Is it safe to delete Podcasts downloads?
Downloaded podcast episodes and the Podcasts app's library of the shows you follow.
Usually safe
It can be recreated, but it takes a download, a reinstall or the tool's own command.
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What it is
The Podcasts app stores the episodes you download, and those it downloads automatically for shows you follow, in this folder under coded file names, together with its database of shows and what you've played. It grows as new episodes download, especially when automatic downloads are on for many shows. Podcasts can remove played downloads for you, depending on its settings, and removed episodes can be downloaded again while the show still offers them.
If it's removed
Episodes whose downloads you remove play by streaming, which needs an internet connection. Episodes a show no longer offers can't be downloaded again.
What to do instead
In Podcasts, click Downloaded in the sidebar, click the More button at the top right, click Remove All Downloads, then confirm. To remove downloads for one show, select it and choose Remove Downloads from its More button. Podcasts settings can also remove played downloads automatically.
The free analyzer finds it and explains it, with these steps. The app doesn't remove it for you.
Sources
- support.apple.com/guide/podcasts/save-download-or-remove-episodes-poda4f6be01/mac
- daringfireball.net/2020/02/catalina_media_file_locations
- discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-250006206
Last checked on 26 Sep 2026. Every entry is written and checked by hand; the app and the command-line tool use the same words.