"Can you download music from Tidal to USB flash drive directly?" No. Due to Tidal's copyright protection, the music in Tidal is DRM-protected and the music files you downloaded are cached files only, which can't be saved and used on other devices or platforms like USB drive. However, there are many benefits of downloading music to a USB drive. For example, it can be more convenient to play music from a USB drive when you are driving.
Well, there must be a solution to the problem. After a persistent search, we select some ways here and show you how to download Tidal music to USB drive. Don't miss this complete tutorial below. Let's go!
Part 1. Benefits to Download Tidal Music to USB Drive/Stick
Downloading music from Tidal to USB sticks/flash drives is a smart choice, especially since Tidal announced users need to pay to use it. Here we list some advantages below.
🔸1. Portability: With Tidal music downloaded to a USB flash drive, you can carry your favorite songs with you wherever you go. USB drives are small and lightweight so you can easily carry one in your pocket or bag.
See also: Popular Portable Tidal MP3 Players
🔸2. Convenience: You can access Tidal songs without an internet connection. This is especially useful when traveling or when you are in an area with poor network coverage.
See also: How to Use Tidal Offline Mode
🔸3. Backup: Downloading music from Tidal to USB drives provides a backup copy of your Tidal songs. Therefore, you can store your music library in case of data loss.
🔸4. Sound quality: Tidal is a high-quality music streaming service that offers lossless audio. By putting music from Tidal on USB flash drive, you can enjoy Tidal MQA on other device that supports inserting USB stick.
See also: Best Tidal Streamers for MQA/HiFi
🔸5. Cost-effective: It is a cost-effective way to enjoy your Tidal music without paying for a monthly subscription.
Part 2. How to Download Music from Tidal to USB Drive/Stick/Pen Drive
From the beginning, we know that you can't transfer Tidal downloads to other players or devices (including USB drives) directly because of digital rights management protection. In this case, the primary task is to look for a special Tidal music downloader to remove the protection and download Tidal music locally. When you search online, you will find many Tidal downloaders were said that they can download and convert Tidal well, but few software can do that.
After meticulously comparing and testing, we chose the top-rated AudFree Tidal Music Downloader to meet your requirements. It is designed for Tidal users to get and save music well. In fact, it can convert Tidal music to MP3, FLAC, WAV, M4A, etc. for being compatible with USB flash drives. With the assistance of this professional tool, you can download Tidal playlists to USB flash drives and upload them to other devices.
AudFree Tidal Music Downloader
- Download music from Tidal to computers locally
- Keep original ID3 tags and 100% lossless audio quality
- Convert Tidal to FLAC and other USB drives-compatible formats
- Help save Tidal music to USB stick, SD card, CD, etc.
In this part, we will give the one-by-one step to download and convert Tidal music for USB pen drive via the AudFree Tidal Music Converter. Once you've got local Tidal files on your computer, it's easy to save music from Tidal to USB drive.
How to Convert Tidal Music to USB Drives-Supported Format
- Step 1Load Tidal Music to AudFree Tidable
- Download and open the AudFree Tidal Music Downloader on your computer. Please discover the target Tidal music or playlist on the Tidal web player. Then tap the item and click '+ ♫' icon > 'Add to list' to upload music to this best Tidal downloader.
- Step 2Customize Tidal Audio Output Parameters for USB Sticks
- There are some output formats that can be compatible with USB flash drives, such as MP3, M4A and FLAC. If you'd like to make Tidal music more compatible, MP3 may be the best choice. Please click the top 'Menu bar > Preferences > Conversion' to define your output format. Besides, you can customize other audio parameters, like bit rate, sample rate, and audio channel.
- Step 3Download Tidal Playlists Locally for USB drive
- Simply press the 'Convert' tab in the Converting window to start the conversion process. It will download the added Tidal tracks to the output format that you set before. The more Tidal music you have imported to this tool, the longer the conversion time you will wait. Once done, you can find the Tidal MQA downloads in the 'Converted' > 'Search' tab. Or, you can click the 'File' icon to find them. Next, you can move music from Tidal to USB flash drives without any problem.
Pros:
- Multiple output audio formats like MP3, WAV, FLAC, etc.;
- Download Tidal in high and lossless audio quality (up to 768kbps);
- Support batch downloading and conversion at up to 37X;
- No pop-up ads or malware, safe and clean;
- Keep original ID3 tags and metadata of Tidal music
Cons:
- Not free;
- Doesn't support mobile devices;
- Need to install the program on your device
Part 3. How to Download Tidal Music to USB Drive Online for Free
The method above requires you to install the program on your computer. If you don't want to install any tool on your device to get Tidal music for USB drive, then you can try the online method. Here we will introduce DoubleDouble to you.
It is a free and online tool for users to download and convert music from Tidal easily. Besides, it is easy to use. But you should note that the download speeds and output quality is lower than professional tools. Also, you need to download tracks one by one manually. Now, let's check how to use it to download Tidal music to USB thumb drive online for free.
Step 1. Visit DoubleDouble official website via the web browser on your computer.
Step 2. Open the Tidal music web player or official app on your device. Then find the audio content and copy its link address.
Step 3. Back to DoubleDouble webpage, then put the copied link address into the text box on the screen. Next, go to the file format section to reset the output format as MP3 320kbps.
Step 4. After that, click the Download button next to the text box and DoubleDouble will start downloading Tidal music to MP3 online to your computer.
Pros:
- No need to download and install an extra program;
- Totally free to download Tidal music
Cons:
- Only output MP3 and OGG audio formats;
- Can't retain ID3 tags;
- Contain pop-up ads;
- Output quality at up to 320kbps only;
- Download Tidal tracks one by one manually
Part 4. How to Transfer Tidal Music to USB Drive
With the tools above, you have got Tidal music downloads on your computer for USB drive. Now, follow the steps below to learn how to save Tidal music to USB stick for use offline. But before that, please learn some tips for ensuring a smooth and successful transfer.
🔹1. Check Storage Space: Before downloading music from Tidal for storing, ensure that your USB drive has enough storage space to accommodate the music files. This will prevent any issues with incomplete downloads or running out of storage.
🔹2. High-Performance USB Drive: To ensure reliable performance, use a high-performance USB drive. This will help prevent potential data loss or corruption during the transfer process. Look for reputable brands known for their durability and speed.
🔹3. Compatible Output Format: Choose the output format and quality that is compatible with both your USB drive and the devices you plan to play the Tidal music on.
🔹4. Organize Your Music Library: To easily navigate and find your Tidal music, organize your music library on the USB drive. Create folders based on genres, artists, or albums, and properly name the tracks.
🔹5. Safely Eject USB Drive: Always remember to safely eject the USB drive from your computer. This ensures that all data transfers are completed and reduces the risk of data loss or corruption. Use the 'Eject' or 'Safely Remove Hardware' option on your computer's operating system.
After that, check the steps below to start transferring.
Step 1. Connect USB drives to your Windows or Mac computer. Please insert the USB flash drive into the USB port of your computer. It will show the icon of your USB stick on your computer.
Step 2. Find downloaded Tidal music files. Now, you can open your USB stick and open the downloaded Tidal Hi-Res audio on your computer. For Windows, go to File Explore or This PC. For Mac, go to Finder.
Step 3. Put Tidal music on flash drives. Drag and drop Tidal songs from the folder to the USB drive's folder. Or you can copy & paste the downloaded music from Tidal to USB drives.
Step 4. Once done, eject your USB drive from your computer safely.
After that, you can insert the USB drive to other devices like your car, Xbox, etc. to play Tidal music offline via the USB media player.
See also:
Part 5. FAQs about Tidal to USB Flash Drive
Q1: Can Tidal Download Music to USB Flash Drives for Free?
A: No. Music from Tidal can't be downloaded to Tidal-unsupported devices like USB flash drives. However, a third-party Tidal downloader (AudFree Tidal Music Downloader) can help you a lot. It can export Tidal playlists for putting on USB drives. It offers a forever-free trial.
🔖 For obeying the copyright rules, a paid Tidal subscription is necessary.
Q2: How to Download Tidal Music to a USB Drive from Laptop?
A: If your laptop runs in Windows or Mac OS, you can download the AudFree Tidal Music Converter to download Tidal music locally first. Then insert your USB drive into the laptop and put music on it. Or you can use online tool DoubleDouble to get Tidal music files online for free.
See also: How to Download Tidal Music on Laptop
Q3: How to Download Tidal MP3 Music to USB Sticks?
A: You can use a Tidal to MP3 tool like AudFree Tidal Music Converter to download Tidal music in MP3 format first. Then, move the MP3 files to your USB flash drive.
Q4: Are There Websites to Download Tidal Music to USB Drives?
A: You can't get a method directly but you can find an online tool like DoubleDouble to export Tidal music in advance. Then you can put music on a USB stick.
Part 6. In Conclusion
That's all about how to download and transfer music from Tidal to USB flash drives. Is easy to do that, isn't it? Take advantage of the AudFree Tidal Music Downloader or DoubleDouble so you can download and manage Tidal music freely. You can even play Tidal songs in the car, listen to them on Smart TV, etc. via the USB port whenever and wherever possible.
Miley Swift
Staff Editor
