Listening to podcasts is a great way to learn, relax, and stay entertained on the go. If you use Spotify on your iPhone, you’ll be happy to know that you can easily download podcast episodes for offline listening. This means you can enjoy your favorite shows even when you don’t have Wi-Fi or mobile data.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to download podcast episodes in the Spotify iPhone app, explain where downloads are stored, and share troubleshooting tips if something goes wrong.
Why Download Podcasts on Spotify iPhone App?
Imagine you’re on a plane, in the subway, or in a place with weak signals. Streaming isn’t always reliable. That’s where downloads come in handy.
Benefits include:
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Offline listening without Wi-Fi or data.
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Save data usage on limited mobile plans.
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Faster playback with no buffering.
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Portability — your episodes are always available.
Requirements Before Downloading Podcasts
Before you download a podcast episode, make sure:
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You have the latest Spotify app installed from the App Store.
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You are logged into your Spotify account (Free or Premium).
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You have enough storage on your iPhone.
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You are connected to the internet (Wi-Fi recommended for faster downloads).
👉 Note: Unlike songs and playlists, Spotify allows podcast downloads even for free users.
Step-by-Step: How to Download a Podcast Episode on Spotify iPhone App
Here’s the simplest way:
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Open the Spotify app on your iPhone.
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Tap Search (magnifying glass icon) at the bottom.
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Enter the name of the podcast you want to download.
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Select the podcast from the results.
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Browse the list of episodes.
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Find the episode you want and tap the down arrow (⬇️) next to it.
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Wait for the download to complete — the arrow will turn green once finished.
✅ That’s it! The episode is now available offline.
How to Find Your Downloaded Podcasts
Once downloaded, you don’t need to search again.
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Open Your Library at the bottom of the app.
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Select Podcasts & Shows.
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Go to the Downloads section.
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Tap on the episode to start listening offline.
How to Manage Storage for Spotify Downloads on iPhone
Downloaded episodes take up space on your iPhone. To avoid storage issues:
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Go to Settings → Storage → Spotify to check usage.
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Within Spotify, open Settings → Storage to see how much space downloads use.
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Delete older episodes you’ve already listened to.
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Use Wi-Fi only downloads to save mobile data.
How to Delete Downloaded Podcast Episodes
When you no longer need an episode:
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Open Your Library → Podcasts → Downloads.
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Find the episode you want to remove.
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Tap the green down arrow → it will turn gray, meaning the episode is deleted.
This frees up space instantly.
Troubleshooting: Why Won’t My Podcast Download?
Sometimes downloads fail. Common fixes include:
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Check storage space on your iPhone.
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Ensure Wi-Fi or mobile data is working.
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Restart the Spotify app.
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Log out and log back in.
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Update the Spotify app from the App Store.
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If still not working, try reinstalling Spotify.
Best Practices for Podcast Listening on Spotify
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Enable automatic downloads: Go to podcast settings → toggle on Auto-download new episodes.
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Set episodes to auto-delete once finished to save space.
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Use Wi-Fi only downloads to avoid draining mobile data.
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Create a playlist of episodes for road trips or flights.
Quick Comparison: Downloading Podcasts vs. Streaming
| Feature | Downloading | Streaming |
|---|---|---|
| Internet Required | No (offline listening) | Yes |
| Data Usage | None after download | High (depends on length/quality) |
| Storage Needed | Yes (takes iPhone space) | No |
| Playback | Instant, no buffering | May buffer on weak connections |
| Best For | Travel, offline use, low-data plans | Quick listening with good Wi-Fi |
Conclusion
Downloading a podcast episode on the Spotify iPhone app is simple and incredibly useful. Just tap the download arrow, and you’re ready to listen anytime — whether you’re offline, traveling, or just saving data.
With features like auto-downloads, offline listening, and easy management, Spotify makes podcast listening flexible and enjoyable.
FAQs
1. Can I download podcasts on Spotify without Premium?
Yes. Unlike songs, podcasts can be downloaded on both Free and Premium accounts.
2. Where are downloaded podcasts stored on my iPhone?
They’re stored within the Spotify app, not in your iPhone’s Files or Music app.
3. Can I listen to Spotify podcasts on airplane mode?
Yes. If episodes are downloaded, you can listen completely offline.
4. Why can’t I find the download button?
Make sure you’re looking at an individual episode, not just the podcast page. The arrow appears next to each episode.
5. Can I set podcasts to auto-download?
Yes. Go to the podcast’s page → tap the settings gear → toggle on Auto-download new episodes.
✅ Key Takeaway: With just a few taps, you can download podcast episodes on the Spotify iPhone app and enjoy them offline anytime, anywhere.