If you see a download icon next to an app in the App Store, it means you've downloaded it on your iPhone before. While it might not seem like a big deal, some people prefer to keep their app download history private.
In this guide, we'll explain what the download icon signifies, why you might want to remove it, and provide two methods to do so on your iPhone's App Store.
How to Get Rid of Download Icon in App Store on iPhone
The cloud or download icon appears beside an app's name if you've downloaded and later deleted it. It indicates that you can download the app again for free because you had purchased it before.Basically, the cloud icon shows that the app isn't currently installed but was on your iPhone at some point.
Method #1: Hide the App from Purchased List
The easiest way to remove the download icon next to an app is to hide it from your purchased apps list. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Open the App Store app and tap on your profile icon in the top right corner
Scroll down and tap on “Purchased”
Tap “Not on This iPhone” to view apps previously downloaded but not currently installed
Swipe left on the app you want to hide and tap “Hide”
Enter your Apple ID password to confirm
Once you hide the app, it will no longer seem in your acquired apps list. The next time you view that app in the App Store, the download icon will be gone.
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Method #2: Using Third-Party Apps
Besides hiding apps from your buying history, there are third-party iOS apps that assert they can eliminate the download icon from the App Store.
These apps function by examining your purchase history and essentially erasing the record of apps you've installed before. This action severs the connection between those apps and your Apple ID.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your priorities and how bothered you are by download icons.
For a simple privacy boost or a neater App Store appearance, hiding previously bought apps is the way to go. Yet, if you aim to wipe out all signs of an app from your Apple ID, third-party apps offer a more permanent solution.
Just exercise caution when it comes to third-party apps—do thorough research before installing and granting access to sensitive data. With the right precautions, both methods can effectively get rid of download icons from your iPhone's App Store.
