Removing downloaded movies from iTunes (or the TV app on newer macOS versions) is a straightforward process designed to free up valuable storage space. You can easily delete movies from your devices, either individually or in bulk, ensuring they remain accessible in your iCloud library for future streaming or redownloading.
Understanding iTunes and Movie Storage
The term “iTunes” can be a bit ambiguous. While Apple has officially retired the standalone iTunes application on macOS Catalina (10.15) and later, its functionalities are now integrated into dedicated apps like Music, Podcasts, and TV. On older systems (Windows and pre-Catalina macOS), iTunes remains the relevant application. For clarity, this guide primarily refers to the TV app (where movies are stored on newer Macs) and iTunes (for older systems and Windows). The principles, however, are largely the same.
Understanding how iTunes stores your movies is crucial. When you purchase or rent a movie through iTunes, you have the option to download it to your device. This downloaded copy occupies storage space. However, the purchase is linked to your Apple ID, meaning the movie remains available in your iCloud library even after you remove the downloaded version. This distinction is important: you’re not deleting the movie from your account; you’re only removing the locally stored file.
Removing Downloaded Movies on macOS (TV App)
Deleting Individual Movies
- Open the TV app.
- Navigate to Library in the sidebar.
- Select Movies from the library options.
- Locate the movie you want to remove.
- Right-click (or Control-click) on the movie title or cover.
- Choose Delete Download from the contextual menu.
- A confirmation dialog may appear. Confirm the deletion.
The movie will be removed from your device, but it will still be available to stream or redownload from your iCloud library (identified by a cloud icon with a down arrow).
Deleting Multiple Movies
Deleting movies one by one can be tedious. Here’s how to remove multiple downloads:
- Open the TV app.
- Navigate to Library and then Movies.
- Select multiple movies by holding down the Command key (⌘) while clicking on each movie you want to remove.
- Right-click (or Control-click) on one of the selected movies.
- Choose Delete Download from the menu.
- Confirm the deletion if prompted.
Removing Downloaded Movies on iTunes (Windows & Older macOS)
The process on Windows and older macOS versions using iTunes is similar:
Deleting Individual Movies
- Open iTunes.
- Select Movies from the library dropdown menu (usually located in the top left corner).
- Find the movie you wish to remove.
- Right-click on the movie title or cover.
- Select Delete from the contextual menu.
- You’ll be asked if you want to move the file to the Recycle Bin/Trash. Choose “Move to Recycle Bin” (or “Move to Trash”) and then “Delete Download” to completely remove the local copy. Ensure you also choose “Delete Download”, not just deleting the file from your computer.
Deleting Multiple Movies
- Open iTunes.
- Select Movies from the library dropdown.
- Select multiple movies by holding down the Ctrl key (Windows) or Command key (macOS) while clicking each movie.
- Right-click on one of the selected movies.
- Choose Delete from the menu.
- Again, be sure to “Move to Recycle Bin/Trash” and then “Delete Download” in the confirmation dialog.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, you might encounter issues when trying to remove downloaded movies. Here are a few potential problems and solutions:
Movie Not Showing as Downloaded
If the movie doesn’t show the cloud icon, it might not actually be downloaded to your device. Double-check that you are looking at the correct version (i.e., the one in your library, not a movie you’re browsing in the store).
Deletion Option Not Available
Ensure you are right-clicking on the movie itself, not the surrounding area. Sometimes, an outdated iTunes or TV app can cause glitches. Try updating to the latest version.
Storage Space Not Recovered
After deleting movies, it might take a few moments for your system to reflect the freed-up storage space. Restarting your device can sometimes help. Also, empty your Recycle Bin/Trash to permanently remove the deleted files.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Here are some frequently asked questions about undownloading movies from iTunes and the TV app:
FAQ 1: What happens if I delete a movie I rented from iTunes?
If you delete a rented movie before the rental period expires, you will lose access to it. You cannot re-download it without renting it again. Rental periods are usually 30 days to start watching, and 48 hours once started.
FAQ 2: Will deleting a downloaded movie also remove it from my iCloud library?
No, deleting a downloaded movie only removes the locally stored file. The movie remains in your iCloud library, accessible for streaming or redownloading as long as your Apple ID is active and the movie is still available in the iTunes Store.
FAQ 3: Can I delete movies from iTunes directly on my iPhone or iPad?
Yes, you can delete movies from the TV app on your iPhone or iPad. Go to Library > Downloaded (at the bottom). Then, either swipe left on a title and tap “Delete,” or tap the “Edit” button and then tap the “X” next to the movies you want to remove.
FAQ 4: How do I redownload a movie I’ve previously purchased from iTunes?
Open the TV app or iTunes. Go to your Library, find the movie, and click the cloud icon with a down arrow. If the cloud icon isn’t present, you can also usually redownload via the “Purchased” section of the iTunes Store or TV app store.
FAQ 5: Is there a way to prevent iTunes from automatically downloading purchased movies?
Yes. In iTunes or the TV app preferences (iTunes > Preferences or TV > Preferences), go to the “Downloads” or “Playback” tab and uncheck the option that says something like “Automatically download movies” or “Automatic Downloads.”
FAQ 6: What if I accidentally delete a movie I purchased?
Purchased movies can be redownloaded as long as they are still available on the iTunes Store. If a movie is no longer available, you will not be able to redownload it. Contact Apple Support if you experience issues.
FAQ 7: How much storage space can I expect to save by deleting a downloaded movie?
The amount of storage space saved depends on the movie’s file size. HD movies generally take up more space than SD movies. Check the movie’s file size in iTunes or the TV app before deleting to get an estimate.
FAQ 8: What does the cloud icon next to a movie title mean in iTunes/TV app?
The cloud icon indicates that the movie is available in your iCloud library but is not currently downloaded to your device. Clicking the cloud icon initiates the download process.
FAQ 9: Can I move my downloaded movies to an external hard drive?
Yes, you can move your iTunes Media folder to an external hard drive to free up space on your computer’s internal drive. This requires configuring iTunes or the TV app to use the external drive as its media folder location in the Preferences > Advanced settings.
FAQ 10: Why is the “Delete Download” option grayed out?
This can happen if the movie isn’t actually downloaded, or if there are permission issues. Ensure you have the necessary permissions to modify the files. Restarting iTunes or the TV app might also resolve the issue.
FAQ 11: Is there a limit to how many times I can redownload a purchased movie?
Apple generally doesn’t impose a limit on the number of times you can redownload a purchased movie, as long as it remains available in the iTunes Store and your Apple ID is active.
FAQ 12: Does deleting a movie from iTunes affect other devices linked to my Apple ID?
Deleting a downloaded movie only affects the specific device you’re using. It doesn’t automatically delete the downloaded copy from other devices linked to your Apple ID. You’ll need to remove the downloads on each device individually. However, if you “hide” the movie in your purchase history, it will be hidden across all devices. To unhide, visit your account settings within iTunes/TV App.