How to Delete App Download History
Have you downloaded apps in the past that still show up in your App Store purchase history? Whether you want to keep your app list private, clean up your device, or remove unused apps, learning how to delete app download history can help.
While Apple doesn’t allow complete deletion, you can hide or manage your app history effectively using your iPhone, iPad, or computer.
How You Can Manage App Download History
| Action | Where to Do It | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Hide App Download | App Store → Purchased → Swipe Left | Removes app from visible purchase list |
| Delete App | Home Screen → Long Press → Delete | Removes app and its data from your iPhone |
| Hide via iTunes | iTunes → Account → Purchased | Hides app across all your Apple devices |
| View Hidden Apps | Settings → Apple ID → Media & Purchases | Lets you see or unhide hidden apps anytime |
Why Delete App Download History?
Deleting or hiding your App Store download history helps you:
Protect your privacy, especially if you share your Apple ID.
Declutter your App Store by removing unused apps from your visible list.
Keep your device organized with fewer old app records.
Control what others see, especially in Family Sharing.
Note: Apple does not allow permanent deletion of download history — but hiding apps works the same for privacy and organization.
1. How to Delete App Download History on iPhone
The easiest way to remove an app from your download list is to hide it directly from the App Store.
Steps:
Open the App Store on your iPhone.
Tap your profile icon in the top-right corner.
Tap Purchased → My Purchases.
Find the app you want to hide.
Swipe left on the app and tap Hide.
The app will disappear from your visible purchase list instantly.
Tip: Hidden apps stay tied to your Apple ID, but they no longer appear in the Purchased section.
2. How to Delete Download History in Family Sharing
If you use Family Sharing, your downloaded apps might be visible to family members. You can hide them individually for privacy.
Steps:
- Go to the App Store and choose your account icon.
- Tap Purchased → My Purchases.
- Swipe left over the app you wish to hide.
- Tap Hide.
That app will now be hidden from your Family Sharing purchase list too.
3. How to Completely Remove Hidden Apps
Hiding an app only removes it from your purchase history — not from your device. To delete it completely, follow these steps:
Steps:
- Find the app on your Home Screen.
- Hold down the app icon until you see the menu.
- Tap Remove App → Delete App → Confirm.
This permanently removes the app and its data from your iPhone.
4. How to Manage App Download History on a Computer
If you prefer to manage your downloads on a Mac or PC, you can use iTunes to hide apps.
Steps:
Open iTunes and sign in with your Apple ID.
Click Account → Purchased.
Select Apps.
Hover your mouse over the app you want to hide.
Click the X icon next to it.
The app will now be hidden from your App Store purchase history across all devices using that Apple ID.
5. How to View Hidden Apps on iPhone
Even if an app is hidden, you can still view or unhide it later through your Apple ID settings.
Steps:
Go to Settings → [Your Name] → Media & Purchases.
Tap View Account.
Scroll down and select Hidden Purchases.
Tap Unhide next to any app you want to restore.
This will make the app visible again in your App Store purchases.
App Download History Management
| Action | Location | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Hide App History | App Store → Purchased → Swipe Left | Removes from visible list |
| Remove App | Home Screen → Long Press → Delete | Deletes app and its data |
| Hide via iTunes | iTunes → Account → Purchased | Hides from all linked devices |
| View Hidden Apps | Settings → Apple ID → Media & Purchases | Lets you unhide or restore apps |
FAQs
Q1: Can I permanently delete app download history?
No. Apple doesn’t allow complete deletion — only hiding.
Q2: Can I hide free apps I’ve downloaded?
Yes. You can hide both free and paid apps from your App Store history.
Q3: Do hidden apps stay linked to my Apple ID?
Yes. Hidden apps remain part of your account and can be downloaded again anytime.
Q4: Will hiding an app delete it from my phone?
No. Hiding only removes it from your App Store purchase list. To delete it from your device, remove it from your Home Screen.
