How-To Guides

Beginner

2 min read 4 stepsMarch 24, 2026Verified March 2026

How to Listen to Podcasts and Audiobooks

Discover podcasts and audiobooks on your phone — including free options from your local library.

At a Glance

Listen to podcasts on iPhone

~22s

iPhones come with the free "Podcasts" app already installed. Open it, tap "Search," and type any topic you enjoy — gardening, news, history, true crime, comedy. Tap a show, then tap an episode to play. Tap the three dots (⋯) and "Subscribe" to get new episodes automatically.

Quick Tip

Can't find the Podcasts app? Search for "Podcasts" in your iPhone's App Library (swipe left on your home screen).

Listen to podcasts on Android

~15s

Download "Spotify" (free) or "Google Podcasts" from the Play Store. In Spotify, tap "Search," then "Podcasts & Shows" at the top, and search for your interest. Or download "Pocket Casts" ($3.99 one-off) — it's the easiest dedicated podcast app.

Try Audible for audiobooks

~17s

Audible (owned by Amazon) is the largest audiobook service. It costs $7.99/month and includes one audiobook credit per month plus access to a library. Go to audible.co.uk, sign up (use your Amazon account if you have one), then download the free Audible app. Your first 30 days are usually free.

Get FREE audiobooks from your library

~23s

The Libby app (free, from OverDrive) lets you borrow audiobooks and ebooks for free using your library card. Download "Libby" from the App Store or Play Store, tap "Find My Library," enter your zip code, and sign in with your library card number. Most UK libraries have hundreds of audiobooks available.

Quick Tip

No library card? They're free — pop into your local library with ID to get one.

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