How to play downloaded podcasts on iPhone, iPad, and Mac
At a glance
- Put downloaded episodes in a folder, add it in Audely’s Library settings, and identify it as Podcasts.
- Review the shows and episodes, then listen. Download every source file to the device before going offline.
1. Find the audio and group it by show
Look for an MP3, M4A, or another supported audio file. An episode marked as downloaded inside Spotify or Apple Podcasts may remain in that app’s private storage and cannot be added this way.
Put episodes in a folder you can keep available. For example:
Podcasts/Show name/2026-08-01 - Episode title.mp3Podcasts/Another show/001 - Opening episode.m4a
A local folder works for one device. iCloud Drive can make the files available elsewhere, but each device still needs its own folder permission. See MP3 and M4A podcast files for format advice.
2. Add the podcast folder
- iPhone or iPad: open Settings › Library › Add folder and select the folder through Files.
- Mac: open Audely › Settings › Library › Add folder.
Choose Podcasts. For a mixed folder, choose Audiobooks and podcasts, then mark the audiobook files. Remaining audio is treated as podcasts.
Audely scans the folder and its subfolders without moving or rewriting the audio.
3. Review the shows and start listening
Open Library › Podcasts. Check the show names, episode titles, order, and artwork, then select an episode to play.
Use Show settings or Episode settings for corrections. These change Audely’s library, not the original audio. Mac also supports editing several episodes together. The editing guide covers the full controls.
The free local library includes listening progress, playback speed, queueing, a sleep timer, embedded chapters, and notes.
4. Check offline playback
Download the source audio to the device before going offline. An iCloud Drive file can appear in Files or Finder before its audio is stored locally. Test an episode offline before travelling.
Audely Pro sync shares supported library data and listening state. It does not transfer audio or folder permission.
Add or remove episodes later
Put new audio in the linked folder, then run Scan folder from its options in Settings › Library on iPhone or iPad, or Scan all folders on Mac.
Removing an episode or show from Audely preserves the source audio and excludes it from later scans. Use Allow reimport in Folder information to bring it back. Deleting audio in Files or Finder remains a separate action.
For a collection with missing titles or dates, see organising downloaded podcasts and archived shows. If you want RSS subscriptions or automatic downloads instead, compare podcast players and their workflows.