The iOS Podcasts app is renowned for delivering personalized content that can be enjoyed at one’s convenience. It allows users to discover their favorite topics, and notifications are sent when new podcast episodes become available for leisurely listening. Additionally, if the auto-download feature is activated, the app will automatically download the latest seasons of subscribed podcasts for offline access.
By utilizing the Podcasts app on your iPhone or iPad, you ensure a constant source of entertainment during free time, while driving, or even when walking or exercising at the gym. The abundance of podcasts offers a relaxing experience, and many people find joy in listening to them.
Fix Podcasts App Crashing On iPhone/iPad
Nevertheless, users have frequently reported that the Podcasts app on their iPhones, operating on iOS 15.2, is prone to crashes, hindering the downloading and viewing of content. As per digital complaints, these issues include difficulties in streaming or installing content, challenges in accessing the app, and more. If you’re experiencing any of the aforementioned problems, it is imperative to go through this post for potential solutions. Fortunately, there are several alternatives available to address these issues.
Check To See If Apple’s Servers Are Up And Running
The initial step should involve checking if the Podcasts app is experiencing issues on Apple’s end before attempting any do-it-yourself troubleshooting techniques. If it is a temporary problem on Apple’s side, the best course of action is to wait until it is resolved. If the status check indicates that Apple Podcasts or iTunes is not unavailable, it’s time to proceed with debugging.
Continue reading to discover how to resolve issues and get the Podcasts app working on your iPhone or iPad running iOS 15 or later.
Force Quit the Podcast App
If the Podcast app is unresponsive or fails to open when launched, the recommended approach is to force close the application using the App Switcher and then attempt to open it again.
Step 1: Navigate to the Home Screen to display all open apps.
Step 2: If you have an iPhone X or later: Swipe up from the bottom of your iPhone screen and hold; for iPhone 8 and prior, double-press the Home Button. This action will reveal all open apps.
Step 3: To force close the Podcasts app, swipe up on the Podcasts app card. Subsequently, reopen the Podcasts app. This step should eliminate the likelihood of the app crashing in the immediate future. If the issue persists, consider trying one of the alternative solutions provided below.
Airplane Mode Can Be Enabled Or Disabled
Restoring the network can be achieved by toggling Airplane mode on and off, effectively addressing any network issues that may be present. However, it’s important to keep Airplane Mode on for at least 30 seconds before turning it off. Follow these steps to enable and disable Airplane mode on your iPhone or iPad.
Step 1: Swipe down from the top right corner of the screen to access the Control Center.
Step 2: Locate the Airplane icon in the Control Center menu.
Step 3: Tap the symbol to activate Airplane Mode.
Step 4: Allow 30 seconds to elapse.
Step 5: Tap the same icon once more to deactivate Airplane Mode.
Alternatively, you can utilize the Settings menu for this process. Open the Settings menu by tapping the Settings App on your device’s home screen. Airplane Mode is the first option in the settings menu below your profile icon, featuring a toggle switch. Enable or disable Airplane mode by tapping on it.
Note: You may also consider downloading an episode in advance and watching it in Airplane mode (or with Wi-Fi and Mobile Data turned off) to check if the Podcasts app still experiences crashes.
Reinstall The Podcast Application
After an update, there’s a chance that a lingering bug may be causing the application to get stuck or crash. To address this issue, the most effective solution is to reinstall the software. It’s important to note that if you choose to uninstall the application using this method, all of your downloaded podcasts will be lost. Here’s how you can proceed:
Step 1: Long-press the Podcast app on the iPhone or iPad home screen until it starts to jiggle.
Step 2: Now, tap the small cross sign located on the top right side of the app icon.
Step 3: A Delete menu will appear on the screen.
Step 4: To permanently delete the app, tap the Delete button.
Method to Reinstall the app
Step 1: Launch the Apple App Store on your device to initiate the reinstallation of the Podcast app.
Step 2: Utilize the search box to locate the Podcast app.
Step 3: Tap on the app and then select the install button to commence the app installation process.
The app will now be installed on your device. Open it and check if the issue persists.
Restart your iPhone
It is advisable to restart your phone at least once a week to address various issues. Whether it has been a while since you last restarted or you did so just a day ago, restarting is a fundamental and often highly effective solution.
The method to restart your iPhone varies depending on the model. If you are unsure, I recommend consulting our instructions on how to restart your iPhone. In the event that your iPhone’s volume buttons are not functioning, navigate to the Settings app, select General, and then choose Shut Down. Subsequently, press and hold the side power button to power on your iPhone. After this, restart the Podcasts app and resume listening. This should resolve the crashing issue.
Restart Wi-Fi Router
Historically, the Podcasts application has encountered network access issues on the iPhone. Therefore, before taking additional steps, consider restarting your Wi-Fi router. Power it off using the router’s power button or the wall switch, and then turn it back on after a brief pause. This should resolve any temporary issues with the router.
Reset Network Settings or All settings
For seamless communication with the network, configuring your device to all settings or Network settings is recommended. If you opt to Reset All Settings, bear in mind that this action will erase all data on your device, necessitating the use of a previously made backup for restoration. Prior to executing the Reset All Settings, it is advisable to create a new backup.
Additionally, resetting the network settings serves as a potent solution for addressing network connectivity issues, especially if restarting your iPhone or Wi-Fi router proved ineffective.
Note: The reset process will erase Wi-Fi passwords, VPN accounts, Bluetooth device lists, and other personal information, so ensure you have your passwords accessible. Importantly, no data on your iPhone or iCloud will be deleted.
Step 1: Navigate to Settings and select General Reset from the drop-down menu.
Step 2: Click on the Reset Network Settings option.
Step 3: Enter your password and confirm with a tap.
Wait for the procedure to conclude, then reconnect to Wi-Fi or mobile data and relaunch the Podcasts app once your iPhone has rebooted.
Make a Backup of your iPhone
As this involves starting anew, it might seem a bit cumbersome and extensive. If none of the previous alternatives proved effective, you may need to consider this option before reaching out to Apple Support. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of restoring your iPhone and iPad using iTunes/Finder or an iCloud Backup.
Contact Apple Support
As a final recourse, you have the option to reach out to Apple Support, provide feedback, or await Apple’s acknowledgment of the issue and subsequent remedy.
Stay vigilant for upcoming iOS upgrades, as this prevalent issue is likely to be addressed in the near future. Enabling automatic software updates on your iPhone and iPad is a straightforward and convenient option.
I trust that one of the provided alternatives has resolved the issue for you, allowing you to once again enjoy your favorite podcasts on your iPhone or iPad. If you have discovered another solution or workaround to this problem, kindly share it in the comments section below.
