Markg2

Q: How to update podcasts when podcasts does not appear under My Device iPod/iPhone?

This condition occur when (as I did Sunday) I mark all podcasts on the devices as played, I updated/refresh, there are no new podcasts to download, the devices are therefore absent of played or unplayed podcasts and then the word podcasts no longer appears in iTunes under On my Device so I am unable to click on same to get to the podcast edit screen for either device to refresh/download. Once I do so and podcasts are downloaded then podcasts again appears under My Device--until the next time I forget on a Sunday to not mark 'all' podcasts as played creating an empty iTunes destination.

 

So how do I get out of and avoid getting into this pickle?

 

Mark

iPhone 6, Windows 10

Posted on May 17, 2016 5:21 AM

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Q: How to update podcasts when podcasts does not appear under My Device iPod/iPhone?

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  • by Kenichi Watanabe,

    Kenichi Watanabe Kenichi Watanabe May 17, 2016 5:44 AM in response to Markg2
    Level 8 (38,352 points)
    Mac OS X
    May 17, 2016 5:44 AM in response to Markg2

    You may want to set up automatic syncing for podcasts, instead of using the manual method (which sounds like what you describe).  To do so, select the iPod in iTunes (click its device button on horizontal bar) to show its settings screen in iTunes window.  Along the left side (in the sidebar), under Settings, click Podcasts.  To the right, the iPod's Podcasts settings screen is shown.

     

    NOTE:  Podcasts episodes currently on the iPod will be removed.

     

    Checkmark the box for Sync Podcasts.  This turns ON automatic syncing for podcasts.  Set up this screen as desired.  You can set it up to sync all unplayed podcast episodes, or unplayed episodes from selected podcasts, or use other options to tell iTunes how to sync podcast episodes (including removing them) automatically when you connect the iPod (or click Sync if already connected).

  • by Markg2,

    Markg2 Markg2 May 17, 2016 6:08 AM in response to Kenichi Watanabe
    Level 1 (20 points)
    Safari
    May 17, 2016 6:08 AM in response to Kenichi Watanabe

    That is the setup that I have.

     

    For both the iPod and iPhone = Sync Podcasts, Automatically include '3 most recent unplayed' episodes of 'selected podcasts'

     

    Then different podcasts are checked off depending upon whether the screen is for the iPhone or iPod.

     

    I had earlier 'synced' both devices several times hoping 'something' would happen and podcasts would appear prior to posting--zilch. After your post I reconnected the iPod, it synced and 1 podcast appeared on the device and podcasts appeared On my Device.

     

    That podcast was PRI's The World dated 5/16. It's possible that it wasn't available for download until after my post. But This American Life has always been ready the end of Sunday or early Monday a.m. Nonetheless, if I'm set to automatic (which as mentioned I have been)...even if the device is empty iTunes should allow one to get to the podcast edit screen for that device, not just Settings/podcasts.

     

    Second Problem: this pre-existed the current. I have 2 podcasts that do not want to update. I can only think I mistakenly gave an aberrant command to iTunes. On the Sync Podcasts screen, The Dan Patrick Show lists 10 epidsodes in gray under the name, click on the name and right panel lists the 10 all with old dates and all unchecked. I have no idea why. I have tried checking them all to sync and then mark as played but that didn't seem to help. This is the similar condition for the aforementioned other non-updating podcast.

     

    In the edit screen I've clicked on subscribe even though they are so and refresh to no avail.

     

    Any ideas?

     

    Mark

  • by Kenichi Watanabe,

    Kenichi Watanabe Kenichi Watanabe May 17, 2016 8:05 AM in response to Markg2
    Level 8 (38,352 points)
    Mac OS X
    May 17, 2016 8:05 AM in response to Markg2

    If you use automatic syncing, here's a better way to add "miscellaneous" other podcast episodes using automatic syncing.  Create a new playlist in your iTunes library.  You can call it iPod Podcasts (or whatever you want).  Add at least one podcast episode to this playlist.  Go to the iPod's Podcasts settings screen in iTunes.  At the bottom of the screen (scroll down if necessary) there is a list called Include Episodes from Playlists.  Find that iPod Podcasts playlist there and checkmark it, and Apply.  Going forward, you can manually add/remove episodes from this playlist in your iTunes library.  The iPod does not need to be connected.  The next time you connect iPod (or click Sync if already connected), iTunes updates iPod with the same changes (in addition to changes based on the automatic podcast sync settings).

     

    For the second problem, not sure about all the details you describe

    For both the iPod and iPhone = Sync Podcasts, Automatically include '3 most recent unplayed' episodes of 'selected podcasts'

    That settings applies to all podcasts listed below.  If you uncheck that setting, specific podcast episodes should not be greyed out.

  • by Markg2,

    Markg2 Markg2 May 17, 2016 8:41 AM in response to Kenichi Watanabe
    Level 1 (20 points)
    Safari
    May 17, 2016 8:41 AM in response to Kenichi Watanabe

    Well, that was clear as mud ;-). It's been a tough morning. I'll take another look at your directions tomorrow a.m. and then determine if the problem is my brain density or the current headache!

     

    Thanks,

     

    Mark

  • by Markg2,

    Markg2 Markg2 May 18, 2016 7:22 AM in response to Kenichi Watanabe
    Level 1 (20 points)
    Safari
    May 18, 2016 7:22 AM in response to Kenichi Watanabe

    >>>>>a better way to add "miscellaneous" other podcast episodes using automatic syncing.  Create a new playlist in your iTunes library.  You can call it iPod Podcasts (or whatever you want). >>>>>

     

    I'm sort of clear on what you're saying but before I say I do understand and give it an attempt I need to understand a few things about the interaction between iTunes, refreshing podcasts, my devices and syncing.

     

    1. Assuming iTunes 'works as advertised' which by now sure as heck should the situation after all these years and assuming that I've setup the podcasts properly (which I have no reason to assume otherwise after already having gone a few constructive rounds with another knowledgeable gentleman on the forum and the podcasts were all actively refreshing absent the problem with an empty device) why on earth would I need to create a 'workaround' for what should be a normal function of iTunes: automatically (which it is defaulted to) refreshing and syncing podcasts?

     

    2. Apart from the aforementioned problem of an empty device not listing 'podcasts' under 'on my Device', the problem of a particular podcast as of just recently not pulling down/updating/refreshing itself with new episodes even when commanded to do so has to be a separate problem restricted to that podcast that should have a separate and logical solution?

     

    3. >>>>>That settings applies to all podcasts listed below.  If you uncheck that setting, specific podcast episodes should not be greyed out.>>>>> My error in communication. On the Sync Podcasts screen, below 'automatically include' there are two columns: Podcasts on the left and the Podcast Name Episodes on the right. On the left the first podcast is Car Talk and in smaller point size below the name and to the right of the logo are the # of episodes. The '# episodes' is grayed out and informational only. However, if there are episodes, when you highlight the podcast, the right hand panel then lists the available episodes (and they are not greyed out) from which you can check off the boxes indicating you wish those to sync. My complaint/problem is that when it says 'n episodes' for example on the left panel (and doesn't include the word 'new' in addition, the episodes listed on the right panel are invariably old. I don't want them, I never asked for them and I can get rid of them. This condition applies to podcasts that are actively refreshing and the podcast that's not refreshing???

     

    Mark

  • by Kenichi Watanabe,

    Kenichi Watanabe Kenichi Watanabe May 18, 2016 8:05 AM in response to Markg2
    Level 8 (38,352 points)
    Mac OS X
    May 18, 2016 8:05 AM in response to Markg2

    1.  What I suggest is not a "workaround."  It is the "as designed" way to add other miscellaneous podcast episodes that are not covered by the automatic sync settings (for the selected podcasts).  So, you have your "regular" podcasts that are set to sync automatically, like setting up your DVR to always record your favorite recurring shows.  But you have some other random ("one off") episodes you want to include.  Throw them on that iPod Podcasts playlist.  Keep that iPod Podcasts playlist selected at the bottom of the iPod's Podcasts settings screen.  Manually add and remove episodes to that playlist (in your iTunes library).  The iPod does not need to be connected.  The next time you connect iPod, iTunes syncs whatever podcast episodes it finds there, along with your "regular" podcasts.


    What you describe in your original post sounds more like a "workaround."    Read what you wrote there and tell me that does not sound likes some "kludge" procedure...


    2.  This is related to what you describe in your original post...

    Apart from the aforementioned problem of an empty device not listing 'podcasts' under 'on my Device

    If you use the method I described, you don't have to worry about this "problem" anymore.  The Podcasts heading does not appear under On My Device when there are no podcasts on the device.  The Audiobooks heading does not appear under On My Device when there are no audiobooks on the device.  The TV Shows heading does not appear under On My Device when there are no TV shows on the device.  What you describe as a "problem" is how it's designed to work. 

    the problem of a particular podcast as of just recently not pulling down/updating/refreshing itself with new episodes even when commanded to do so has to be a separate problem restricted to that podcast that should have a separate and logical solution?

    I don't have a full understanding of this problem...  Are you describing iTunes not "pulling down" new episodes from Apple's servers?  Does this problem involve syncing to the iPhone?

     

    3.  It's somewhat difficult to understand in words.  Any way you can take a screenshot and include in your reply?  But if I understand correctly, that list of episodes is shown there to the right (for the selected podcast) because that's what you have stored in your iTunes podcasts library.  iTunes shows what is available to sync.  If you want to shorten the list, you need to delete those episodes from your podcasts library.

  • by Markg2,

    Markg2 Markg2 May 18, 2016 8:48 AM in response to Kenichi Watanabe
    Level 1 (20 points)
    Safari
    May 18, 2016 8:48 AM in response to Kenichi Watanabe

    Podcast screenshot.PNGAs long as you've got the patience...

    1 & 2. Given my settings as discussed, assuming that there is at least 1 available new episode on Apple's servers when I connect a device, that episode will download absent me clicking refresh and once synced podcasts will then appear under on my device, yes? If yes, then I may have been expecting an episode Monday a.m. too early. Regardless, if the answer is yes, then, with this new information, I need to do some testing before going further. I'm dragging my feet on the misc since all my podcasts are not one off, they are daily or scheduled weekly NPR programs. I did have some one off's and the misc would work for them and I'll archive that bit of information should I need it later.

     

    3. Both inserted images belong to this paragraph (my inserting abilities need some work). The first image applies to both the stuck podcast and any podcast. The image shows what I mean by old, not asked for, not wanted, can't get rid of prior podcasts. The first image is also of the stuck podcast. The second image, 'The Dan Patrick Show on PodcastOne' is that which I call 'stuck'--not updating. It's a daily show comprised of 3 separate sequential segments each day. What's weird is that the carrot to the left of the name when turned down shows yesterday's date which would be correct for 1 of 3 episodes, when the carrot is turned horizontal the name and date remain the same but now it has a time of 41 minutes indicating that it's not only the podcast name but an episode? Why isn't the episode shown below the name with a blue dot to its left? Where are the other 2? If this is really an episode why isn't it syncing?

    Dan Patrick.PNG