Deleting movies from iTunes permanently requires more than just a simple click within the app. It involves removing the movie files from your device’s storage and, crucially, severing the connection to your Apple ID to prevent them from reappearing or taking up valuable iCloud space. This comprehensive guide provides a step-by-step approach to permanently remove movies from your iTunes library, ensuring they are gone for good.
Understanding the iTunes Movie Ecosystem
Before diving into the deletion process, it’s essential to understand how iTunes handles movie purchases and rentals. Movies purchased or rented through iTunes are typically linked to your Apple ID and stored in the Apple cloud. This allows you to re-download them on any device associated with your account. Therefore, permanently deleting a movie involves removing it from both your device and disassociating it from your Apple ID.
Deleting Movies from Your Devices
This section covers deleting movies from various Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, and PCs running iTunes.
Deleting from iPhones and iPads
- Locate the TV App: The iTunes Movies app has been replaced by the TV app on iPhones and iPads. Open the TV app.
- Navigate to Your Library: Tap the “Library” tab at the bottom of the screen.
- Select “Downloaded”: Choose the “Downloaded” option to view movies physically stored on your device.
- Swipe and Delete: Swipe left on the movie you want to delete. A “Delete” button will appear. Tap it.
- Alternatively, Tap and Hold: You can also tap and hold on the movie icon. A menu will appear. Select “Delete.”
- Confirm the Deletion: You may be prompted to confirm that you want to remove the download. Tap “Remove Download.” This will only remove the movie from the device, not from your purchase history.
Deleting from Mac
- Open the TV App: On macOS Catalina and later, the iTunes app has been replaced by the TV app.
- Navigate to Library: Click on “Library” in the sidebar.
- Select “Movies”: Ensure “Movies” is selected in the top navigation bar.
- Locate the Movie: Find the movie you want to delete.
- Delete Downloaded Copy: Right-click (or Control-click) on the movie. If the movie is downloaded, you’ll see an option to “Remove Download.” Select this to delete the downloaded file.
- To Hide the Movie (See Removing from Purchase History): To completely remove the movie from your library view (but not your purchase history unless you follow the next steps), select “Delete” from the right-click menu. You’ll be given the option to hide it.
Deleting from PC (iTunes)
- Open iTunes: Launch the iTunes application on your PC.
- Navigate to Movies: Click on “Movies” in the library section.
- Select “My Movies”: Make sure you are viewing “My Movies.”
- Locate the Movie: Find the movie you want to delete.
- Delete Downloaded Copy: Right-click on the movie. If the movie is downloaded, you’ll see an option to “Delete Download.” Select this to delete the downloaded file.
- To Hide the Movie (See Removing from Purchase History): To completely remove the movie from your library view (but not your purchase history unless you follow the next steps), select “Delete” from the right-click menu. You’ll be given the option to hide it.
Removing Movies from Your Purchase History
While deleting the downloaded files removes the movie from your device, it still remains associated with your Apple ID. Permanently removing the movie requires hiding it from your purchase history. This prevents it from appearing in your library or iCloud.
Hiding Purchases (Method 1: Apple ID Website)
This is the preferred method, as it allows you to manage your purchases from any device.
- Go to Report a Problem: Open a web browser and go to reportaproblem.apple.com.
- Sign In: Sign in with your Apple ID and password.
- Find the Movie: Locate the movie you want to hide.
- Report a Problem: Next to the movie, you will see a “Report a Problem” link. Select the option to report the movie, usually choosing “I didn’t mean to purchase this item” or “I want to hide this purchase.”
- Submit Your Request: Apple will generally hide the purchase after reviewing your request, which usually takes a few days.
Hiding Purchases (Method 2: iTunes – Old Method – May Not Always Work)
Note: This method may not be available or functional in the latest versions of iTunes or the TV app, as Apple has shifted purchase management to the web. Try Method 1 first.
- Open iTunes (if applicable): Launch iTunes on your Mac or PC.
- Go to Account: Click on “Account” in the menu bar, then select “View My Account.”
- Manage Purchases: Scroll down to the “Purchase History” section and click “See All.”
- Find the Movie: Locate the movie you want to hide.
- Hide Purchase: Hover your mouse over the movie and look for a small “X” icon in the corner. Click the “X” to hide the purchase. You might need to contact Apple support if the “X” icon doesn’t appear.
- Confirm: Confirm that you want to hide the movie.
Removing Rental Movies
Rental movies have an expiration date. Once expired, they are automatically removed from your device. However, you might want to manually remove a rental if you are running out of storage space. The process for deleting rental movies is the same as deleting purchased movies from your device (as described in the “Deleting from Your Devices” section). There’s no need to remove rentals from your purchase history, as they are automatically removed after expiration.
Troubleshooting and Important Considerations
Sometimes, movies might reappear in your library even after you’ve deleted them. This is often due to iCloud synchronization. Ensure that iCloud is not automatically re-downloading your purchases. Go to your device’s settings and disable automatic downloads for movies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1: Why does the movie keep reappearing after I delete it?
This is likely due to iCloud synchronization. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Media & Purchases and turn off “Automatic Downloads” for Movies. This will prevent iCloud from automatically re-downloading the movie.
FAQ 2: Can I get a refund for a movie I accidentally purchased?
Yes, you can request a refund. Go to reportaproblem.apple.com, sign in with your Apple ID, and select the appropriate reason for requesting a refund. Apple’s refund policy varies, so it’s not guaranteed.
FAQ 3: How do I delete a movie that’s shared through Family Sharing?
Deleting a movie from your device only removes the downloaded copy. It doesn’t affect the purchase history of other family members. To prevent the movie from being shared, the original purchaser needs to hide the movie from their purchase history.
FAQ 4: I don’t see the “X” icon to hide purchases in iTunes. What should I do?
Apple is gradually phasing out the “X” icon method for hiding purchases. Use the reportaproblem.apple.com website to report the purchase and request to have it hidden. If that doesn’t work, contact Apple Support directly.
FAQ 5: Will hiding a movie from my purchase history free up iCloud storage?
No, hiding a movie from your purchase history primarily removes it from view. It doesn’t directly affect iCloud storage. However, if you’ve downloaded the movie, deleting the downloaded file will free up storage on your device.
FAQ 6: How long does it take for Apple to hide a movie from my purchase history after I report a problem?
It typically takes a few days for Apple to review your request and hide the movie.
FAQ 7: Is there a way to permanently delete my entire iTunes purchase history?
No, Apple does not offer a way to completely delete your entire iTunes purchase history. You can only hide individual items.
FAQ 8: What’s the difference between deleting a downloaded movie and hiding it from my purchase history?
Deleting a downloaded movie removes the movie file from your device’s storage. Hiding it from your purchase history prevents it from appearing in your library and being available for re-download.
FAQ 9: Can I re-download a movie I’ve hidden from my purchase history?
Yes, you can unhide the movie. Go to your Apple ID account settings, find the hidden purchases section, and unhide the movie. It will then reappear in your library.
FAQ 10: I rented a movie and want to delete it before it expires. How?
The process is the same as deleting a purchased movie from your device. Simply remove the downloaded file.
FAQ 11: Does deleting a movie affect my ability to watch it on other devices?
Deleting a downloaded movie only removes the local copy from the device where you deleted it. If the movie is still in your purchase history, you can stream or download it on other devices associated with your Apple ID.
FAQ 12: Can I delete movies directly from iCloud Drive?
No, iTunes movies are not directly stored in iCloud Drive. They are stored in Apple’s dedicated media servers and linked to your Apple ID. You manage them through the iTunes/TV app and your Apple ID account.