Tidal Dolby Atmos: How to Enable, Troubleshooting & Offline Playback

Part 1. What Is Dolby Atmos Music on Tidal

Tidal Dolby Atmos is a sound effect technology rather than a direct sound quality technology. And it is included with eligible Tidal subscription, allowing users to stream Dolby Atmos music without paying an additional fee. It creates a three-dimensional sound space, allowing sounds to come from all directions. It provides a more immersive auditory experience. Unlike traditional surround sound systems, Dolby Atmos allows sound objects to move independently in a three-dimensional space. This feature enhances sound localization and realism.

This technology can be applied in various scenarios such as cinemas, home entertainment systems, headphones, and mobile devices. You can have a richer and more dynamic sound experience. While Dolby Atmos mainly focuses on spatial sound and the sense of immersion, it indirectly enhances sound quality. Why? That is because more precise and spatially accurate sound effects can make you perceive more realistic sound nuances.

Besides, Dolby Atmos music on Tidal enables you to get closer to artists and their favorite songs. In other words, you can hear the song in a whole new way as if you were the artist. This is a good way to feel the details and emotions that artists want to share.

Feature	Dolby Atmos	Stereo
Audio Channels	Object-based 3D audio	Left & Right channels
Immersion	Excellent	Standard
Directional Sound	✅	Limited
Compatible Devices Required	✅	❌
Best For	Home theater, compatible headphones, soundbars	Any playback device

Part 2. Tidal Dolby Atmos Supported Devices

It is noted that not all platforms and devices support streaming Tidal Dolby Atmos songs. Here you can check the table below to see if your device is compatible or not.

Device	Supported Tidal Dolby Atmos?	Notes
Android phone & tablet	✅	Supported on compatible models running supported Android versions
iOS Devices (iPhone/iPad)	✅	iOS 15+ required
Apple TV 4K	✅	HDMI eARC required; running tvOS 13 or later
Android TV	✅	Depends on manufacturer support
NVIDIA Shield TV & Shield TV Pro	✅	2019+ models
Dolby Atmos Soundbar	✅	/
AV Receiver (AVR)	✅	/
Smartwatches/Auto/DJ Software	❌	/
Windows computer	❌	/
macOS computer	❌	/
Pixel Devices	❌	/

Part 3. How to Enable and Listen to Dolby Atmos on Tidal

To enjoy Dolby Atmos on Tidal, there are some requirements.

1. A Dolby Atmos-enabled hardware or software;
2. A paid Tidal subscription;
3. Music that has been mastered in Dolby Atmos;
4. A compatible operating system;
5. A supported playback device;
6. The latest Tidal app

After confirming, you can start to enable and enjoy Dolby Atmos music on Tidal with the following steps.

How to Play Tidal Dolby Atmos on Android

Step 1. Open the Tidal app on your Android device. Then log in to your Tidal account.

Step 2. Find and play a song or album that displays the Dolby Atmos badge. If prompted, allow your device to use Dolby Atmos.

Step 3. Make sure Dolby Atmos is enabled in your phone's sound settings.

Some Android devices, like Samsung, include a built-in Dolby Atmos toggle under Settings > Sounds and Vibration > Sound Quality and Effects.

How to Play Tidal Dolby Atmos on iPhone or iPad

Step 1. Update the Tidal app to the latest version and ensure your device supports Dolby Atmos playback.

Step 2. Start Tidal and play an album labeled Dolby Atmos.

Step 3. If you are using compatible headphones or speakers, the Atmos mix should begin automatically.

How to Play Tidal Dolby Atmos on Apple TV 4K

Step 1. Connect Apple TV 4K to an Atmos-compatible TV or AV receiver.

Step 2. Use a high-speed HDMI cable. If available, connect through an HDMI eARC port for optimal audio passthrough.

Step 3. Open the Tidal app and play an Dolby Atmos album.

Step 4. After that, your receiver or soundbar should indicate that Dolby Atmos is being received.

How to Play Tidal Dolby Atmos on Smart TVs and Streaming Devices

Step 1. Launch the Tidal app on your TV that is compatible with Dolby Atmos and supports Tidal.

Step 2. To enable the Dolby Atmos function on built-in Dolby Atmos devices like Samsung TV, Sony smart TVs, etc., you should go to the 'Sound' setting. Detailed operations can be found in their product instruction manuals.

Step 3. Get into the Home screen, then search and tap the 'Available in Dolby Atmos' option, so that you can play Tidal Dolby Atmos on smart TV.

Step 4. Hit the 'Play' button, you can immerse yourself in Dolby's spatial sound and atmosphere from Tidal.

Part 4. How to Fix Tidal Dolby Atmos Not Working

"Why is Dolby Atmos not working on Tidal?" Or, why is Dolby Atmos on Tidal not showing? You can find out the cause and fix it with corresponding solutions.

Fix 1. Enable Audio Passthrough on Smart TV

Many users with Dolby Atmos-compatible soundbars or AV receivers find that Tidal fails to trigger the Dolby Atmos indicator. This often occurs because the TV internally decodes the audio signal into standard stereo PCM format by default, causing the Dolby Atmos 3D spatial audio metadata to be discarded during transmission. To achieve "bit-perfect" raw signal passthrough, you must enable audio passthrough on the TV.

Step 1. Ensure you are using a high-speed HDMI cable (HDMI 2.1 recommended) and have connected it to the HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) ports on both the TV and the audio system. Standard optical connections lack the bandwidth to transmit uncompressed Atmos signals; using the eARC link is essential.

Step 2. Use your TV remote to navigate to 'Settings' > 'Sound/Audio'.

Step 3. Look for 'Advanced/Expert Settings' > 'Digital Audio Output'.

Step 4. Change the setting from the default (PCM or Auto) to 'Pass-Through' or 'Bitstream'.

Quick Reference for Major TV Brands:

LG TVs (WebOS): Sound > Advanced Settings > Digital Sound Output > Select 'Pass Through'; ensure eARC support is enabled.
Samsung TVs (Tizen): Sound > Expert Settings > Digital Output Audio Format > Select 'Pass-Through'.
Sony TVs (Google TV): Display & Sound > Audio Output > Enable 'eARC mode (Auto)' > Set Digital Audio Output to 'Auto 1' or 'Pass-Through'.

Fix 2. Turn off Android's 'Absolute Volume'

In Android systems, the "Absolute Volume" feature forcibly links the phone's media volume with the volume control of connected Bluetooth devices or external portable USB DACs. When seeking an optimal audio experience, this system-level linkage can sometimes trigger conflicts in low-level audio routing, cause abnormal locking of maximum volume limits, or even interfere with the handshake protocols between background audio streaming services and peripheral devices, potentially preventing Dolby Atmos from activating correctly. Disabling this feature restores independent volume control channels and avoids interference from the system mixer.

Step 1. Go to your Android phone's 'Settings' > 'About Phone'. Tap 'Build Number' seven times in rapid succession until a message appears at the bottom of the screen stating, "You are now in developer mode".

Step 2. Return to the main 'Settings' menu and navigate to 'System' > 'Developer Options'.

Step 3. Scroll down to the 'Networking' section. Find the 'Disable absolute volume' option and toggle it on (activate the switch). Note: Since the option is labeled "Disable absolute volume", turning the switch 'on' effectively disables the feature.

Step 4. Disconnect and reconnect your external DAC or high-end wireless headphones. To ensure the new audio routing configuration takes full effect, it is recommended to restart the Tidal app. Your phone and audio device will now operate with two independent volume control systems.

Other Common Fixes:

1. Check Your Subscription: Dolby Atmos is only available with a available paid Tidal plan.

2. Verify Compatible Hardware: Make sure your device supports Dolby Atmos. This includes Dolby Atmos-enabled headphones, soundbars, AV receivers, or TVs. If using a PC, ensure it is connected to Dolby Atmos-enabled speakers or headphones.

3. Update Software and Firmware: Update your Tidal app, device's firmware and audio drivers to the latest versions.

4. Restart Your Device: Restart your device to refresh the system and apply any changes made.

5. Contact Tidal Support: If none of the above ways work, contact Tidal Support for further assistance.

Part 5. Tidal Dolby Atmos vs Tidal HiRes FLAC vs Apple Music Dolby Atmos

Now, you will learn the differences between Tidal Dolby Atmos vs HiRes FLAC vs Apple Music Dolby Atmos. Check them now.

Tidal Dolby Atmos vs Tidal HiRes FLAC (Tidal Max)

Feature	Tidal Dolby Atmos	Tidal HiRes FLAC
Audio Type	Spatial 3D audio	Lossless stereo
Listening Experience	Immersive	Studio-accurate
Hardware Needs	Advanced home theater, Atmos headphones	Standard high-quality DAC or headphones
Music Availability	Selected albums	Larger catalog
Best For	Cinematic listening, live performances, immersive music	Audiophiles and critical listening

Choose Dolby Atmos if you have a Dolby Atmos soundbar or home theater, prefer to enjoy immersive live performance and cinematic mixes, and prefer a spacious and sound-like listening experience.

Choose HiRes FLAC if you use high-end wired headphones or DACs, want the original stereo mix and prefer maximum audio fidelity over spatial effects.

Tidal Dolby Atmos vs Apple Music Dolby Atmos

Feature	Tidal Dolby Atmos	Apple Music Dolby Atmos
Desktop Atmos	❌	Partial support via ecosystem
Device Ecosystem	Broad	Apple-optimized
Windows Support	❌	Available on compatible Windows hardware and audio setups
macOS Support	❌	Available on compatible Macs
Android Experience	Excellent	Good, but optimized less than on Apple devices
Automatic Dolby Atmos Playback	Automatic on supported devices	Automatic by default or configurable
Best For	Audiophiles who seek an immersive Dolby Atmos experience while also valuing high-resolution FLAC audio quality, particularly those using Android devices or operating across multiple devices.	Users who are deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem and desire a seamless experience featuring Dolby Atmos, Spatial Audio, and head tracking.

Part 6. Best Way to Play Tidal Songs Offline

Dolby Atmos is only limited to users with a paid Tidal subscription (at least $10.99/month). What's worse, you cannot access Tidal downloads if you unsubscribe from the subscription. But don't worry! We have put the issues into our consideration and come up with an alternative way for you.

You need a third-party tool, AudFree Tidal Music Converter, to download songs from Tidal as local files. This AudFree converter can download and convert all Tidal tracks. The output formats like MP3, FLAC, etc. are the most popular so you can import them to other devices without limits. On top of that, this smart gadget save lossless sound quality of Tidal audio and preserve original metadata. This feature helps organize and categorize downloaded music.

Can't help wondering how to use it? There is a user guide for you to download Tidal music via AudFree Tidal Music Converter

Step 1. Add Tidal audio files

After installing the AudFree Tidal Music Converter on your computer and open it. Then search and select albums or single songs you want to download later. You can also copy its track link and paste it on the search box of AudFree Tidal Music Downloader. Then tap '+' > 'Add to list' to add files.

Step 2. Customize audio output format and other parameters

Tap into the 'Menu' bar with a gear icon at the upper right corner. Click 'Preference' and 'Conversion', and you will get into a setting interface. Here you can customize output formats for Tidal songs like FLAC and WAV. Of course, other parameters such as bit depth, sample rate, or audio channel are also provided.

Step 3. Start to convert Tidal tracks for offline listening

Now, it comes with an amazing step. Press 'Converting' sky-blue 'Convert' button. After a while, the Tidal music will be converted and automatically saved in the local folder. You can enjoy the Tidal downloads on PCs directly.

Part 7. FAQs About Dolby Atmos Tidal

Part 8. In Conclusion

Details about Tidal Dolby Atmos have been presented to you in this post. If you have a compatible device and Tidal subscription, you can enjoy Dolby Atmos on Tidal to enhance your music experience.

Most importantly, we recommend a Tidal music converter: AudFree Tidal Music Converter for you to download music from Tidal as local files. With it, you can play downloaded Tidal music on all devices and players offline whenever you like.