Symptoms
- A previously bought app doesn't show as owned anymore
- Redownloading asks to pay again
- Purchase history looks incomplete
- Happened after switching phones or accounts
Likely causes
- CommonSigned into a different account than the one used to purchasePurchases are permanently tied to the specific account that bought them.
- PossibleApp removed from the store entirely by the developerA delisted app may not show as purchasable or redownloadable even though you own it.
- PossibleRegional account changes affecting purchase visibilityMoving your account's country can sometimes affect which past purchases display.
- PossibleTemporary display glitch in the store appPurchase history can occasionally fail to load correctly.
- Less commonPurchase was actually made under a family member's shared accountFamily sharing purchases can look personal but are tied to the organizer's account.
What to do
- Confirm you're signed into the exact account originally used for the purchase.
- Check your purchase history within the store app or account website.
- Restart the app store app and check again.
- Search for the app by name rather than relying on a 'purchased' list, since it may still show 'download' instead of 'buy' if you own it.
- Check if the app was removed from the store entirely, which sometimes still allows redownload if you previously owned it.
- Check family sharing settings if this may be a shared purchase.
- Contact the app store's support with your purchase receipt if it seems genuinely lost from your history.
When to call a pro
If purchase history is genuinely missing despite confirming the correct account, contact the app store's billing support with proof of purchase.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.