During a routine check of our iPhone storage, we found that Podcasts app It takes up a lot of space. It was about a few gigabytes in size, and we don't remember downloading anything to it. Turns out, the automatic downloads option was enabled by default, and we didn't notice. That was when we turned off the toggle to stop the Apple Podcasts app from automatically downloading shows. We'll show you how to do the same.
We don't blame Apple; its goal is to help you keep up with the latest episodes of the shows you subscribe to in the Podcasts app. However, given Apple's lack of options for clearing cache and storage, a few notifications would have been great so users could opt for automatic downloads only when necessary.
So, go ahead and read this article as we show you how to turn off automatic downloads in the Podcasts app on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. And if you feel like it's already too late, we'll show you how to delete all existing downloads so you can free up some space. Let's get started.
How to Turn Off Automatic Downloads on Apple Podcasts Using iPhone and iPad
Step 1: Open an app Settings.
Step 2: Scroll down to find Podcast.
Step 3: Click on Download automatically.
Step 4: Locate turning off.
This will prevent podcasts from automatically downloading shows whenever a new episode is released.
Step 5: Next, tap <Go back to the top and turn off the toggle for “Download on Save” as well.
This will stop the Podcasts app from automatically downloading shows whenever you save them.
Now, let's take a look at how to prevent the Podcasts app from automatically downloading shows on Mac.
How to Stop Podcasts from Automatically Downloading on Mac
Step 1: In the application Podcasts , Click on Podcasts option in the toolbar.
Step 2: Click on Settings.
Step 3: in the tab General Click the drop-down menu next to Download automatically.
Step 4: Click on "turning off" To stop automatic downloads of new episodes in shows.
Step 5: Additionally, uncheck the box. Download on save Next to the downloads option.
This will prevent the Podcasts app from downloading shows and episodes whenever you save them.
These are the ways you can stop the Podcasts app from automatically downloading shows to your Apple device. However, note that turning these options off will not delete any shows and episodes previously downloaded on your devices. To get rid of them, skip to the next section.
How to Delete All Downloaded Podcasts on iPhone and iPad
There are two ways to delete all downloaded episodes and shows from the Podcasts app on iPhone and iPad. We've outlined both methods below.
Method 1: Delete all downloaded podcasts within the app
Step 1: Open an app Podcast.
Step 2: Go to Library tab And click Done Download.
Step 3: click on the button Three point list in the upper right corner.
Step 4: Click on “Remove all downloads.”
Step 5: Click on remove download To confirm Deletion.
There's an alternative way to delete all downloaded podcasts on your iPhone and iPad via the Settings app. Read on.
Method 2: Delete downloaded podcasts in Settings
Step 1: Open an app Settings.
Step 2: Click on general.
Step 3: Click on iPhone storage.
Step 4: Click on Podcast.
You'll now see the storage space the Podcasts app is using. You'll also find an Edit button to remove downloaded shows.
Step 5: Click on Release.
Step 6: click on the button Remove (-).
Step 7: Tap the Delete option to remove the show and all downloaded episodes from your iPhone.
This is how you can remove downloaded podcasts and episodes on your iPhone and iPad. Next, let's take a look at how to delete downloaded podcasts on your Mac.
Delete downloaded shows on the Podcasts app on Mac
Step 1: Open Podcasts app And press Downloaded in the sidebar.
Step 2: Hover over Display image Downloaded and press the button Three-point list.
Step 3: Locate Remove of options.
Step 4: Click on “Remove from library”This will delete the downloaded show from the Podcasts app on your Mac.
There you go. That's all you need to know about how to stop the Podcasts app from automatically downloading shows and delete already downloaded shows. If you still have any questions about it, check out the FAQ section below.
Read also, this Best Ways to Fix Apple Podcasts Not Downloading.
FAQs about automatic downloads in the Podcasts app
1. Does the Podcasts app on iPhone automatically download over mobile data?
By default, the app asks for permission to download podcasts over cellular data if episodes are larger than 200MB. However, you can tap Settings > Podcasts > turn off the "Allow over cellular data" toggle in the Automatic Downloads section.
2. Does uninstalling the Podcasts app on iPhone remove all downloads?
Yes, uninstalling the Podcasts app on iPhone will remove all downloads.
3. Can you download Podcasts for free on Apple Podcasts?
Yes, you can download episodes for free on Apple Podcasts.
No more automatic downloads
We hope this article helps you stop the Podcasts app from automatically downloading shows and episodes on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac. We highly recommend checking this the next time you try to clear your device's storage. Additionally, if you're running low on storage space, You can clear other storage on your iPhone.
