How to Download Previous Music Purchases on the iPhone 5: Easy Guide for Users

by

Did you buy songs on iTunes in the past and now want them back on your iPhone 5? Maybe you switched devices, restored your phone, or accidentally deleted some tracks. The great news is that Apple allows you to re-download previous music purchases on the iPhone 5 without paying again.

This simple guide walks you through how to restore your old songs from the iTunes Store directly to your device. No cables. No computer. Just your phone and your Apple ID.

Why Re-Download Purchased Music

This feature is helpful when:

  • You upgraded or reset your iPhone

  • Music files were deleted accidentally

  • You switched Apple IDs or signed out temporarily

  • You want offline access again without streaming

Apple keeps your purchase history linked to your account, so you never lose paid content.

Requirements Before You Start

Make sure you have:

  • A stable Wi-Fi or cellular connection

  • Sufficient storage space

  • The same Apple ID used for purchasing the music

If you are signed into a different account, your songs will not appear.

Method 1: Download Previous iTunes Music Purchases from the iTunes Store App

This is the simplest and most common method.

Follow these steps:

  1. Open the iTunes Store app on your iPhone 5

  2. Tap the More button in the bottom-right corner

  3. Select Purchased

  4. Choose Music

  5. Tap Not on This iPhone

  6. Find the song, album, or artist you want to restore

  7. Tap the cloud download icon beside the music you want

Your music will start downloading immediately.

Understanding the “Not on This iPhone” Section

This list shows only the songs you purchased earlier but that are currently not saved on your iPhone. Anything already on your device will not show up here.

Method 2: Download from the Apple Music App (if enabled)

Even though iPhone 5 models originally used iTunes for music, some later updates allowed access from the Music app.

Try this:

  1. Open the Music app

  2. Go to Library

  3. Tap Purchased (if available)

  4. Choose songs or albums with the download icon

This may vary depending on your iOS version.

Method 3: Re-Download from iTunes Purchase History (Advanced Option)

If something is not appearing in Purchased lists:

  1. Go to Settings

  2. Tap iTunes & App Store

  3. Check that you are signed into the correct Apple ID

  4. Return to iTunes Store > More > Purchased

Sometimes a quick re-sign-in refreshes your purchase history.

Why Some Songs May Not Be Available to Download

If you do not see a song you bought, one of these may apply:

  • The music was refunded

  • The record label removed the song from iTunes

  • It was purchased with a different Apple ID

  • Parental restrictions are blocking downloads

  • You previously synced music from a computer, not purchased from iTunes

  • The song has regional licensing limitations

Apple only allows re-downloads for content that is still supported.

Fixes if Music Will Not Download

Try these troubleshooting tips:

✅ Restart your iPhone
✅ Sign out and sign back into your Apple ID
✅ Enable Automatic Downloads for music:
Settings > iTunes & App Store > Music
✅ Confirm you have storage space under:
Settings > General > Usage
✅ Connect to Wi-Fi instead of cellular data
✅ Update iOS to the latest version available for iPhone 5

These steps often solve the issue quickly.

Table: Which Music Can Be Re-Downloaded

Type of Music Can it be Restored? Notes
Purchased from iTunes Store ✅ Yes Must use same Apple ID
Songs synced from computer ❌ No Must re-sync using iTunes
Gifted songs ✅ Yes If redeemed to your Apple ID
Removed/unsupported content ⚠️ Sometimes Depends on copyright
Subscription songs (Apple Music) ❌ No Streaming only

Knowing the difference helps avoid confusion.

Helpful Tips for Future Safety

  • Turn on Automatic Downloads so music always stays synced

  • Back up your iPhone to iCloud or iTunes regularly

  • Keep a copy of your music library on your computer

This prevents you from losing your songs again.

Conclusion

Restoring your purchased songs on the iPhone 5 is quick and stress-free. Just head to the iTunes Store app, open Purchased, and tap the cloud icon to download your favorites again. Even if you switched devices or deleted music accidentally, Apple keeps your purchased content ready for recovery.

Take a minute now to restore your playlist and enjoy your music again.

FAQs About Downloading Previous Music Purchases on iPhone 5

1. Do I have to pay again to download old iTunes purchases
No. If you bought it once with your Apple ID, downloads are free.

2. Why do I not see all of my songs in the Purchased list
You may be signed into the wrong Apple ID or the music was synced, not purchased.

3. Can I download old Apple Music subscription tracks
No. Subscription music cannot be restored after the subscription ends.

4. How do I check my Apple ID purchase history
Go to iTunes Store > More > Purchased or view it in your Apple ID settings.

5. Can I re-download music without Wi-Fi
Yes, but Wi-Fi is recommended for faster, more reliable downloads.

Key Takeaways

  • You can download previous iTunes music purchases directly from the iTunes Store app

  • Must use the same Apple ID used to buy the music

  • Some older or unsupported content may not appear

  • Troubleshooting steps can resolve download issues fast

Related Posts:

Leave a Comment