Playback and playlists · Remove playlists

How to remove playlists without deleting audio on iPhone

Clean up playlists while keeping saved tracks in your Library.

Quick answer

“Remove from Playlist” removes only that playlist entry. “Delete Playlist” keeps the songs in your Library. “Remove from Library” affects the saved track itself.

Step by step

3 steps
  1. Remove one playlist entry

    Open the song’s menu within the playlist and choose “Remove from Playlist”. The track remains under Library songs.

    Find songs, playlists, and recordings in the Library
    Find songs, playlists, and recordings in the Library
  2. Delete an entire playlist

    Choose “Delete Playlist” from its menu and read the confirmation. Note the track order first if you want to recreate it later.

  3. Organize the remaining songs

    Add the saved tracks to other playlists as needed. Remove a track from the Library only when you no longer want the audio.

Common questions

Will removing a song from one playlist affect other playlists?

No. Removing a playlist entry does not delete the saved track, so other playlists can still use it.

Does deleting a playlist free the audio’s storage space?

Deleting a playlist mainly removes its organization. Back up anything you need before deleting the actual audio files.

RECORD · IDENTIFY · LISTEN OFFLINE

Keep the songs you replay.
Stop paying for them every month.

Download free on the App Store

iPhone · iOS 16 or later