account.
Now what you can download will depend on your subscription.
Are you a Pandora Plus subscriber?
If you are, you can’t really choose what to download for offline listening.
Instead, Pandora will just download from the 3 stations you listen to the most.
But don’t worry. As long as your phone’s connected to WiFi, Pandora will update your offline files weekly.
It’ll keep up with the changes in your listening preferences.
And as for Pandora Premium subscribers…
You have the privilege to pick and choose which songs, albums, and stations to download.
How to download offline content with Pandora Premium
- From the app’s home screen, tap My Collections.
- Tap the Download button beside the content that you want to save.
“Great! Now how do I access my offline files?”
From the My Collections page, just select the Recently Played option.
Then look for Show Only Downloads. And toggle it on. You’ll then see all the files that you can listen to offline.
Important Note: Pandora will delete all your offline files if you sign out of the app.
#2: Using Apple Watch
Apple Music isn’t the only thing you can listen to offline on your Apple Watch.
You can do that too with Pandora.
But for this to work, you’ll need an Apple Watch Series 3 or newer.
In addition, you’ll also need an iPhone to pair with your smartwatch.
And as for OS requirements:
- iOS 13 or later for iPhone.
- WatchOS 6 or later for Apple Watch.
How to pair an Apple Watch with an iPhone
- Connect your iPhone to WiFi and turn on its Bluetooth.
- Wear your Apple Watch on your wrist and turn it on.
- Move your iPhone close to your watch.
- When you see a pairing screen on your phone, tap Continue.
- Select the Set Up for Myself option.
- Point your iPhone’s camera at your Apple Watch.
- Wait for the “Your Apple Watch is paired” message.
You may also watch this video to guide you through the pairing process:
Have you already paired your iPhone and Apple Watch?
If so, you’ll just need to install Pandora on your watch. You may use your iPhone for this.
How to install Pandora on an Apple Watch via an iPhone
- Open the Watch app from your iPhone.
- Look for Pandora.
- Click Install.
- Tap Pandora again, then tap “Show App on Apple Watch.”
Now you can’t really download offline files directly using your Apple Watch.
So you’ll have to download content through your iPhone first. And then make them available to your Apple Watch.
How to make Pandora offline files on iPhone available on Apple Watch
- Launch the Watch app on your phone.
- Tap General.
- Tap Background App Refresh.
Then wait for the offline content to download to your Apple Watch.
Pro tip: Placing your Apple Watch on its charger can speed up the download process.
#3: Via Fitbit
Working out is almost impossible without some good music to back you up.
That’s why it’s great that you can also listen to Pandora offline via Fitbit.
The first thing you’ll need to do is set up Pandora on your Fitbit. You may do it using the Fitbit app on your phone.
How to add Pandora on Fitbit
- Launch the Fitbit app on your phone.
- Select Media.
- Select Pandora.
- Log in to your Pandora account.
Now with Fitbit, you only have 2 options for Pandora offline listening:
- Fitbit workout stations.
- Your top Pandora stations.
And this is even if you have a Pandora Premium subscription.
How to add Pandora offline content on Fitbit
- Connect your Fitbit to WiFi.
- Dock your Fitbit to its charger.
- Open the Fitbit app on your phone.
- Select Music.
- Select Pandora.
- Select either your top Pandora stations or Fitbit workout stations.
The offline files should then download to your Fitbit.
Why can’t I listen to Pandora offline? 9 causes & fixes
#1: You’re not a Pandora Plus or Pandora Premium subscriber
The main reason why you can’t listen to Pandora offline is you aren’t a subscriber.
Unfortunately, Pandora only limits offline listening to paying users.
How to fix it:
You may choose to upgrade your Pandora account.
Pandora’s subscriptions are actually affordable.
Pandora Plus has a monthly fee of only $4.99 per month. You can even get 1 month for free if you opt for the annual subscription at $54.89.
As for the Panda Premium, it’s $9.99 monthly. And $109.89 annually. This also includes a free month.
#2: You’re trying to download an ineligible track
I did mention that Premium subscribers can select tracks or stations to download.
However, it still comes with a restriction.
Some tracks just aren’t eligible for offline listening.
How to fix it:
The decision to make tracks available offline solely depends on the artists.
So there’s nothing we can do if some choose not to license their songs for download.
But Pandora has over a million songs available. So you still have plenty of others to choose from.
#3: Network connectivity issues
If you’re a paid subscriber but are struggling to download anything…
You’re likely having issues with your internet connection.
How to fix it:
A fast way to resolve network issues is to restart your modem and router.
Here’s how:
- Unplug the modem and router from the power outlet.
- Wait for about a minute.
- Reconnect the modem and router to their power source.
Then try downloading again once your phone or smartwatch reconnects to the WiFi.
#4: There’s an issue with your subscription
Your offline files will only be available as long as you’re a paying subscriber.
Stopping your subscription will automatically delete your offline content.
So check if there are problems with your subscription.
Your card may have encountered problems. Or your subscription may have simply expired.
How to fix it:
You can manage your subscription by visiting Panda’s official website.
These are the steps:
- Open a browser on your laptop.
- Go to Pandora’s website.
- Click your account photo on the screen’s upper right.
- Select Settings.
- Select Subscription.
- Update your billing information.
You may start re-downloading files once you’ve sorted out your subscription issues.
#5: Your device ran out of storage space
The Pandora app actually keeps track of your device’s storage.
Once it sees that you only have 500MB of space left, it’ll stop downloading.
How to fix it:
If you’re an Android user, you can always expand your storage. Just use a microSD card.
Unfortunately, you can’t do that with an iPhone. And that’s one of the reasons why people say Androids are better than iPhones.
So you’ll just have to delete apps and files to make room for Pandora.
#6: Glitch in the Pandora app
Sometimes, a glitch in the Pandora app may prevent you from accessing your offline files.
A simple relaunch should fix this.
How to fix it:
Close the Pandora app on your phone or smartwatch without signing out.
Then wait for about a minute or 2.
And then relaunch the app.
#7: Your device is malfunctioning
If it’s not the app, then it’s your device that’s malfunctioning.
And when that happens, you’ll just need to power cycle or restart your device.
How to fix it:
Power off your smartphone or smartwatch. Wait for about 30 seconds up to a minute.
Then turn your device back on. And relaunch the Pandora app.
Check if you’re now able to listen offline.
#8: The Pandora app is out of date
If you haven’t updated your Pandora in a while, you may also encounter various issues.
Pandora releases updates every few months to install new features. And fix various app problems.
How to fix it:
You can manually update the Pandora app on your device.
How to update Pandora on iOS
- Open the App Store.
- Search for Pandora.
- Click the Update button beside the Pandora app.
How to update Pandora on Android
- Launch the Play Store app.
- Tap your account icon.
- Select Manage apps & devices.
- Select Manage.
- Look for Pandora and click Update.
#9: Your device’s firmware needs updates
The Pandora app will only work on iOS version 13 or later.
And Android 7.0 or higher.
So ensure that your device has the latest OS.
How to fix it:
Update your smartphone’s firmware.
How to update iOS
- Tap Settings.
- Tap General.
- Select Software Update.
- Select Download and Install.
How to update Android
- Open the Settings menu.
- Scroll down and select System.
- Tap System update.
- Select Install.
Bonus: Problems with Pandora’s servers
It’s also possible that the issue’s with Pandora’s servers.
Occasionally they experience interruptions or outages. And this may be why you’re not able to download anything.
How to fix it:
Pandora doesn’t provide phone support.
But you may reach them through email or chat support.
They’re open 7 days a week. And they respond to inquiries promptly.