Unfortunately, you cannot permanently remove purchased movies from your Vudu library. While you can’t completely delete them, you can hide unwanted titles from your viewing lists and device libraries using Vudu’s built-in features and, in some limited cases, workarounds involving linked accounts. This article provides a step-by-step guide and answers common questions about managing your Vudu movie collection.
Understanding Vudu’s Content Ownership Model
Vudu operates under a Digital Rights Management (DRM) system. When you “buy” a movie on Vudu, you’re actually purchasing a license to view that movie, not outright ownership of the digital file. This licensing agreement governs how you interact with the content. This is why you can’t download and keep the movie in the same way you would a physical DVD or Blu-ray. This model differs significantly from services that offer downloadable DRM-free content, which provides users with greater control over their purchases. As such, Vudu retains control over its content library and user licenses.
Hiding Movies on Vudu: The Primary Solution
The most effective method for managing your Vudu library and removing unwanted movies from your immediate view is to utilize the “Hide” feature. This feature effectively removes the movie from your visible library on the Vudu website and most Vudu-enabled devices.
Hiding Movies on the Vudu Website
- Log in to your Vudu account on the Vudu website (vudu.com).
- Navigate to “My Vudu” or “My Movies”.
- Locate the movie you wish to hide.
- Hover over the movie’s thumbnail. A small “…” (More Options) icon should appear. Click it.
- Select “Hide” from the menu.
- Confirm your selection by clicking “Hide” again in the pop-up window.
Hiding Movies on Vudu Apps
The process for hiding movies within Vudu apps on devices like Roku, Smart TVs, and mobile devices is generally similar. However, slight variations may exist depending on the specific device and app version:
- Open the Vudu app on your device.
- Navigate to “My Vudu” or “My Movies”.
- Locate the movie you want to hide.
- Look for a similar “…” (More Options)” or context menu icon associated with the movie title.
- Select “Hide” from the menu.
- Confirm your selection.
Important Note: Hiding a movie only removes it from your visible library. It does not delete it from your account. The license remains active, and you can unhide the movie at any time.
Unhiding Movies on Vudu
If you wish to restore a hidden movie to your library, follow these steps:
Unhiding Movies on the Vudu Website
- Log in to your Vudu account on the Vudu website.
- Go to “My Vudu” or “My Movies”.
- Look for a “Hidden” or “Hidden Movies” section. This may be located under a filter option or a separate tab.
- Locate the movie you want to unhide.
- Hover over the movie’s thumbnail and click the “…” (More Options)” icon.
- Select “Unhide”. The movie will then reappear in your main library.
Unhiding Movies on Vudu Apps
The process is similar to hiding movies, but you’ll need to find the “Hidden” section first:
- Open the Vudu app.
- Go to “My Vudu” or “My Movies”.
- Search for a “Hidden” section. This may be within a filter menu or a separate tab, depending on the app version.
- Select the movie you want to unhide.
- Choose the “Unhide” option.
Addressing Potential Complications
Even with the “Hide” feature, some situations might present challenges:
- Shared Accounts: If you share your Vudu account with others, hiding a movie will affect the viewing experience for all users on that account. Clear communication is essential in this scenario.
- Linked Accounts (Movies Anywhere): If your Vudu account is linked to Movies Anywhere, purchased movies may also appear on other linked platforms (e.g., Google Play, Amazon Prime Video). Hiding a movie on Vudu typically does not hide it on these other platforms. You’ll need to manage your movie library separately on each platform.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions related to removing movies from Vudu:
FAQ 1: Can I get a refund for a movie I accidentally purchased on Vudu?
Generally, Vudu’s policy states that all sales are final. However, if you made the purchase very recently (within a few minutes) and haven’t watched any of the movie, you can try contacting Vudu customer support. Explain the situation politely and request a refund. There’s no guarantee, but they might make an exception.
FAQ 2: Does hiding a movie free up storage space on my device?
No. Hiding a movie only removes it from your visible library. It doesn’t delete the digital file or free up any storage space on your device (if you’ve downloaded it for offline viewing, which is rarely possible for purchased titles).
FAQ 3: Is there a limit to the number of movies I can hide on Vudu?
No, there is no known limit to the number of movies you can hide within your Vudu library.
FAQ 4: Will hiding a movie on Vudu prevent it from playing on other devices?
Yes, hiding a movie will prevent it from being readily visible and playable on other devices using the same Vudu account. However, someone could still potentially search for it if they know the title and then unhide it.
FAQ 5: If I close my Vudu account, what happens to my purchased movies?
If you close your Vudu account, you will lose access to all purchased movies and TV shows. Your digital licenses are tied to your account, and once the account is closed, those licenses are terminated.
FAQ 6: Can I transfer my Vudu movies to another platform or service?
No, Vudu movies cannot be directly transferred to another platform, except through Movies Anywhere (if eligible titles are purchased and both platforms are linked). You cannot download the movies and upload them to another service.
FAQ 7: How does Movies Anywhere affect my ability to “remove” movies from Vudu?
Movies Anywhere links eligible purchases across participating platforms. Hiding a movie on Vudu will not hide it on other linked services like Google Play or Amazon Prime Video. You must manage your library separately on each platform.
FAQ 8: I have multiple Vudu accounts. Can I merge them?
Vudu does not currently offer a direct account merging feature. You would need to manually repurchase movies on your preferred account.
FAQ 9: What if I no longer want to see a specific movie title offered on Vudu’s recommendation list?
Unfortunately, Vudu does not offer a direct way to block or blacklist specific titles from appearing in recommendations. However, consistently rating movies you don’t like with a low rating might influence the algorithm over time.
FAQ 10: Can I permanently delete a movie from my purchase history on Vudu?
No, you cannot permanently delete a movie from your purchase history. Even if you hide the movie, it will still appear in your purchase records.
FAQ 11: I redeemed a digital code for a movie on Vudu that I don’t want. Can I remove it?
The same rules apply. You cannot permanently delete the movie. You can only hide it from your library.
FAQ 12: Does Vudu ever remove movies from its platform that I’ve purchased?
While rare, it’s possible that a movie could be removed from Vudu due to licensing agreements expiring or other unforeseen circumstances. If this happens, Vudu may offer a refund or a replacement title. This is outlined in their Terms of Service. While unlikely, digital content platforms do not guarantee perpetual availability of purchased titles.
Conclusion: Managing Your Vudu Library Effectively
While the inability to permanently delete movies from Vudu may be frustrating, the “Hide” feature provides a practical way to declutter your library and manage your viewing experience. Understanding Vudu’s content ownership model and the limitations of digital licensing is key to effectively managing your movie collection. Remember to consider linked accounts and the implications of sharing your account with others. By utilizing the tools and information provided in this guide, you can maintain a more organized and enjoyable Vudu experience.