Deleting movies from your iTunes account, now known as Apple TV app, isn’t about permanently removing them from your purchase history, but rather managing your storage and removing downloaded copies from your devices or hiding purchases. This guide will walk you through the various methods, ensuring you understand the nuances of managing your digital movie library effectively.
Understanding the Landscape: Deleting vs. Hiding
Before diving into the “how-to,” it’s crucial to grasp the distinction between deleting and hiding movies purchased through iTunes. Apple maintains a record of all your purchases. You cannot permanently delete a movie from your purchase history, meaning Apple will always have a record of it. However, you can remove downloaded copies from your devices and hide purchases from appearing in your library. This allows you to declutter your view without losing access to the movie should you want to download it again in the future.
This article will cover both scenarios, focusing on removing downloads to free up space and hiding purchases for organizational purposes. We’ll also explore options on different devices, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
Removing Downloaded Movies from Your Devices
This is the most common reason people want to “delete” movies from iTunes. You’re not actually deleting the purchase, but rather the downloaded file on your device, freeing up valuable storage space.
On an iPhone or iPad
- Open the Apple TV app. This is where your purchased movies are now located.
- Tap the “Library” tab at the bottom of the screen.
- Select “Downloaded.” This filters your library to show only movies currently stored on your device.
- Locate the movie you want to remove.
- Press and hold on the movie’s thumbnail.
- Tap “Remove.”
- Choose “Remove Download.” Crucially, this option only removes the downloaded file; it doesn’t affect your purchase history. Selecting “Delete From Library” will remove the movie from your library entirely, requiring you to re-download it from your purchase history should you want to watch it again.
On a Mac
- Open the Apple TV app.
- Click “Library” in the sidebar.
- Choose “Movies” from the library options.
- Locate the movie you want to remove.
- Right-click on the movie’s thumbnail.
- Select “Remove Download.” Again, this action only deletes the downloaded file. You can also access this option from the menu bar: File > Remove Download.
On an Apple TV
- Navigate to the Apple TV app.
- Go to “Library.”
- Select “Movies.”
- Highlight the movie you want to remove.
- Press and hold the Select button on your Siri Remote until a pop-up menu appears.
- Choose “Remove Download.” This will delete the downloaded copy from your Apple TV’s storage.
Hiding Movies from Your Purchase History
Hiding a movie removes it from view in your purchased list within the Apple TV app. You can still access it later, but it won’t clutter your library. This is useful for organizing your purchases or hiding titles you no longer want readily visible.
Hiding Purchases on an iPhone, iPad or Mac
Important note: While the instructions are similar for both iPhone/iPad and Mac, the interface varies slightly.
- Open the Apple TV app.
- Tap (iPhone/iPad) or click (Mac) your profile icon. This is usually located in the upper-right corner.
- Select “Purchased.” (You may need to sign in with your Apple ID)
- Find the movie you want to hide.
- Swipe left (iPhone/iPad) or hover your mouse (Mac) over the movie until a “…” (More Options) button appears.
- Tap or click the “…” button.
- Choose “Hide Purchase.”
Unhiding Purchases
To view and unhide previously hidden movies:
- Open the Apple TV app.
- Tap (iPhone/iPad) or click (Mac) your profile icon.
- Select “Purchased.”
- Scroll to the bottom and tap/click “Hidden Purchases”.
- Find the movie you want to unhide.
- Tap or click the “Unhide” button next to the movie title.
Understanding Apple’s Family Sharing Implications
If you’re using Apple’s Family Sharing feature, keep in mind that deleting a download only affects your device. It does not remove the movie from other family members’ devices or libraries. If a family member purchased the movie and shared it with you, you can still remove the download from your device. Hiding a purchase, however, will hide it from your view only and does not affect other family members.
FAQs: Mastering Your iTunes Movie Library
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the process of managing your iTunes movie library:
FAQ 1: What happens if I accidentally delete a movie download?
The downloaded file is simply removed from your device. The movie remains in your purchase history, and you can re-download it at any time as long as it’s still available on the iTunes Store (or Apple TV app).
FAQ 2: Can I delete movies from my iTunes account that I didn’t purchase?
If the movie was shared with you through Family Sharing, you can remove the downloaded copy from your device, but you cannot delete it from the purchaser’s account or remove it from their download list.
FAQ 3: How can I see all the movies I’ve ever purchased on iTunes?
In the Apple TV app, go to your account settings (Profile icon -> Purchased). This will display all your purchased movies, even those you’ve hidden.
FAQ 4: Is there a way to permanently delete a movie from my iTunes purchase history?
No. Apple keeps a record of all your purchases. You can only hide purchases from your view.
FAQ 5: What’s the difference between “Remove Download” and “Delete From Library” on iPhone or iPad?
“Remove Download” deletes the downloaded file from your device. “Delete From Library” completely removes the movie from your library within the Apple TV app. You’ll need to re-download it from your purchase history if you choose this option.
FAQ 6: Does deleting a movie from my iTunes account free up iCloud storage?
No. iCloud storage is primarily used for backups, photos, documents, and other data. Downloaded movies are stored directly on your device’s storage, not in iCloud.
FAQ 7: Can I delete movies from iTunes Match?
iTunes Match is a different service that matches your music library in the cloud. It doesn’t apply to purchased movies.
FAQ 8: What happens if a movie I purchased is no longer available on the iTunes Store?
While rare, this can happen. If you’ve already downloaded the movie, you’ll still be able to watch it. However, if you delete the download, you may not be able to re-download it if it’s no longer available for sale.
FAQ 9: How do I remove a rented movie from my iTunes account?
Rented movies automatically disappear from your library after the rental period expires. If you want to remove them sooner, you can remove the download following the same steps as deleting a purchased movie download.
FAQ 10: Does deleting a movie download affect streaming?
No. Deleting a downloaded copy only removes the stored file on your device. You can still stream the movie from the Apple TV app if it’s available.
FAQ 11: I’m having trouble deleting movies from my Apple TV. What should I do?
Ensure your Apple TV is connected to the internet and that you’re signed in with the same Apple ID used to purchase the movies. Restarting your Apple TV can sometimes resolve minor glitches.
FAQ 12: Can I delete movies from the iTunes Store using my Apple Watch?
No. You cannot manage your movie purchases or downloads directly from your Apple Watch. You’ll need to use an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV.
By following these steps and understanding the nuances of deleting versus hiding, you can effectively manage your iTunes (now Apple TV app) movie library and optimize your device storage. Remember to always differentiate between removing a downloaded file and affecting your purchase history. This guide provides a comprehensive understanding, ensuring a smooth and efficient management experience.