Podkicker is a reliable Android podcast app known for its straightforward interface, solid performance, and comprehensive podcast management features. 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 Podkicker
✅ Found and started playing your episodes
✅ Learned how to fix common Podkicker subscription issues
This usually takes about 2 minutes using the manual RSS method.
Step 1: Subscribe Using Manual RSS Method
Podkicker requires manual RSS entry for private podcasts:
Copy the RSS feed URL from your invitation page
Open Podkicker on your Android device
Tap the menu button (three lines) or "+" icon
Select "Add Podcast" or "Subscribe to Podcast"
Choose "Add by URL" or "RSS Feed"
Paste your RSS feed URL in the field
Tap "Subscribe" or "Add"
Step 2: Finding Your Episodes
After successful subscription:
Your private podcast appears in your Podkicker subscriptions list
Tap the podcast name or image to see all available episodes
Episodes are ready to play immediately with Podkicker's reliable playback
New episodes will appear automatically as your creator releases them
You can manage downloads and playback through Podkicker's straightforward controls
What Happens Next
Your private podcast appears in your Podkicker subscriptions with your other shows
New episodes will appear automatically with notification options
Episodes can be downloaded for offline listening with flexible storage management
You can organize and manage episodes using Podkicker's practical interface
Reliable playback features and episode management tools become available
Troubleshooting Common Podkicker Issues
"How do I get the episodes to play in the correct order?"
Podkicker offers episode sorting options:
Open your private podcast in Podkicker
Look for a sort or order option in the episode list (usually a menu or settings icon)
Select "Oldest First" to start from the beginning
Or choose "Newest First" for the latest episodes
Episodes will be arranged according to your preference
"I can't find the menu or 'Add Podcast' option"
Look for a hamburger menu (three horizontal lines) in the top corner
Try the main screen for a "+" button or "Add" option
Check the Subscriptions or Library section for add options
Some versions have "Add Podcast" directly on the main screen
"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 Podkicker and reopening it, then attempt again
Verify you have a stable internet connection
Make sure you selected "Add by URL" or "RSS Feed" not the search function
"I subscribed but don't see any episodes"
Try these solutions:
Wait 2-3 minutes for Podkicker to process the feed
Tap directly on the podcast name to open the episode list
Use pull-to-refresh or look for a refresh option
Check your internet connection and try refreshing again
Look in Podkicker settings to ensure episodes aren't being filtered
"Episodes aren't downloading for offline listening"
Download troubleshooting:
Check your download settings in Podkicker preferences
Make sure you have enough storage space on your Android device
Verify your download preferences (WiFi only vs. mobile data)
Try manually downloading by tapping the download icon next to episodes
Check if automatic downloads are enabled for subscriptions
"I'm not getting notifications for new episodes"
Notification solutions:
Go to Podkicker Settings > Notifications and enable alerts
Check your Android system notification settings for Podkicker
Make sure Podkicker has permission to send notifications
Verify that notifications are enabled for the specific podcast
Try refreshing your subscriptions manually
"Episodes won't play or keep stopping"
Playback troubleshooting:
Check your Android audio settings and permissions
Try closing other apps that might be using audio
Clear Podkicker's cache in your Android app settings
Make sure the episode has finished downloading if listening offline
Try restarting the app if playback seems stuck
"The podcast feed won't update with new episodes"
Feed update troubleshooting:
Check the refresh interval settings in Podkicker preferences
Try manually refreshing by pulling down in your subscriptions list
Verify your internet connection is stable
Make sure Podkicker has permission to use mobile data (if not on WiFi)
Contact your creator to confirm new episodes have been released
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Podkicker only available on Android?
A: Yes, Podkicker 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 Podkicker for private podcasts?
A: No account is typically required for basic podcast listening and subscription management.
Q: Can I download private podcast episodes for offline listening?
A: Yes, Podkicker supports offline listening with episode download capabilities and storage management options.
Q: Will my private podcast show up in Podkicker 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 Podkicker good for private podcasts?
A: Podkicker's straightforward, no-frills approach makes it reliable for managing private podcasts alongside your regular shows, with solid performance and practical features.
Q: Can I organize my private podcast with other podcasts in Podkicker?
A: Yes, Podkicker's subscription management features work the same for both public and private podcasts.
Q: Does Podkicker support advanced playback features?
A: Yes, Podkicker typically includes variable playback speeds, sleep timers, and other standard playback controls that work with private podcasts.
Q: Is Podkicker free to use?
A: Podkicker is generally free with basic features, though some versions may offer premium features or ad removal options.
Still having trouble with Podkicker? Here are additional resources:
📘 Podkicker Support: Check the app's settings menu for help and support options
📘 Google Play Store: Visit Podkicker's Play Store page for developer contact information
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 Podkicker, regardless of which hosting platform their creator uses.