App store - cant download an old purchase

Hello matty3112,

Thank you for using Apple Support Communities! I understand you're wanting to redownload an app that you've recently purchased, and it's asking you to pay for the app again. You've come to the right place for help.

Rather than searching for the app by name in the App Store, I'd like to have you redownload it from your purchase history instead:

Redownload apps, music, movies, TV shows, and books

"How to redownload apps on an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

1. Open the App Store app, then tap Today at the bottom of the screen.
2. Tap the sign-in button  or your photo at the top of the screen. Sign in with the same Apple ID that you originally used to purchase the item.
3. Tap Purchased.
4. If you use Family Sharing, tap My Purchases or choose a family member’s name to see content that they purchased.
5. Tap "Not on this [device]."
6. Find the app that you want to download, then tap the download button . Don't see the app that you purchased?"

Let us know if you're able to redownload the app from there, or if you're asked to purchase it again.

Cheers!