How to Delete Movies from Apple TV: A Definitive Guide

So, you’re looking to declutter your Apple TV and reclaim some precious storage space? Maybe you’ve binge-watched that rom-com for the tenth time and it’s time to say goodbye, or perhaps you’re just tidying up your digital library. Whatever the reason, knowing how to delete movies from your Apple TV is crucial. Let’s cut to the chase.

The process depends on whether you purchased the movie from the iTunes Store or if it’s part of your Apple TV+ subscription or shared library. Here’s the breakdown:

If you purchased the movie from the iTunes Store (now Apple TV app): You can’t permanently delete a purchased movie from your account. It’s linked to your Apple ID forever (or until Apple changes its policies, which, let’s be honest, could happen). However, you can hide it from your Purchased list so it doesn’t clutter your interface. This is the most common “deletion” method.

If the movie is part of your Apple TV+ subscription or a shared library (Family Sharing): You can’t delete these movies from Apple TV directly. You only stream these titles; they don’t take up space on your device.

Now, let’s dive into the practical steps of hiding purchased movies, as this is the action most users are trying to achieve when they ask about “deleting” them from Apple TV.

Hiding Purchased Movies from Your Apple TV

This is the most relevant method for removing unwanted movies from your Apple TV interface. While you’re not permanently deleting the film from your Apple ID, this action hides it from your viewing list.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Using a Computer or Mobile Device (iPhone/iPad): This is the preferred method, as the Apple TV interface is less intuitive for managing purchases. Open the Apple TV app (or iTunes, if you’re still clinging to an older macOS).
2. Navigate to Your Account: Click on your profile icon (usually in the upper-right corner). If you are not signed in, sign in with your Apple ID.
3. Manage Purchases: Look for an option like “Purchased,” “Manage Purchases,” or something similar. The exact wording may vary depending on your device and the Apple TV app version.
4. Find the Movie You Want to Hide: Scroll through your list of purchased movies or use the search function to locate the one you want to “delete.”
5. Hide the Movie: Hover over the movie’s thumbnail. You should see an “X” or a “Hide” button appear in the corner. Click this to hide the movie. You might be prompted to confirm your decision.
6. Verify the Change on Your Apple TV: After hiding the movie, go back to your Apple TV. You may need to restart the Apple TV app or even the entire device for the changes to take effect. The movie should no longer appear in your Purchased list.

What About Deleting Downloaded Content?

If you’ve downloaded a movie for offline viewing, you can delete the downloaded copy to free up space. Here’s how:

1. On Your Apple TV: Navigate to the Settings app.
2. Go to General: Scroll down and select “General.”
3. Manage Storage: Look for an option like “Manage Storage” or “Storage.”
4. Identify the Apple TV App: Find the Apple TV app in the list of apps and their storage usage.
5. Delete Downloads: If the movie is downloaded, you’ll see an option to delete the downloaded content. This will remove the local copy from your Apple TV, freeing up space.

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Deleting Movies from Apple TV

Here are 12 common questions surrounding the topic of removing movies from your Apple TV, answered with the expertise you’d expect.

1. Can I permanently delete a movie I purchased from the iTunes Store?

No, you cannot permanently delete a movie you purchased. Think of it as a digital receipt; it’s tied to your Apple ID. The best you can do is hide it from your Purchased list.

2. How do I unhide a movie I previously hid from my Purchased list?

Go to your account settings in the Apple TV app (on a computer or mobile device), find the “Hidden Purchases” section, and click “Unhide” next to the movie you want to restore.

3. Will hiding a movie on one device hide it on all my devices?

Yes, hiding a movie is linked to your Apple ID. Therefore, the change will propagate across all devices logged into the same Apple ID, including your Apple TV, iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

4. Why can’t I find the “Hide” button on the Apple TV app?

The “Hide” option isn’t directly available on the Apple TV device itself. You must use the Apple TV app on a computer or mobile device to manage your purchased content and hide movies.

5. I share my Apple TV with family. Can I hide movies from specific users?

No, hiding movies affects the entire Apple ID. If you’re using Family Sharing, you can’t hide movies from specific family members without affecting the Apple ID to which the purchase is attached.

6. What happens if I delete the Apple TV app and reinstall it? Will the hidden movies reappear?

No, the hidden movies will remain hidden. The hidden status is tied to your Apple ID, not the app itself. Reinstalling the app won’t change your purchase history.

7. Does deleting a downloaded movie also remove it from my iCloud storage?

No, deleting a downloaded movie only removes the local copy from your Apple TV. It does not affect your iCloud storage or your purchase history. Think of it as simply removing a file from your computer.

8. Can I get a refund for a movie I purchased and didn’t like?

Apple’s refund policy varies, but you can try requesting a refund through your purchase history in the Apple TV app or iTunes. However, refunds are not guaranteed and are typically granted only under specific circumstances (e.g., technical issues with the movie).

9. What’s the difference between “renting” and “purchasing” a movie on Apple TV?

Renting gives you a limited time (usually 30 days to start watching, and 48 hours to finish once you start) to view the movie. After that, it disappears. Purchasing means the movie is added to your library indefinitely (subject to Apple’s terms and conditions) and can be re-downloaded as needed. Renting does not add movies to your purchased list.

10. I have a lot of movies. Is there a faster way to hide them than one by one?

Unfortunately, Apple does not offer a batch-hiding option. You have to hide movies individually. This can be tedious, but there is no workaround.

11. I’m using an older version of iTunes on my computer. Will the steps be the same?

The steps might be slightly different depending on the version of iTunes you’re using. However, the general principle remains the same: navigate to your account, find your purchase history, and look for a “Hide” or “X” option next to the movie. Older versions of iTunes may have a slightly different interface.

12. If a movie is no longer available on the iTunes Store, can I still watch it if I purchased it previously?

Yes, if you purchased a movie, you should still be able to watch it even if it’s no longer available for sale on the iTunes Store (now the Apple TV app). The movie is tied to your Apple ID, and as long as Apple maintains its service, you should be able to re-download and watch it. However, there’s no guarantee this will be the case forever. Apple may eventually change its policies.

Hopefully, this comprehensive guide has answered all your questions about deleting (or rather, hiding) movies from your Apple TV. Happy decluttering!