Deleting movies from your Vudu account isn’t about permanently removing them from your library if you purchased them; it’s about managing the content you see and download. This guide provides a clear and concise walkthrough of how to remove titles from your Vudu library, addressing common questions and concerns along the way.
Understanding Vudu Ownership and Removal
Vudu operates on a digital ownership model. When you purchase a movie, it becomes a permanent part of your library. You can’t permanently delete a purchased movie from your Vudu account, but you can hide it from your visible library and manage your downloaded copies. The removal process primarily involves hiding the title from your viewing list and deleting downloaded copies from your devices. Think of it as organizing your bookshelf rather than permanently discarding a book.
Methods for “Deleting” Movies on Vudu
While a true deletion isn’t possible for purchased content, here’s how to effectively manage your Vudu library:
1. Hiding Movies from Your Vudu Library
This method removes the movie from your general viewing list, effectively “hiding” it. This is the closest you’ll get to deleting a purchased movie on Vudu.
Steps:
- Log in to your Vudu account via a web browser (this feature is usually not available on the Vudu app).
- Go to your My Vudu section.
- Find the movie you want to hide.
- Click on the movie title to go to the movie’s details page.
- Look for options like “Manage Movie” or a settings icon (gear or three dots). The wording may vary slightly.
- Select the option to “Hide Movie” or “Remove from My Vudu“. This action will usually prompt a confirmation.
- Confirm your decision.
The movie will now be hidden from your standard “My Vudu” view. Note that you can usually unhide movies later through a hidden movies list, accessible through your account settings.
2. Removing Downloaded Movies
This removes the movie file from your device, freeing up storage space. This action only affects the specific device it’s removed from; the movie remains accessible in your Vudu library for streaming or future downloads.
Steps:
- Open the Vudu app on your device (phone, tablet, smart TV).
- Go to your Downloads section or the area where downloaded movies are stored.
- Find the movie you want to remove.
- Look for a delete icon (trash can), “Remove Download,” or an options menu (three dots) next to the movie.
- Select the appropriate option to remove the download.
- Confirm your decision.
The movie file will now be removed from your device.
3. Managing Your Vudu Account on a Smart TV
The steps for hiding or removing downloaded movies on a Smart TV can vary depending on the TV model and the Vudu app version. Generally, the process involves navigating to “My Vudu” through the app interface, selecting the movie you wish to manage, and choosing the “Hide” or “Remove Download” option from the movie details screen. The interface may rely on directional pad navigation to locate and interact with the appropriate menu options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding removing movies on Vudu:
1. Can I permanently delete a purchased movie from my Vudu account?
No, you cannot permanently delete a purchased movie from your Vudu account. Vudu operates on a digital ownership model, so purchases are tied to your account indefinitely. You can only hide movies from your viewing list.
2. What’s the difference between “hiding” and “deleting” a movie on Vudu?
“Hiding” a movie removes it from your main Vudu library view but keeps it associated with your account. You can usually unhide it later. “Deleting” a downloaded movie removes the movie file from your specific device, freeing up storage space, but it does not affect the movie’s presence in your overall Vudu library. True deletion isn’t possible.
3. How do I unhide a movie that I’ve previously hidden on Vudu?
To unhide a movie, log into your Vudu account on a web browser. Navigate to your account settings or profile, and look for an option like “Hidden Movies,” “Archived Movies,” or “Manage Hidden Content.” From there, you should be able to select the movie and choose the option to “Unhide” or “Restore” it to your main library.
4. Can I remove a movie from Vudu on my iPhone or Android device?
You can remove downloaded movies from your iPhone or Android device through the Vudu app. Go to your “Downloads” section and use the delete icon or “Remove Download” option to delete the downloaded file. However, you generally can’t hide movies from your library directly through the app.
5. If I remove a movie from my downloads, will I have to repurchase it to watch it again?
No. Removing a movie from your downloads only deletes the file from your device. The movie remains in your Vudu library, accessible for streaming or re-downloading at any time, as long as you maintain your Vudu account.
6. Does deleting a movie download also remove it from my connected Movies Anywhere account?
No. Deleting a downloaded movie from Vudu only affects your Vudu account and the specific device. Your Movies Anywhere account is a separate entity. Movies shared via Movies Anywhere will remain accessible through your other connected services, like iTunes or Amazon Prime Video, provided they are also supported by those services.
7. How do I delete a movie from Vudu on my Smart TV?
The process varies depending on the Smart TV model and Vudu app version. Generally, you’ll navigate to “My Vudu” within the app, select the movie, and look for options like “Remove Download” or potentially a “Hide” option if available. The interface relies heavily on remote control navigation.
8. I accidentally hid a movie. How do I get it back quickly?
The quickest way to unhide a movie is to log into your Vudu account through a web browser. Access your account settings, find the “Hidden Movies” section, and unhide the movie. This will immediately restore it to your main library.
9. Can I transfer my purchased Vudu movies to another account?
Generally, Vudu does not offer a direct method for transferring purchased movies to another account. Purchases are typically tied to the original account used for the transaction.
10. What happens to my Vudu movies if Vudu shuts down?
This is a legitimate concern. While unlikely in the short term, the future of any digital service is uncertain. Vudu doesn’t guarantee permanent access to purchased content. In the event of a shutdown, the availability of your movies would depend on any agreements Vudu might have with other providers or licensing agreements. There is inherent risk in relying solely on digital ownership.
11. Can I get a refund for a movie I accidentally purchased on Vudu?
Vudu’s refund policy is strict and typically does not offer refunds for accidental purchases, especially if you’ve already started watching the movie. It’s essential to carefully review your purchases before completing them. However, you can contact Vudu customer support to explain the situation, though a positive outcome is not guaranteed.
12. I’m sharing my Vudu account with family members. How do I hide movies I don’t want them to see?
Hiding movies from your library will prevent them from appearing in the general viewing list for everyone sharing your account. While they could potentially still find the movie by searching, it’s a good way to manage the content accessible in the main view for shared accounts. Consider creating separate accounts with linked profiles for more granular control.