Deleting a movie from your Vudu account, regrettably, isn’t as straightforward as removing it from a streaming service like Netflix or Hulu. Vudu doesn’t allow direct deletion of purchased movies, but you can archive titles to remove them from your main library view. Think of it as hiding them away rather than outright deleting them.
Understanding Vudu’s Digital Ownership Model
Vudu operates on a digital ownership model, meaning you’ve technically purchased a license to watch the content rather than owning the physical media. This difference affects how you manage your library. While you can’t permanently delete purchased content, Vudu offers tools to organize your library and minimize clutter, which includes archiving titles you no longer wish to see readily available. This article will delve into the methods you can use to manage your Vudu library effectively.
Archiving Movies on Vudu: A Step-by-Step Guide
Archiving is Vudu’s solution to “deleting” movies. It removes the title from your primary library view, making it less cluttered. Here’s how to do it:
Archiving via the Vudu Website
- Login to your Vudu account on their website: vudu.com.
- Navigate to “My Vudu.” You’ll usually find this in the top navigation bar.
- Select “Movies.” This displays all the movies you’ve purchased.
- Hover over the movie you wish to archive.
- You should see an options menu. Click the three dots (ellipsis) or a similar icon.
- Select “Archive” from the dropdown menu.
- Confirm your decision if prompted.
Archiving via the Vudu Mobile App (iOS or Android)
- Open the Vudu app on your smartphone or tablet.
- Sign in to your Vudu account.
- Tap the “My Vudu” icon, typically located at the bottom of the screen.
- Select “Movies.”
- Tap and hold the movie you want to archive. Alternatively, you might need to tap the three dots (ellipsis) next to the title.
- Select “Archive” from the options presented.
- Confirm your decision.
Archiving via a Vudu-Enabled Device (Smart TV, Streaming Box)
The process varies depending on the device. However, the general steps are similar:
- Launch the Vudu app on your device.
- Navigate to “My Vudu” or “My Library.”
- Find the movie you want to archive.
- Highlight the movie and press the “Options” or “Menu” button on your remote. This button’s name may vary.
- Look for an “Archive” option. If it’s not immediately visible, check for a “Manage” or “More Options” menu.
- Select “Archive” and confirm your choice.
Retrieving Archived Movies
Archiving is reversible. If you want to watch a movie you’ve previously archived, you can easily retrieve it.
Unarchiving via the Vudu Website
- Log in to your Vudu account on the Vudu website.
- Go to “My Vudu.”
- Look for the “Filter” option, and then select “Archived.” This will display all movies you’ve archived.
- Hover over the movie you want to unarchive.
- Click the three dots (ellipsis) or a similar icon.
- Select “Unarchive” from the dropdown menu. The movie will return to your main library.
Unarchiving via the Vudu Mobile App
- Open the Vudu app.
- Go to “My Vudu.”
- Tap the “Filter” option, and then select “Archived.”
- Tap and hold the movie you want to unarchive or select the three dots (ellipsis) next to the title.
- Select “Unarchive.”
Unarchiving via a Vudu-Enabled Device
- Launch the Vudu app.
- Navigate to “My Vudu” or “My Library.”
- Find the option to “Filter” or “View Archived Movies.” This option might be in a settings menu or a separate section.
- Highlight the movie you want to unarchive.
- Press the “Options” or “Menu” button on your remote.
- Select “Unarchive.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Vudu Movie Management
Q1: Can I permanently delete a movie from Vudu that I purchased?
No, Vudu does not offer a direct option to permanently delete purchased movies. You can only archive them, which removes them from your main library view.
Q2: What is the difference between archiving and deleting on Vudu?
Archiving hides a movie from your main library but retains your license to watch it. Deleting, which isn’t possible, would completely remove the movie and your ability to access it.
Q3: Does archiving a movie free up storage space on my device?
No, archiving a movie on Vudu only affects its visibility in your library. It doesn’t impact the storage space on your device, as the movies are stored on Vudu’s servers, not locally.
Q4: Is there a limit to the number of movies I can archive?
No, Vudu does not impose a limit on the number of movies you can archive. You can archive as many titles as you wish to organize your library.
Q5: If I archive a movie, can I still watch it later?
Yes, you can unarchive a movie at any time and watch it. Archiving only removes it from your main library view.
Q6: How do I find my archived movies on Vudu?
You can find your archived movies by going to “My Vudu,” then looking for a “Filter” or “View Archived Movies” option. The exact location of this option varies depending on the device you’re using.
Q7: Will archiving a movie remove it from my shared Vudu account?
Yes, archiving a movie will remove it from the main library view for all users on your shared Vudu account. However, anyone with access to the account can still view and unarchive it by accessing the archived section.
Q8: Can I archive TV shows on Vudu, or is it only for movies?
Yes, you can archive TV shows on Vudu using the same method as archiving movies. The process is identical.
Q9: Is it possible to get a refund for a movie I purchased on Vudu but don’t want anymore?
Vudu’s refund policy is generally strict. Refunds are typically only granted in cases of technical errors or accidental purchases made within a very short timeframe. Contact Vudu support directly to inquire about specific situations.
Q10: I accidentally archived a movie. How do I get it back?
Follow the “Unarchiving” steps outlined above, depending on the device you’re using. The process is straightforward and will restore the movie to your main library.
Q11: I’m trying to archive a movie on my Smart TV, but I don’t see the “Archive” option. What should I do?
Ensure your Vudu app is updated to the latest version. Outdated app versions may lack certain features. If the issue persists, try accessing Vudu through another device or contacting Vudu support for device-specific assistance.
Q12: Does archiving a movie affect my ability to download it for offline viewing?
No, archiving a movie doesn’t affect your ability to download it for offline viewing if you have already downloaded it. It will still be available for offline viewing on the device where it was downloaded. However, if you haven’t downloaded the movie and archive it, you will still be able to unarchive and then download it as usual.
By understanding Vudu’s archiving system, you can effectively manage your digital movie library and create a streamlined viewing experience. While permanent deletion isn’t an option, archiving provides a practical and reversible way to organize your content.