AntennaPod is a popular open-source podcast app for Android known for its privacy focus, customization options, and excellent offline capabilities. This guide walks you through the manual RSS subscription process for accessing your private podcasts.
What You'll Accomplish
By the end of this guide, you'll have:
✅ Successfully subscribed to your private podcast in AntennaPod
✅ Found and started playing your episodes
✅ Learned how to fix common AntennaPod subscription issues
This usually takes about 2 minutes using the manual RSS method.
Step 1: Subscribe Using Manual RSS Method
AntennaPod requires manual RSS entry for private podcasts:
Copy the RSS feed URL from your invitation page
Open AntennaPod on your Android device
Open the side bar on the left and select "Add Podcast"
Select "Add by RSS address"
Paste your RSS feed URL in the field
Tap "Subscribe"
Step 2: Finding Your Episodes
After successful subscription:
Your private podcast appears in your AntennaPod subscriptions
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
You can customize playback settings and download preferences
What Happens Next
Your private podcast appears in your AntennaPod subscriptions with your other shows
New episodes will appear automatically with customizable notifications
You can take advantage of AntennaPod's extensive customization options
Episodes can be downloaded for offline listening with flexible storage management
All data stays on your device - AntennaPod respects your privacy
Troubleshooting Common AntennaPod Issues
"How do I get the episodes to play in the correct order?"
AntennaPod offers flexible episode ordering:
Open your private podcast in AntennaPod
Look for the sort icon (usually arrows or lines) near the episode list
Select "Date (oldest first)" to start from the beginning
Or choose "Date (newest first)" for the latest episodes first
"I can't find the 'Add Podcast' option"
Check the hamburger menu (three lines) for "Add Podcast"
Try the Subscriptions tab - the add option may be there
Some versions show "Add by RSS address" in the main menu
"The RSS feed won't accept or gives an error"
Try these solutions:
Make sure you copied the complete RSS URL with no extra spaces
Check that the RSS link is still active by contacting your creator
Try force-closing AntennaPod and reopening it, then attempt again
Verify you have a stable internet connection
Make sure you selected "Add by RSS address" not the search function
"I subscribed but don't see any episodes"
Try these solutions:
Wait 2-3 minutes for AntennaPod to process the feed
Tap directly on the podcast image to open the full episode view
Use the pull-to-refresh gesture on the episode list
Check your internet connection and try refreshing again
Look in Settings > Storage to ensure episodes aren't being filtered
"Episodes aren't downloading for offline listening"
AntennaPod download troubleshooting:
Check your Auto-download settings (Settings > Downloads)
Make sure you have enough storage space on your device
Verify your download preferences (WiFi only vs. mobile data)
Try manually downloading by tapping the download icon next to episodes
Check if download limits are set in Settings
"I'm not getting notifications for new episodes"
AntennaPod notification solutions:
Go to Settings > Notifications and enable new episode notifications
Check your Android system notification settings for AntennaPod
Make sure AntennaPod has permission to send notifications
Verify the podcast is set to check for updates automatically
Try refreshing your subscriptions manually
"The app keeps pausing or has playback issues"
Playback troubleshooting:
Check Settings > Playback for audio focus and interruption settings
Try different audio players in Settings > Playback > Audio Player
Clear the app cache in your Android settings
Make sure no other apps are interfering with audio playback
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is AntennaPod only available on Android?
A: Yes, AntennaPod is Android-only. If you use iPhone or other devices, you'll need a different podcast app.
Q: Do I need an account to use AntennaPod for private podcasts?
A: No account is required. AntennaPod is completely free and open-source, with no tracking or accounts needed.
Q: Can I download private podcast episodes for offline listening?
A: Yes, AntennaPod has excellent offline capabilities with customizable auto-download settings and storage management.
Q: Will my private podcast show up in AntennaPod search or discovery?
A: No, private podcasts don't appear in search results or discovery features. You can only access them through your subscription link.
Q: What makes AntennaPod special for private podcasts?
A: AntennaPod's privacy focus means your listening habits aren't tracked, making it ideal for private content. The extensive customization options and excellent offline features also enhance the private podcast experience.
Q: Can I sync my subscriptions between devices?
A: AntennaPod supports OPML import/export for moving subscriptions between devices, but doesn't offer cloud syncing. Your data stays local for privacy.
Q: Does AntennaPod support advanced podcast features?
A: Yes, AntennaPod supports chapters, variable playback speeds, sleep timers, and many other advanced features that work with private podcasts.
Q: Is AntennaPod really free?
A: Yes, AntennaPod is completely free and open-source with no ads, premium features, or hidden costs.
Still having trouble with AntennaPod? Here are additional resources:
📘 AntennaPod Documentation: https://antennapod.org/documentation/
📘 AntennaPod FAQ: https://antennapod.org/documentation/general/faq
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 AntennaPod, regardless of which hosting platform their creator uses.