Apple Podcasts makes it easy to subscribe to private podcasts, and since it's built into every iPhone, Mac computer, and iPad, there's nothing to download. This guide walks you through both one-click and manual methods.
What You'll Accomplish
By the end of this guide, you'll have:
✅ Successfully subscribed to your private podcast in Apple Podcasts
✅ Found and started playing your episodes
✅ Learned how to fix common Apple Podcasts subscription issues
This usually takes less than a minute with the one-click method, or about 2 minutes manually.
Step 1: Try the One-Click Subscribe Method First
If you see an Apple Podcasts button on your invitation page:
Select "Apple Podcasts" then click the "Subscribe" button on your invitation page
Apple Podcasts will open automatically with your private podcast ready to subscribe
Tap "Follow" when prompted
Your private podcast appears in your library immediately
That's it! Most private podcast platforms offer this simple one-click method.
Step 2: Manual RSS Method (If No One-Click Button Available)
If you don't see an Apple Podcasts button:
Copy the RSS feed URL from your invitation page
Open Apple Podcasts on your device
Go to Library (bottom navigation)
Tap the three dots (...) in the top right corner
Select "Follow Show by URL"
Paste your RSS feed URL in the field
Tap "Follow"
Step 3: Finding Your Episodes
After successful subscription:
Your private podcast appears in your Apple Podcasts Library
Tap the podcast image to see all available episodes
Episodes are ready to play immediately
New episodes will appear automatically as your creator releases them
What Happens Next
Your private podcast appears in your Library with your other shows
New episodes will appear automatically and you'll get notifications (if enabled)
You can download episodes for offline listening
The podcast syncs across all your Apple devices signed into the same Apple ID
Troubleshooting Common Apple Podcasts Issues
"An error has occurred. Try again later."
This is a known Apple Podcasts issue that sometimes pops up when manually entering an RSS feed.
Try these steps:
Fully close the Apple Podcasts app and reopen it
Re-enter the private podcast URL via Library → ... → Follow Show by URL
If the error persists, wait a few minutes and try again - it often resolves itself on a second attempt
"How do I get the episodes to play in the correct order?"
Most podcast apps show newest episodes first, but you might want to start from the beginning:
Go to the podcast in your Library
Tap the three dots (...) → Settings → Sort Episodes
Select "Oldest to Newest"
"I don't see the Apple Podcasts button on my invitation page"
Your creator's hosting platform may not offer one-click Apple Podcasts integration. Use the manual RSS method described in Step 2 above.
"I subscribed but don't see any episodes"
Try these solutions:
Tap directly on the podcast image to open the full episode view
Go to Library → [Podcast Name] → "See All Episodes"
Pull down on the episode list to refresh
Wait 2-3 minutes for Apple Podcasts to load the content
"The podcast disappeared from my library"
Check if you accidentally unfollowed it
Search for the podcast name in your Library
If it's gone, you may need to resubscribe using your original invitation link
"I can't find the 'Follow Show by URL' option"
Make sure you're in the Library tab (not Listen Now or Browse)
Look for the three dots (...) in the top right corner
If you don't see it, try updating your Apple Podcasts app
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to pay for Apple Podcasts to listen to private podcasts?
A: No, Apple Podcasts is completely free. There's also Apple Podcasts+ for premium content, but private podcasts work with the free version.
Q: Can I download private podcast episodes for offline listening?
A: Yes! Apple Podcasts allows you to download any podcast episodes for offline listening, including private ones.
Q: Will my private podcast show up in Apple Podcasts search?
A: No, private podcasts don't appear in search results or the browse section. You can only access them through your subscription link.
Q: Can I listen to my private podcast on my Mac or other Apple devices?
A: Yes, once subscribed, your private podcast will sync across all Apple devices signed into the same Apple ID.
Q: What happens if I get a new iPhone?
A: Your private podcast subscriptions will transfer to your new device when you sign in with the same Apple ID.
Still having trouble with Apple Podcasts?
Or email us directly: [email protected] with screenshots of any error messages and we'll get you sorted out quickly.
This guide was created to help listeners access private podcasts on Apple Podcasts, regardless of which hosting platform their creator uses.