Unable to transfer downloaded Apple Podcasts from MacBook to headphones

Apple Podcasts usually keeps downloads within the app, not in the regular Downloads folder. To transfer to your swim headphones, check if the podcast is saved as an actual audio file (like MP3 or M4A). If not, try using a podcast manager that allows saving files locally. Also, make sure your headphones support direct file transfer via Finder or USB. 😊

On your Mac: You could try this method:

Open a Finder window, and enter .mp3 (that's dot mp3) in the search field.

Check if your podcasts show up there.

If so, click to highlight one podcast (If not, try search with other file extensions)

Look in the status bar at the bottom of the Finder window to see the file's location.

Find one, and you will likely find all in same location.

Re: "I am trying to download podcasts so that they appear in Downloads so they can be dragged and dropped into an MP3 folder for some new swimming headphones but they are just not appearing in downloads. Why?"

Seems Apple's podcast-downloads are automatically saved to your Podcast library:

The method for transferring podcasts to other devices is generally syncing:

Eg: Sync podcasts between your Mac and iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

Resource: Apple Podcasts User Guide for Mac - Apple Support

If you want to send feedback to Apple: Feedback - Apple Podcasts - Apple

Re: I need there to be a file to drag and drop to the other device

You might want to send feedback to Apple (feature request) using the link provided.

(Although it won't solve the issue now, it may pave the way. iIf others also want this flexibility, and let Apple know, there may be changes addressing the issue in an update.)

Hi @annabel -

I dont think there is currently a straightforward solution from inside Apple’s walled garden’, unless your peripheral device has an app (have you looked?).

If there’s no app, and until apple adds this feature, I can think of three potential workarounds:

1. Can you swim with your phone within Bluetooth range of your headset? This is both the easiest and the most imperfect solution. The other two options would require a little bit of set up, so this is more like a temporary option so you don’t go podcastless in the pool.
2. Switch to a different app to manage your headset. this is by far the best answer for pretty much everyone at present.
3. For advanced users already familiar with Github, there are solutions there that will transfer Apple podcast apps to a peripheral device. One looks ok.

I hope some of this helps. (: I am absolutely certain others have this exact same problem, so when you figure out what works best for you please come back and provide that feedback for everyone that finds this thread and their search results. Good luck.

Cheers!

Edit: You know…I was just having a conversation with my little sister last night about how much I loved competing on swim team… I can’t even remember the last time I’ve been in the swimming pool. I was planning to look and see if there’s a reasonably priced pool membership in my area, so it feels coincidental in a cool way to see your post now. I’m just curious if you compared the pros and cons of a fitness wearable to your headset?