It can feel like app purchases or downloads on your smartphone stick with you forever. You can delete an app from your device, but it’s still available for download in the App Store or Play Store. However, there’s a way to erase these apps from your iPhone or Android’s purchase history.

Taking control of your App purchase records

Apple and Google don’t make it obvious how to remove apps from your account history. It’s more convenient to allow users to redownload previously purchased apps. Nevertheless, we should have the power to manage our app histories. If you’re tired of seeing the download icon next to an app you regret trying on your iPhone, here’s how to eliminate it for good.

Deleting an App Purchase on Your iPhone

To remove an app purchase from your Apple ID on your iPhone, open the App Store and tap your profile in the top right corner. Select “Purchased,” then “My Purchases,” if prompted. Search or scroll until you find the app you want to remove. Swipe left on the app and tap the “Hide” option. The app will be disassociated from your purchase history, and the next time you see it in the App Store, you’ll have the option to “Get” or buy it instead of seeing the download symbol.

Deleting an App Purchase on Your Android

Identifying deleted apps you’ve downloaded or purchased on the Play Store isn’t as straightforward. Free apps not currently on your Android phone display an “Install” button, regardless of whether you’ve downloaded them in the past. To scrub your account history, open the Play Store, tap your profile, and choose “Manage apps & device.” Select “Manage,” switch the list from “Installed” to “Not installed” (if you’ve already uninstalled the app), then choose the apps you want to remove. Tap the trash can in the top right corner and hit “Remove” to confirm.

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