What blocking a podcast actually does
Blocking a podcast on Spotify removes it from your recommendations and search results, and stops it from appearing in your library or playlists. When you block a podcast, Spotify's algorithm learns not to suggest similar shows to you. The podcast itself stays on Spotify — other people can still listen to it — but your account treats it as if it doesn't exist.
This is different from unfollowing. When you unfollow a podcast, it disappears from your library but Spotify may still recommend it to you based on your listening history. Blocking goes further and tells Spotify you don't want to see this show at all, anywhere in the app.
Key Takeaways
- You can block a podcast directly from the show page by tapping the three-dot menu and selecting "Don't recommend this podcast."
- Blocking removes the podcast from recommendations and search results on your account, but doesn't affect other listeners.
- You can unblock a podcast later by going to your account settings, finding the blocked content list, and removing it.
- Blocking a podcast is permanent until you manually unblock it — there's no time limit.
How to block a podcast from the show page
Open Spotify and search for the podcast you want to block, or navigate to it from your library. Once you're on the podcast's main page, look for the three-dot menu icon (usually in the top right corner on mobile, or near the podcast title on desktop). Tap or click that menu.
A dropdown menu will appear with several options. Select "Don't recommend this podcast" or "Don't show me this" — the exact wording varies slightly between the mobile app and desktop version, but the function is the same. Spotify will confirm that you've blocked the podcast, and it will when ready disappear from your recommendations and search results.
How to block a podcast from an episode
You don't have to go to the podcast's main page to block it. If you're listening to an episode and want to block the entire show, tap the three-dot menu on that episode card. The same "Don't recommend this podcast" option will appear. Selecting it blocks the entire podcast, not just that single episode.
This is useful if you discover a podcast through a recommendation or a shared link and decide when ready that you don't want to see anything from that show again.
How to unblock a podcast
If you change your mind and want to see a podcast again, you can unblock it. On mobile, go to your account settings (the gear icon or your profile picture), then scroll down to "Privacy" or "Content you've blocked." On desktop, click your profile name in the top right, select "Settings," then find "Privacy" or "Blocked content."
You'll see a list of all the podcasts you've blocked. Find the one you want to unblock and tap or click the X or "Unblock" button next to it. The podcast will when ready return to your recommendations and search results.
What happens to your saved episodes when you block a podcast
If you've saved episodes from a podcast before blocking it, those saved episodes stay in your library. Blocking the podcast doesn't delete them. However, you won't see new episodes from that podcast in your feed, and the podcast won't appear in your library's podcast section anymore.
If you want to remove those saved episodes, you'll need to delete them individually from your "Saved Episodes" or "Liked Songs" section. Blocking the podcast doesn't do that automatically.
Why you might want to block instead of unfollow
Unfollowing a podcast removes it from your library, but Spotify's recommendation system may still suggest similar shows based on your past listening. If you unfollowed a true-crime podcast, for example, Spotify might still recommend other true-crime shows because your history shows you've listened to that genre.
Blocking tells Spotify not to recommend that specific podcast or similar content based on it. This is more effective if you want to avoid a particular show entirely, or if you're trying to change what Spotify thinks you're interested in.
Blocking vs. reporting: when to use each
Blocking is for your own preferences — you don't want to see something. Reporting is for content that violates Spotify's terms of service: hate speech, misinformation, explicit content marked incorrectly, or other policy violations. If a podcast breaks Spotify's rules, use the three-dot menu to select "Report" instead of "Don't recommend this podcast."
Blocking affects only your account. Reporting sends information to Spotify's moderation team, who may investigate and take action on the podcast itself if the report is valid. Most podcasts you straightforward don't enjoy should be blocked, not reported.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I block a podcast on desktop and mobile at the same time?
You only need to block it once. Blocking is tied to your Spotify account, not your device. If you block a podcast on your phone, it's blocked on your desktop, tablet, and any other device you use with that account.
Will the podcast creator know I blocked them?
No. Blocking is private to your account. Podcast creators cannot see who has blocked their show, and Spotify doesn't notify them. Your block has no effect on their listener count or analytics.
What if I block a podcast by accident?
Go to your account settings, find "Privacy" or "Blocked content," and unblock it. The podcast will return to your recommendations when ready. There's no penalty for blocking and unblocking.
Does blocking a podcast affect my Discover Weekly or Release Radar?
Yes. Spotify uses your blocking history to shape recommendations. If you've blocked several podcasts in a genre, Spotify is less likely to recommend similar shows in your Discover Weekly or Release Radar playlists.
Can I block multiple podcasts at once?
No. You have to block them one at a time through the three-dot menu on each podcast's page. There's no bulk-block feature in Spotify's settings.