How to Fix It When the Apple Podcasts App Won't Play a Podcast?

Q: Can I listen to Apple Podcasts offline without an internet connection?

Yes, you can download podcast episodes for offline listening. Open the Apple Podcasts app, find the episode you want, and tap the download icon (the arrow pointing down). The episode will save to your device and you can listen to it without WiFi or cellular data. To manage your downloads go to Library then Downloaded Episodes. You can also set podcasts to auto-download new episodes in the podcast settings so they are always ready when you want to listen offline.

Q: Can I listen to Apple Podcasts offline if the app is not playing episodes?

Yes, downloading episodes for offline listening can bypass streaming issues. Open the Apple Podcasts app, find the episode you want, and tap the download icon next to it. Once downloaded, the episode plays from your device storage instead of streaming over the internet. This is a good workaround if the app keeps buffering or refusing to play due to a weak internet connection. Downloaded episodes are stored in Settings then General then iPhone Storage then Podcasts where you can also manage storage space.

Apple podcasts app won't play issue arrives at the time of syncing with other devices or downloading the podcasts. The app should sync and download podcasts automatically. However, this can get interrupted due to various reasons. This may happen because of problems with the server or a spotty internet connection.

The app may also fail because of a configuration issue or a software bug in the podcasts app. This problem is not very common and is hard to troubleshoot as well. Below, we have mentioned some solutions that can help you get rid of this error.

This Way to Fix Apple podcasts not working Problem :

The Apple podcasts app is available for Mac, iPad, and iPhone. Below, we have stated the steps that are applicable to all. However, the specifics of every solution may differ.

1) Check the Volume on Your iPhone

You need to first check the volume on your iOS device. You need to make sure that the volume is loud and not muted. If this is the cause of the problem, then it can get resolved within seconds.

2) Restart Your Apple Podcasts App

While you are multitasking on your iPhone or iPad, you need to swipe up and close the app. If you are a Mac user, then you can easily close this app by clicking on its icon on the dock and then selecting Quit. Now, try to play the podcast one more time after you reopen the app.

3) Check That the Correct Audio Output is Selected

You need to first make sure that your audio output is selected. A Mac, iPad or iPhone can send audio to an external output. You can easily select the audio output on your iPad or iPhone by tapping on the Apple AirPlay icon while playing the podcast.

Now, you will see available audio sources on your screen with a checkbox next to the one that you are using presently. If you are a Mac user, then you can change the audio output by clicking on the speaker icon given at the upper-right-hand corner.

4) Delete the Podcast from Your Device and then Re-Download It

Another method that can help you fix this problem is to delete the podcast and then redownload it. A file may get corrupted while downloading that making it unplayable. In such a case, you need to re-download the podcast. This will give you a new copy of the file to try once again.

If you are a Mac user, then you can delete a podcast by going to the downloaded section of your podcast app. Hover the icon on the show's icon to see the menu. After that, click on it and then select Remove Downloads.

5) Make Sure That Your Internet Connection is Stable

You need to first check that your data or Wi-Fi connection is strong enough. Check your internet speed by performing a speed test. A terrible internet connection may not let you play any podcast, which is not downloaded in the Apple podcast library. If your internet speed is slow, then you need to go to a location that has a better connection.

6) Check If Low Data Mode is Turned On

If you find that the low data mode is turned on, then you must turn it off. This mode restricts data usage. This can cause a problem when you try to download or play a podcast.

7) Turn Off Your Mobile Data or WiFi

You must turn off mobile data or Wi-Fi temporarily. Sometimes, a bad data connection can lead to various problems while playing podcasts that are downloaded on your iPhone.

Turning off your internet can help you fix this problem. You can also turn on the data if your podcast starts playing again.

8) Uninstall and Reinstall the Podcasts App

You need to first uninstall the podcast app and then reinstall it. You can easily uninstall this app on your iPad and iPhone. After uninstalling the app, reinstall it on your app store.

9) Restart Your Mac, iPad, or iPhone

One of the ways to fix the Apple Podcasts App Won't Play a Podcast is to restart your iOS device. This can resolve a connection issue or a persistent bug causing the problem.

Apple Podcasts App FAQ

Q.1 Why does my Apple Podcasts app keep buffering? Ans Buffering usually happens because of a weak internet connection or Apple server issues. Try switching between WiFi and mobile data, or download the episode first and listen offline.

Q.2 Can I listen to Apple Podcasts offline without an internet connection?<- Ans Yes, you can download podcast episodes for offline listening. Open the Apple Podcasts app, find the episode you want, and tap the download icon (the arrow pointing down). The episode will save to your device and you can listen to it without WiFi or cellular data. To manage your downloads go to Library then Downloaded Episodes. You can also set podcasts to auto-download new episodes in the podcast settings so they are always ready when you want to listen offline.<-

Q.3 Can I listen to Apple Podcasts offline if the app is not playing episodes? Ans Yes, downloading episodes for offline listening can bypass streaming issues. Open the Apple Podcasts app, find the episode you want, and tap the download icon next to it. Once downloaded, the episode plays from your device storage instead of streaming over the internet. This is a good workaround if the app keeps buffering or refusing to play due to a weak internet connection. Downloaded episodes are stored in Settings then General then iPhone Storage then Podcasts where you can also manage storage space.