Hi guys, I've been looking for possible answers online regarding how to transfer the apps that you downloaded before but are no longer available on appstore today but answers are not applicable on my case.
I still have the app on my old iphone 5 and have it backed on iTunes but the app doesn't show up on the list of PURCHASED APP on iTunes.
Please help me transfer it to my new iPhone SE.
Thanks!
iPhone 5, iOS 9.3.1
If you have a backup of the device in its entirety (data, settings and also apps) then you should be able to restore that once you plug your new device to iTunes
Restore your device from an iCloud or iTunes backup - Apple Support
I am afraid you are out of luck. With iOS 9 there was a change in the way Apps are backed up to iTunes due to a feature called App Thinning. You can read about it below but the bottom line is that if the app is no longer available in the App Store you will not be able to download it.
If your apps aren't transferred from iTunes to your device after updating to iOS 9 - Apple Support
iOS 9 includes a new feature that allows you to download just the parts of an app needed for your device. This saves storage space on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch when you install an app that supports this feature. After you update to iOS 9, iTunes isn't used to restore your apps when you restore your device. Instead, optimized versions of your apps download from the App Store directly to your device
With time, I've lost some apps that don't even appear on the Purchased list, so if they have been actually removed from the App Store you will not be able to recover them (even if you purchased them back at that time!)
Likely the same reason you cannot downgrade even having the files (i.e.: if you are a developer).
Apple changes signatures to their software, if they don't comply, you cannot install it. If they removed the app for whatever reason, that app is no longer valid. They cannot remove it from your device (I bet they can, but still) but they don't let you install in a new one, because you are not just copying it, you are actually installing them.
IvanDrogo4 wrote:
I thought it's possible. I still have the app in my old phone, why is it so difficult to just transfer it from one iphone to another. Sigh...
I gave you the answer in my post above, App Thinning... Sorry... 😟
Thank you guys for the help.
The agent told me to try reaching out with the app developer itself and get back to them.
I'm going to try contacting them, I hope the people or company behind it still exist.
I was just chatting with their Customer Support and they've confirmed that it's not possible to have it transferred to my new phone because the app is no longer available in the app store.
I thought it's possible. I still have the app in my old phone, why is it so difficult to just transfer it from one iphone to another. Sigh...
I've done that. The app keeps "Waiting" and then eventually disappears.
You are welcome. Good luck.
App not available on appstore cannot be transferred
