Where to find and delete podcasts on your device
The steps to delete a podcast depend on which app you use and which device you're on. Most people delete podcasts through the same app they use to listen — Apple Podcasts on iPhone, Google Podcasts or YouTube Music on Android, or Spotify on either platform. You can also delete them directly from your device's file system if you've downloaded episodes manually, though that's less common.
Deleting a podcast removes it from your device's storage and your subscription list. It does not affect the podcast itself or prevent you from re-subscribing later. The podcast remains available on its original platform for anyone else to listen to.
Key Takeaways
- On Apple Podcasts, swipe left on a show in your library and tap Delete, or long-press and choose Remove Show.
- On Spotify, press and hold a podcast, then select Remove from Your Library.
- On Google Podcasts (now YouTube Music), tap the three dots next to a show and select Unsubscribe.
- Deleting a podcast from your app removes it from your device but does not delete it from the internet or prevent you from subscribing again later.
- If you downloaded episodes to your device, you may need to delete them separately from your device's storage or file manager.
Deleting podcasts on iPhone or iPad
Open Apple Podcasts and go to your Library. Find the show you want to remove, then swipe left across its name. A red Delete button will appear — tap it. The show disappears from your library immediately.
If swiping doesn't work for you, long-press the podcast name instead. A menu will pop up with the option "Remove Show" — tap that. Both methods do the same thing: they unsubscribe you and remove the show from your device.
If you want to delete only specific episodes rather than the entire show, open the podcast, swipe left on the episode, and tap Delete. This removes just that episode from your device without unsubscribing from the show.
Deleting podcasts on Android
If you use Google Podcasts (which Google has moved into YouTube Music), open the app and find the show in your library. Tap the three vertical dots next to the podcast name and select Unsubscribe. The show leaves your library and stops downloading new episodes.
On Spotify for Android, press and hold the podcast name in your library. A menu appears — select "Remove from Your Library." The podcast is no longer in your saved shows, though you can search for it and re-add it anytime.
To delete individual episodes on Android, open the podcast and swipe left on the episode (or long-press it, depending on your app). Look for a delete or trash icon and tap it. This frees up storage space without removing the entire show from your subscriptions.
Deleting podcasts on Windows or Mac
If you use Apple Podcasts on a Mac, open the app and click Library in the sidebar. Find the podcast, right-click it, and select "Delete Show." On Windows, the process is similar: right-click the show and choose Delete.
Spotify users on desktop can right-click a podcast in their library and select "Remove from Your Library." The show disappears from your saved list but remains available to search for and re-add.
If you've downloaded podcast files directly to your computer (not through an app), you can delete them like any other file: select the file or folder, right-click, and choose Delete or Move to Trash. Empty your trash afterward to fully remove them from your device.
Freeing up storage space when deleting podcasts
Podcasts take up significant storage, especially if you've downloaded many episodes. When you delete a podcast from an app, the app usually removes the downloaded files automatically. However, some apps leave cached files behind.
To check how much space podcasts are using, go to Settings on iPhone (Settings > General > iPhone Storage) or Android (Settings > Apps > [Podcast App] > Storage). If the storage number is high even after deleting shows, the app may have cached data. You can clear the app's cache without losing your subscriptions: on iPhone, tap "Offload App" (this removes the app but keeps your data), then reinstall it. On Android, go to Settings > Apps > [Podcast App] > Storage > Clear Cache.
If you want to keep a podcast but remove its downloaded episodes to save space, open the show in your app and look for a download or storage icon next to each episode. Tap it to remove that episode from your device while keeping the show in your subscriptions.
What happens when you delete a podcast
Deleting a podcast from your device does not delete it from the internet. The podcast still exists on its hosting platform and in any directory where it's listed. Other people can still find and listen to it.
You also do not lose any personal data by deleting a podcast. Your listening history, bookmarks, and saved episodes may be tied to your account rather than the app, depending on which service you use. If you re-subscribe to the same podcast later, you may see your old history again.
If you want to completely remove a podcast from the internet, you would need to contact the podcast creator or hosting service directly. That is a different process and requires access to the podcast's account.
Unsubscribing versus deleting episodes
Unsubscribing (removing the show from your library) stops new episodes from downloading and removes the show from your list. Deleting individual episodes removes only those files from your device but keeps you subscribed, so new episodes will still arrive.
If you want to keep a show but save storage space, delete old episodes individually instead of unsubscribing. If you no longer want to hear from a podcast at all, unsubscribe. You can always re-subscribe later if you change your mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recover a podcast I deleted by mistake?
Yes. Simply search for the podcast by name in your app and subscribe again. Your listening history and saved episodes may reappear if they're stored in your account. If you deleted individual episodes, they're gone from your device, but you can re-download them from the podcast's feed.
Does deleting a podcast delete it for other people?
No. Deleting a podcast from your device only affects your own library. The podcast remains available for everyone else to listen to. Only the podcast creator can remove it from the internet entirely.
Why is my podcast app still using storage after I deleted shows?
The app may have cached data or temporary files left over. Clear the app's cache through your device settings (iPhone: Settings > General > iPhone Storage > [App Name] > Offload App; Android: Settings > Apps > [App Name] > Storage > Clear Cache). This removes the extra files without losing your subscriptions.
What's the difference between deleting and archiving a podcast?
Not all apps have an archive feature, but when available, archiving hides a podcast from your main library without unsubscribing. Deleting unsubscribes you completely. Check your app's settings or help section to see if archiving is an option.
If I delete a podcast, will the creator know?
No. Podcast creators see download numbers and listener counts, but they cannot see which individual people unsubscribe or delete their shows. Your deletion is private to your device and account.