Spotify is a diverse music streaming platform that prides itself as a service that can provide more than just great songs – it’s also home to podcasts too.
Users, both on Premium and Free plans alike, have the ability to listen to and download podcasts from an enormous library of shows.
However, some users have found that they experience problems when downloading these podcasts, and in this article, we take a look at the known issues that users face and how to solve them.
1. Your Podcast is Not Downloading from Spotify because of your Internet Connection
Downloading content, such as podcasts, has some serious advantages – namely, the ability to save your precious mobile data from being consumed when you stream them.
Naturally, many users gravitate to downloading their podcasts while they have a secure Wi-Fi connection and ensure that they download the podcast shows that they love to listen to later when offline.
Listening to downloaded podcasts allows users to be free from the constraints of having a stable connection to the internet. However, you will need an internet connection to download those podcasts in the first place.
It is essential to check whether you have a connection to the internet at the time that you choose to download your podcasts from Spotify because, without it, there will be no chance of a successful download.
Thankfully, checking the status of your connection to the internet is easy.
- Downloading via a Wi-Fi connection is the best way to download podcasts to your device.
- A WiFi connection is indicated by the Wi-Fi symbol.
- This symbol is found in the top left or right corner of your mobile device’s screen.
- Signal strength is also indicated by the Wi-Fi symbol.
- If you have a connection to the Wi-Fi your podcasts should download from Spotify.
Normally, downloading podcasts from Spotify is incredibly simple; however, if you appear to have a Wi-Fi connection and yet your podcasts won’t seem to download, then you should take a look at our guide below.
Here’s How to Troubleshoot your Wi-Fi Connection to Download Podcasts on Spotify:
Sometimes, users find that despite their device indicating a connection to the internet via Wi-Fi, they still cannot seem to download their podcasts from Spotify.
This can be confusing, but, as an article from BuisnessInsider.com points out, there’s probably something that you need to check:
“If you do see the Wi-Fi symbol, but songs [and podcasts] are not downloading, go to the Wi-Fi section of your phone’s settings and make sure that the network you are connected to doesn’t have any error alerts next to it.”
The Wi-Fi settings on your phone can give you more information about whether there is a problem with your connection to the internet. Network problems and errors with your connection will interfere with any downloads you wish to make from Spotify, so establishing what the exact problem is will be key to your resolving it.
Once you have reached the Wi-Fi section in your device’s settings, check to see if you have the following errors:
- ‘Unsecured Network’ – this may indicate that you need to take additional steps to connect.
- ‘Connected, No Internet’ – this is fairly self-explanatory; unfortunately, there is a problem with your Wi-Fi network.
Remember, Spotify’s default settings will prevent downloads from occurring if you are not connected to the WiFi. This setting is to prevent users from inadvertently using up their cellular data.
However, if you are desperate to download a podcast for offline listening, and cannot establish a WiFi connection, you’ll want to bypass this setting.
Here’s How to Download Podcasts with Cellular Data on Spotify:
Changing your Spotify settings to allow for downloads via cellular data can be useful in a pinch. Use the following steps to learn how.
Remember, it is always recommended to use Wi-Fi to download podcasts when possible.
- Launch the Spotify app on your mobile device.
- Tap the cog icon to open ‘Settings’
- Scroll down and tap ‘Audio Quality’
- Scroll down to the section entitled ‘Download’
- Toggle ‘Download Using Cellular’ to its ON position.
Please also read our article about whether Spotify can be used on phones without SIM cards.
2. Podcasts from Spotify are Not Downloading Due to a Lack of Storage Space
Ensuring you have enough storage space on your device is a crucial factor when it comes to downloading content, and that includes downloading podcasts from Spotify.
If your device is too full, then it will not be possible to store podcasts successfully for offline listening on your device.
The more space you have on your device, the more podcasts you can download.
Make sure your device’s memory has enough free space to download music. Spotify recommends leaving at least one GB of storage free.
Spotify has simplified the process for users to check the current status of their device’s storage whilst using the Spotify app.
Here’s How to Check your Storage Space in the Spotify App:
- Launch the Spotify app and tap the cog icon to open ‘Settings’
- Tap on ‘Storage’
- From here, you can observe how much space your device currently has.
Deleting large media files from your device is a great way to free up space and allow you to resume downloading podcasts from Spotify.
3. Downloading Podcasts from Spotify has Stopped Because you have Reached your Limit
Spotify allows its users to download an incredible amount of podcasts. However, there is a limit on the number of episodes that one can have for offline playback.
If you reach that limit, you will no longer be able to download anymore.
Spotify explains that:
“You can download as many as 10,000 tracks on each of up to 5 different devices.”
[Source:support.spotify.com]
Thankfully, removing downloads is simple, and once you’ve completed the process and freed up some space, you can continue downloading podcasts again.
Here’s How to Remove Downloaded Podcasts:
- Launch the Spotify app.
- Tap on the ‘Your Library’ tab.
- Now tap the ‘Podcasts’ tab, followed by the ‘Downloads’ tab.
- Locate the podcasts that you wish to remove.
- Tap the download icon beside the downloaded content.
- Finally, tap ‘Remove’ when prompted to remove the download.
Another limitation that Spotify users need to be aware of is the device limit.
- Spotify only allows users to download content, including podcasts, to 5 devices.
- Downloading podcasts to another device once this limit is reached will cause problems.
- Previous downloads will be removed from the last device that you used if you download a podcast to a 6th device.
4. Spotify Cannot Download Podcasts Because the App Needs Updating
Spotify, like all apps, needs to stay up-to-date to ensure that it works correctly. Developers introduce bug fixes and all manner of improvements via regular updates.
If your version of the Spotify app is not updated, then it may result in a lack of functionality, which can include the inability to download content such as podcasts.
If you’re having problems downloading podcasts from Spotify, then it may be worth checking to see if your Spotify app needs an update.
Here’s How to Update Spotify on iOS:
- Launch the App Store from your iOS device.
- Tap the Apple ID icon.
- Scroll down until you locate Spotify.
- Tap ‘Update’ if available.
Here’s How to Update Spotify on Android:
- Launch the Play Store.
- Tap your profile followed by ‘Manage apps & device’
- Now select ‘Updates available’
- Locate Spotify and tap ‘Update’
Here’s How to Update Spotify on Mac & Windows:
Updating Spotify on Mac or PC is completed directly from within the app itself.
If Spotify requires an update on your Mac or Windows version of the app, then this will be indicated by a blue dot beside your username.
- With the Spotify app open, click your username.
- From the menu, click ‘Update Available’ and ‘Restart Now’
- Once Spotify restarts, you’ll be running the latest version and downloading podcasts should not be a problem
General Pros & Cons of Downloading Podcasts from Spotify
Pros
Spotify users can take their podcasts wherever they go without needing to rely on an internet connection, thanks to the ability to download them from the Spotify app.
This is a perk for both Premium and Free subscribers. With such a high limit on the number of podcasts that can be downloaded onto multiple devices, Spotify has ensured that its users can have an almost endless supply of podcasts to listen to offline.
Cons
- A stable internet connection is required for downloads to be successful.
- The user’s storage space limits downloading podcasts.
- Users cannot download more than 10,000 podcasts.
- Users cannot download to more than 5 devices.
- App updates are necessary in order for podcasts to download.
Please also read our article about common issues with Spotify’s Radio feature.
Sources
‘Why won’t Spotify download?’: 5 ways to troubleshoot Spotify if your music won’t download
7 Methods to Fix Spotify Waiting to Download Issue
How to Delete Downloaded Podcasts in the Spotify iPhone App