how do I make it so my podcast don't auto delete after playing?

Hey there DaYDreaM90,

It sounds like you need to change the default setting of podcasts being deleted when they have been played. This is a setting that needs to be done on a per podcast basis.

Download podcasts - iTunes Help

Choose your default podcast settings

You can choose default settings that apply to all podcasts, such as how many episodes of each podcast are saved, and when they’re deleted.

1. Click the Podcasts button near the top left of the iTunes window (if you don’t see it, click ).

2. Click My Podcasts, then click Defaults near the bottom left of the window.

3. Choose the settings you want:

   • Refresh: Choose how often to check for new episodes.

   • Limit Episodes: Choose the maximum number of episodes to keep.

   • Download Episodes: Choose On to automatically download new podcast episodes when they become available.

   • Delete Played Episodes: Choose On to have iTunes delete podcasts after you’ve played them.

4. Click OK to save your changes.

Thank you for using Apple Support Communities.

Take care,

Sterling

This does does not work for me.

I have all the relevant settings shown here turned off, but every time I plug my iPod into my Macbook it immediately starts syncing with iTunes. By the time I navigate to the podcasts on my device iTunes has already deleted any I have listened to, before I can choose to save them manually. Very irritating!

Make sure you have a complete backup of your library so that any deleted episodes can be recovered.

If you have an iPod touch check its podcast app for automatic deletion rules as well as the general rules in iTunes and the specific settings for each individual podcast series.

Avoid using the option to sync podcast settings between the library and your devices. This may be responsible for unintended deletions.

Check the Device > Podcast sync settings to make sure that they are as you want them and don't, for example, refer to recently unplayed if you want to keep some played episodes on the device.

tt2