How to Use Tidal on Linux [3 Ways]

By Miley Swift Updated on 2024-08-14 / Update for Tidal Tips

Q: "I want to play Tidal on Linux as I have used Linux recently. I plan to cancel my subscription to Tidal but I need to get Tidal songs on Linux. Any way to help me please?"

Linux users often face challenges when it comes to accessing popular services like Tidal due to the lack of official support. Tidal has not released a native Linux app, but several workarounds help you connect Tidal to Linux. You can experience Tidal audio on Linux after reading this post.

See also: How to Use Spotify on Linux

play tidal on linux

Part 1. Is There a Tidal App for Linux

No, you can't find an official Tidal app for Linux. Tidal doesn't offer an app for Linux. Although it is a little difficult, you can try other ways to play Tidal music. The simplest way to access Tidal on Linux is through a web browser. Most modern browsers, such as Chrome, Firefox and Edge, support Tidal's web player. You can stream music directly from the Tidal website online. However, this way may have limited integration with the Linux desktop environment.

See also: Tidal Web Player Hot Review & Usage

Other methods you can also try: 1. Downloading Tidal for Linux via AudFree Tidal Music Converter; 2. Installing GitHub TIDAL Hi-Fi; 3. Installing Tidal CLI Client.

For people who don't understand any technology knowledge, we highly recommend the first means: using the AudFree Tidal Music Downloader to download Tidal music for Linux.

Part 2. How to Download Tidal for Linux - AudFree Tidal Music Converter

If you can break Tidal's restrictions and rip music, you can freely enjoy the music on Linux. Now we offer you a tool - AudFree Tidal Music Converter, which is designed to convert Tidal music to MP3, FLAC, WAV, M4A, M4B and AAC files. Then you are able to sync the downloaded Tidal audio to Linux.

What's more, all the converted Tidal files are kept without loss of quality. The related information of the songs such as title, genre, album cover, group, composer and so on are all preserved. Therefore, you can save them in different music groups as you want. This AudFree Tidal Linux Converter runs at 5X faster speed so you will get the converted Tidal for Linux files in a short time.

With this AudFree tool, you are allowed to export playlists from Tidal and use them on Linux for offline playback. You do not need to play them in the Tidal app anymore. Furthermore, you don't have to subscribe to Tidal with monthly payments.

AudFree Tidal Music Converter

audfree tidal music converter
  • Losslessly download Tidal tracks and playlists for Linux.
  • Convert Tidal music to MP3, WAV, FLAC, AAC, M4A, M4B for Linux.
  • Save 100% original audio quality, and play Tidal on Linux offline.
  • Work at 5X faster speed, and customize music output settings.

How to Export Tidal Playlists via the AudFree Tidal Music Downloader

Can't wait to start the conversion? Here we make a detailed tutorial for you. Just take a few steps below to finish the conversion process!

Before you convert the Tidal music via the AudFree Tidal Music Converter, there are some tools you need to prepare.

🖥 1. Your personal computer which runs Win or Mac system.

🎵 2. Installed the Tidal app on your computer.

❤ 3. Download the AudFree Tidal Music Converter and buy a license. If you use the free version of this tool, the length of downloads is one-third.

🛠 4. A USB flash drive.

Now follow the guide to convert Tidal for Linux.

Step 1Add Tidal Tracks to AudFree Tidable
import tidal songs to audfree tidable
Install the downloaded AudFree Tidal Music Converter on your PC and launch it. A clean window will be shown to you. The Tidal app will be opened simultaneously at the same time. So it is very convenient for you to add Tidal songs to the AudFree software. Just copy the links of the songs you intend to play on Linux. Paste them to the search bar of the AudFree Tidable. Then click the "+" button to upload Tidal playlists.
Step 2Redefine Output Parameters for Tidal Playlists
reset tidal output format for linux
For a perfect converted Tidal file for Linux, you are advised to set the related output parameters. Hit the "Menu > Preference > Convert" icon. You can then pick your favorite format of Tidal. The AudFree Tidal Songs Downloader also allows you to customize the channel, bit rate and sample rate for a better quality of Tidal tracks. Tapping on the 1X option, the conversion process will be more stable and some errors can be avoided. If you want to archive the output tracks by Artist or Album, just make the choice.
Step 3Convert Music from Tidal for Linux
convert music from tidal for linux
Drop your mouse on the "Converted" button. The uploaded Tidal files will be converted at once. You can locate the transferred files in the output folder by clicking "Converted > Search". ID3 tags of Tidal tracks will also be kept.
Step 4Play Tidal on Linux via A USB Flash Drive
transfer tidal to usb flash drive
Now the converted Tidal tracks are in the output folder. Just copy and paste them to a USB flash drive. Then connect the USB flash drive with the Ubuntu computer. Then you can use some players like Miro, Kodi, VLC, etc. to play Tidal on Linux and keep Tidal music forever.
See also: How to Stream Tidal to VLC Media Player
Video GuideDownload Tidal Music for Linux via the Best Tidal Downloader
See how to use the best Tidal music downloader to get and use music from Tidal on Linux.

Part 3. How to Use Tidal on Linux - TIDAL Hi-Fi

TIDAL Hi-Fi is an open-source project available on GitHub. It is created to allow users to stream music from TIDAL using a command-line interface (CLI). Below is a step-by-step guide on how to use TIDAL Hi-Fi from the GitHub repository.

github tidal hifi

🔑 FYI: GitHub TIDAL Hi-Fi README

Step 1: Before you can use TIDAL Hi-Fi, you'll need to install its dependencies. This application relies on several tools and libraries, so make sure you have them installed:

1. Node.js: You can download and install it from the official Node.js website.

2. npm: These are package managers for Node.js. npm comes bundled with Node.js.

3. Git: Ensure you have Git installed to clone the repository. You can get it from the official Git website.

Step 2: Open your terminal or command prompt and clone the TIDAL Hi-Fi repository from GitHub:

git clone https://github.com/Mastermindzh/tidal-hifi.git

Step 3: Navigate to the cloned directory:

cd tidal-hifi

Step 4: In the project directory, install the required Node.js packages by running:

npm install

Step 5: After installing the dependencies, you can run the application with:

npm start

Step 6: Once the application is running, you can log into your Tidal on Linux and start playing music.

Part 4. How to Make Tidal Connect to Linux - Tidal CLI Client

The Tidal CLI Client is a command-line interface for interacting with Tidal, allowing you to control and play music from the terminal. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use the Tidal CLI Client to make Tidal connect to Linux.

🔑 FYI: GitHub tidal-cli-client

Step 1: First, you'll need to clone the Tidal CLI Client repository from GitHub. You should open your terminal and type the command below:

git clone https://github.com/okonek/tidal-cli-client.git

Step 2: Change into the directory of the cloned repository:

cd tidal-cli-client

Step 3: You also have to install MPV and W3M. You need to check if you have got w3m-img on some systems.

Step 4: Then, run the app with your Tidal credentials and send commands to play Tidal music.

Part 5. FAQs about Tidal Linux

Q1: Can I play Tidal in HiFi or Master quality on Linux?

A: You can download Tidal HiFi songs via the AudFree Tidal Music Converter on your Mac or Windows. Then use a USB stick to save and move downloads to Linux. By the way, Tidal announced it stopped Tidal MQA resources.

See also: How to Download Tidal to USB Drives for Free Use

Q2: How to Fix Tidal Playback Issues on Linux?

A: If you use a GitHub app to access Tidal and you meet some playback issues, you have to wait for fixing by the publisher. Actually, you don't know when they will fix the problem. Therefore, we recommend you use the AudFree Tidable Music Converter to help you get Tidal music for Linux.

Q3: What's the Best Method for Beginners to Use Tidal on Linux?

A: For beginners, the simplest method is to use the Tidal web player. But it may have some use issues as Tidal doesn't support Linux. Therefore, we suggest use AudFree Tidal Music Downloader to rip music and putting on Linux.

Part 6. Summary

Playing Tidal on Linux might require a bit of setup, but with the methods outlined above, you can find one that fits your needs. The software from GitHub is really difficult to set up and it may have some unpredictable factors. For convenient and safe listening, you can take the AudFree Tidal Music Converter into consideration. This tool supports exporting Tidal music to any device and platform for playback without the Tidal app and account.

Miley Swift

Miley Swift

Staff Editor

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Miley Swift is a professional content creator in the field of music entertainment and tech. Passionate about Tidal streaming technology, she is adept in offering and updating relevant tech skills and tools of Tidal music.