Identify whether you opened the free catch-up version
A recently broadcast episode can be watchable online without being eligible for offline use. FOD’s download help explicitly excludes its advertising-supported free catch-up works. Read the episode’s offer category first. If several versions or access routes are displayed, keep track of the exact one you selected instead of describing every appearance of the programme as the same video.
Check the plan before clearing files
The same official article says that the advertising-supported Light course does not provide the download feature. Clearing phone storage cannot add a feature that the plan does not include. Establish the current membership and whether the chosen episode is an eligible Premium or already rented work. Only then does it make sense to investigate a failed transfer or storage message.
A missing button and a failed transfer need different evidence
FOD says eligible downloadable episodes display a download button. If no button appears, record that fact; if a transfer starts and stops, record the error and progress instead. The publisher also warns that rights can limit downloads for particular works, including a restricted annual count for some items. Repeated delete-and-retry experiments are therefore a poor first response to an unexplained restriction.
Do not confuse catch-up tabs with an offline collection
FOD documents programme pages with live and catch-up sections. Catch-up describes when a programme can be streamed after its live transmission, not necessarily a locally stored copy. For an upcoming trip, confirm offline eligibility in the supported mobile app while connected. If the item only offers streaming, plan around the published availability rather than assuming that leaving a page open preserves a playable download.
Questions, answered
Does free online catch-up imply offline eligibility?
No. FOD explicitly excludes its advertising-supported free catch-up from downloads.
Should I repeatedly delete and re-download?
Read the message first; the publisher notes title-specific rights and download-count restrictions.