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Have you ever tried to delete the download history on your iPhone but failed? It is common for Apple users to face difficulties in deleting their app download history. The app store contains a record of all the apps you downloaded and installed on your iPhone. Since this list is quite long, it can be inconvenient and embarrassing to have others see it. Giving away your phone history to your friends or family members can be a cause of concern for most individuals. This blog post will help you with a step-by-step guide to delete the app download history on your iPhone.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of How to Delete App Download History on iPhone
Deleting the app download history on an iPhone can be a challenging task for most users. Apple restricts the power to delete the app history list from your iPhone. This digital logbook can grow more significant over time and can be inconvenient to navigate through. Although it is challenging to delete this history, we can walk you through a few procedures to help make this possible.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before we go in-depth into the app download history deletion process, it’s essential to prepare your iPhone. The following are things that you should prepare for:
- iOS 14.3 or later versions: To delete the app download history, make sure the iPhone is running the latest iOS version.
- Identify your account information: Before initiating the deletion process, ensure your Apple ID information is correct and functioning correctly.
- Recharge your iPhone: It’s crucial to charge your iPhone before starting the deletion process to avoid running out of battery amidst the process.
Method 1: Clear the App Store Cache
The first method to delete the app download history on your iPhone is clearing the App Store cache. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Go to the ‘App Store’ on your iPhone home screen and open it.
Step 2: Search and select ‘Featured’ from the bottom of the page displayed.
Step 3: Scroll down the screen until the bottom is reached.
Step 4: Exit the app by double-clicking the ‘Home’ button then swiping up to close the app.
Pros:
- The process is straightforward, and no installation is required.
- No third-party app is required
Cons:
- It only clears the cache memory, not the download history.
- It does not work for all users or iPhone models.
Method 2: Delete the Apps from Your Purchase History
The second method is deleting the apps from your purchase history. This method is more efficient than the first and deletes the apps permanently. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Open the ‘App Store’ app on your iPhone and select ‘Account’ from the top of the screen. Type in your Apple ID and the required credentials.
Step 2: On the ‘Account’ page, click on ‘Purchase History.’
Step 3: A list of all your downloaded apps will be presented here. Swipe right to left on the app you want to delete to reveal the ‘Hide’ button.
Step 4: Click on ‘Hide,’ and a message notifying you of the app’s exclusion from your purchase history will pop up.
Pros:
- This method deletes the app permanently
- No third-party app is required
Cons:
- If you need to retrieve the app, you must download it again from the ‘App Store.’
Method 3: Use a Third-Party App to Clear Your App History
The third method involves using a third-party app from your app store to clear your app download history. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Open the ‘App Store’ on your iPhone and search for an app that removes all app download history.
Step 2: Download and install the app.
Step 3: Launch the app and follow the on-screen instructions to delete your app download history.
Pros:
- Permanently deletes the app download history
- Works for all iPhone models and users
Cons:
- You must download and install the app
- Some third-party apps are unreliable or limited in functionality
Why Can’t I Delete App Download History on iPhone?
Here are some reasons why you can’t delete your app download history on iPhone, and how to fix them:
1. Restrictions by Apple
A significant reason is Apple’s restriction policies where they have limited the feature of deleting the app download list. To fix this issue, use the methods mentioned in this blog post as they have been proven to make this possible.
2. Not Having the Correct Apple ID Credentials
Apple may require you to have the correct account information to make changes to your Apple device. Confirm your Apple ID, password, and other required details to ensure there are no issues logging in.
3. Slow Software Updates
Slow internet speeds and delayed firmware updates can lead to issues in removing app download history on your iPhone. Ensure you have the latest version of your iPhone’s iOS.
Additional Tips
Here are additional tips you should follow;
- Back up your iPhone data before starting the deletion process.
- Use alternative email addresses or phone numbers for your verification purposes, especially in cases where you can’t remember the correct credentials.
- Contact the Apple support team for assistance if the problem persists.
5 FAQs about How to Delete App Download History on iPhone
Q1: Can I Permanently Delete App Download History?
A: Yes. With the right procedures, you can delete your app download history forever.
Q2: Will Deleting the Apps Delete My Data?
A: No. Deleting the apps will not delete your data if you have backed it up. However, if the app contained data, this will also be deleted.
Q3: Can I Delete My App History from iCloud?
A: Yes. Deleting your apps from iCloud is possible. By going to Settings and clicking on the ‘iCloud’ button, you can delete your app history.
Q4: How Often Should I Clear My App History?
A: Clearing the app history depends on your preference or the amount of storage you require.
Q5: Can I Restore Deleted Apps?
A: Yes. You can reinstall your deleted apps from the App Store. However, note that the data from the app may also disappear.
In Conclusion
Deleting your app download history on an iPhone can seem challenging, but the methods described above have been proven to work. Identify the method that works best for you and follow the detailed steps to ensure your app history is cleared successfully. Be sure to follow the tips mentioned in this blog post to avoid any hiccups during the process, and if the problem persists, contact Apple for assistance.