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iCloud off, yet download app shows iCloud icon, not listed under iCloud apps?

OK, this is VERY frustrating!


I have turned off icloud for apps installed. When I need to re-download the app, it shows the cloud icon.


Thru settings, icloud, storage, apps using icloud, the apps don't appear!


How can I delete apps from the stupid cloud if they don't appear in the list on my device?


Does any of this make logical sense? Icloud turned off, apps saved in icloud!


[Edited by Moderator]

Posted on Nov 13, 2023 11:35 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Nov 13, 2023 11:44 AM

If you download an app and then later delete it, the icon that displays in the App Store is a cloud with a down arrow. That icon does not indicate that the app is stored in your iCloud, only that it has been previously purchased or downloaded. If you click the cloud icon to download it again, it downloads from the App Store.

5 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Nov 13, 2023 11:44 AM in response to Stalker6recon

If you download an app and then later delete it, the icon that displays in the App Store is a cloud with a down arrow. That icon does not indicate that the app is stored in your iCloud, only that it has been previously purchased or downloaded. If you click the cloud icon to download it again, it downloads from the App Store.

Nov 13, 2023 12:03 PM in response to Stalker6recon

Sorry, I can't explain why Apple does anything that they do. Or why you saw a difference in some apps.

Cloud icons are commonly used (by Apple and others) to indicate downloads or other information not on your computer. Not every cloud icon, even in Apple< indicates iCloud.

No app previous downloaded can be deleted from purchase history. However, they can be hidden: Hide purchases from the App Store - Apple Support


Nov 13, 2023 11:58 AM in response to FoxFifth

I would agree, but today I have had a technical problem with my Norton 360. I ultimately removed the primary app and associated apps (vpn lifelock password manager ect), when I restarted my phone and went to the app store, I had to re-download copies of each one. The primary app 360, downloaded normally (double click side button, approve with face ID), and it downloaded normally. The password manager, showed the cloud icon, no approval required, instant download.


So if that is not stored in the cloud, or can't be deleted from history, why are some this way, while others not?


If it's not the icloud, then why show the icon that looks like icloud, when it's a fresh download? That is counter intuitive.


Thanks for your help though, if that truly isn't the icloud, then why would tim cook and company, make it so clearly confusing?

iCloud off, yet download app shows iCloud icon, not listed under iCloud apps?

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