Do you keep encountering download issues while using Apple Podcasts on iPhone? Sometimes, tapping the Download icon next to an episode may do nothing. Or your download preferences may not shift into gear as expected.
Minor bugs and glitches, insufficient permissions, and corrupt network settings are the most common reasons that can prevent Apple Podcasts from downloading your podcasts locally to your iPhone.
Below you will find nine troubleshooting tips that will get Apple Podcasts to start downloading your episodes properly again.
1. Force Close and Reopen the Podcasts App
Temporary bugs in the Podcasts app can prevent it from downloading podcasts to your iPhone. Eliminate this by forcibly closing the app and reopening it.
Start by opening your iPhone’s App Switcher. If your iPhone supports Face ID, just swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause for a moment to turn on the screen. If not, double-press the Home button instead.
Next, select the Podcasts app card and swipe up to force quit. Wait for a while and reopen the app.
2. Allow Cellular Data
If you are unable to download any podcasts while not connected to Wi-Fi, you need to confirm that the Podcasts app has the necessary permissions to use cellular data.
Go to Settings > Podcasts and make sure the switch next to Cellular Data is enabled. You should also make sure that the switch next to Block Downloads over Cellular is disabled.
3. Check Apple System Status
The Podcasts app may also encounter download issues if there are server-side issues. You can check if this is the case by going to Apple’s System Status page.
If you see any issues listed next to multiple services like Apple ID, Apple Music, or the App Store (there’s no specific listing for the Podcasts app), wait a while until Apple gets things back online.
4. Restart iPhone
Restarting an iPhone is a common troubleshooting method that can generally help you fix temporary problems with your iPhone.
If your iPhone uses Face ID, press and hold the Volume Down and Side buttons for a few seconds. Then swipe right to turn off the device. Press and hold the Side button again to reboot.
If your iPhone is using Touch ID, just hold down the Side button and swipe right to turn off the device. Press and hold the Side button again to reboot.
5. Manage Download Settings
Especially if you are having problems with automatic episode downloads, you should confirm that the download preferences for the Podcasts app are set correctly. Start by opening the Settings app. Next, tap Podcasts and navigate to the section labeled Episode Downloads.
Tap on each Refresh and set an appropriate automatic download timeframe. Next, tap Download Episodes and choose between New Only and All Unplayed.
You can also manage automatic download preferences for each subscribed program. Select a show from the Library section of the Podcasts app, tap the three-dot icon at the top of the screen, tap Settings, and tap Download Episodes. Then change the settings to your liking.
6. Change Wi-Fi DNS Servers
Try changing the default DNS servers for your active Wi-Fi connection. Often, setting up OpenDNS, an extremely popular DNS service, can help resolve connectivity issues that prevent the Podcasts app from working properly.
Go to the Settings app, tap Wi-Fi, tap the i-shaped icon next to the active Wi-Fi connection, and tap Configure DNS. Next, enter the following DNS servers in the slots below and tap Save.
208.67.222.222
208.67.220.220
7. Allow Background App Refresh
If the Podcasts app is having trouble downloading in the background, confirm that your iPhone has the necessary permissions to use Background App Refresh. To do this, go to Settings > Podcasts and make sure the switch next to Background App Refresh is enabled.
8. Install/Reinstall App
If you continue to have problems downloading the Podcasts app, try unloading and reinstalling the app. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage > Podcasts. Then tap Unload App.
Finally, go to the Home screen and tap on the Podcasts app icon to redownload it to your iPhone.
9. Reset Network Settings
If you continue to experience constant download problems in the Podcasts app, you should consider resetting the network settings on your iPhone. You won’t lose any data, but you will have to set up your Wi-Fi connections from scratch.
To reset your network settings, go to Settings > General > Reset and tap Reset Network Settings.
Start Downloading Your Podcasts
I hope the fixes above helped you fix Apple Podcasts download issues on your iPhone. If you have other fixes or suggestions in mind, leave a comment and let us know.
Next: Want to try a feature-rich app for listening to podcasts? Check out these five great Pocket Podcast alternatives for iPhone and Android phones.
