You can hide individual purchases from your App Store history, but Apple doesn't offer a way to delete the entire record

Apple keeps a permanent record of every app, in-app purchase, and subscription you've bought on your account. You cannot erase this history completely — it's tied to your Apple ID and stored on Apple's servers. However, you can hide individual purchases so they no longer appear in your purchase list, and you can prevent future purchases from showing up by adjusting your settings.

The reason Apple maintains this record is practical: if you delete an app and want it back later, you can reinstall it without paying again. The same applies to in-app purchases and subscriptions. Hiding purchases removes them from your visible history without breaking this system.

Key Takeaways

  • You can hide individual app purchases on iPhone, iPad, or Mac by opening your account settings, finding the purchase in your history, and selecting "Hide This Purchase".
  • Hiding a purchase removes it from your visible list but does not delete it from Apple's records or refund the money.
  • You can prevent future purchases from appearing in your history by turning off purchase history tracking in your account settings, though this affects all family members if you use Family Sharing.
  • If you want to remove a purchase from your account entirely, you must contact Apple Support and request a refund, which may or may not be granted depending on how long ago you bought it.

How to hide individual purchases on iPhone or iPad

Open the App Store and tap your profile icon in the top right corner. Tap "Purchases" to see your full purchase history. Find the app or in-app purchase you want to hide, swipe left on it (or press and hold), and tap "Hide This Purchase." The item when ready disappears from your list.

If you're looking for a specific purchase and the list is long, use the search function at the top of the Purchases screen. Type the app name and it will filter the results. Once you find it, swipe or press and hold to hide it.

Hidden purchases do not reappear in your history, but you can still reinstall the app or restore the in-app purchase if you need it again. Apple keeps the record on its servers even though you can't see it.

How to hide purchases on Mac

Open the App Store and click your account icon in the top right corner. Select "Account Settings" from the menu. Click "Purchase History" to see all your purchases. Find the item you want to hide, hover over it, and click the X that appears on the right side. Confirm that you want to hide it.

The process is the same as on iPhone and iPad — the purchase disappears from your visible history but remains in Apple's records. You can restore or reinstall the app later without paying again.

Turning off purchase history tracking for future buys

If you want to prevent new purchases from appearing in your history going forward, you can disable purchase history in your account settings. On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > [Your Name] > iTunes & App Store, tap your Apple ID, and select "View Apple ID." Tap "Purchase History" and toggle off "Show Purchase History."

On Mac, open System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions), click your Apple ID, select "Media & Purchases," and uncheck "Show Purchase History."

Be aware that if you use Family Sharing, turning off purchase history affects all family members — their purchases will also stop appearing in the shared history. You can manage this setting individually for each family member through the Family Sharing settings.

What happens when you hide a purchase

Hiding a purchase removes it from your visible list in the App Store, but it does not refund your money or delete the transaction from Apple's records. If you reinstall an app you previously bought, you won't be charged again — Apple recognizes that you own it.

The same applies to in-app purchases and subscriptions. Hiding a subscription does not cancel it; you must cancel the subscription separately in your account settings if you want to stop the recurring charge. Hiding only removes it from your view.

Requesting a refund if you want to remove a purchase entirely

If you want Apple to actually remove a purchase from your account — not just hide it — you must contact Apple Support and request a refund. Apple typically honors refund requests for apps or in-app purchases made within the last 90 days, though they may grant refunds outside this window depending on the circumstances.

To request a refund, visit reportaproblem.apple.com, sign in with your Apple ID, find the purchase, and select "Report a Problem." Choose "I would like a refund" and explain why. You can also contact Apple Support directly through the Support app or by calling Apple's support line.

If Apple approves the refund, the money returns to your original payment method within 5 to 10 business days. Once refunded, the purchase is removed from your account entirely, and you'll need to buy it again if you want it in the future.

Why you might want to clear your purchase history

People hide purchases for different reasons. Some want to keep their App Store list clean and organized. Others prefer privacy if they share a device or account with family members. Some hide subscriptions they've cancelled to avoid confusion about what's still active.

If you're concerned about someone else seeing your purchases, remember that hiding them only works if you're the only person with access to your Apple ID. If you share your account with family members, they can still see your purchase history unless you use Family Sharing, which separates purchase histories by person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does hiding a purchase delete it from Apple's servers?

No. Hiding a purchase only removes it from your visible history in the App Store. Apple keeps a permanent record of all your purchases on its servers. If you want Apple to actually delete the purchase, you must request a refund through Apple Support.

If I hide an app, can I reinstall it without paying again?

Yes. Hiding a purchase does not affect your ownership of the app. You can reinstall it from the App Store at any time without being charged again. The app will read and install normally.

Will hiding a subscription stop the recurring charge?

No. Hiding a subscription only removes it from your visible history. The subscription will continue to renew and charge you until you cancel it in your account settings. You must cancel the subscription separately if you want to stop the charges.

Can I hide purchases on a shared family account?

If you use Family Sharing, each person has their own purchase history that only they can see and manage. You can hide your own purchases, but you cannot hide other family members' purchases. If you share a single Apple ID with family members, everyone can see all purchases made on that account.

How long does Apple keep my purchase history?

Apple keeps your purchase history indefinitely. There is no automatic deletion date. The only way to remove a purchase from your account is to request a refund through Apple Support, which must be done within a reasonable timeframe (typically 90 days, though Apple may consider requests outside this window).