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Synopsis:

Ever wonder how to cancel a download from the iTunes Store app on the iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad? Learn how in this quick tip.

Let's Begin:

The user interface on the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch is an example of brilliant design. After learning a few simply gestures, it becomes pretty obvious how to accomplish what you want without having to slog through a lengthy instruction manual. There is, however, a rough edge here and there where things are not as obvious as they should be. In particular, let’s say you started a download of a lengthy podcast from the iTunes store using the iTunes app on the iPhone only to realize that you selected the wrong one. How to make the iPhone stop and delete the download isn’t clear by merely looking at the screen but there is a way to do it.

Step 1: In the iTunes Store app on the iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch, go to the Downloads screen which can be found by tapping the “More…” button in the lower right corner. This will show you the downloads currently underway as in this example:

Step 2: Now slide your finger horizontally across the download item you want to delete. (You can slide either left to right or right to left, it doesn’t matter.) When you do this, a “Delete” button will appear.

Step 3: Just tap “Delete” to stop the download and delete it. If you change your mind and no longer wish to delete it, just tap anywhere else on the screen and the “Delete” button will hide itself again.

It’s easy to do, once you know how of course. Unfortunately, the “slide your finger to reveal a Delete button” isn’t at all as obvious as it should be. But once you know it, you’ll find that it works in other instances as well. For example, you can also delete podcasts from your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch when you’re done with them using this same technique.