Lost iMovie after clean install

[imfromwales]

When I purchased my MBP it came with iMovie and Garageband, although I did not purchase them.

I have done a clean install of OSX and removed those apps. Now when I try to download iMovie, the App Store is wanting to charge me for it.

Is there a way that I can restore iMovie for free without using any backups (I have none as no data to backup).

 

[lclev]

What is the year and model of the mac and did you purchase it new or from someone else who would have used a different apple id to install imovie and garageband? Here is why I ask...

iMovie was offered free on the macs that came out in October 2013 or newer. Garageband is $4.99 for the essentials. If the mac you are referring to is the one listed in your information it falls in that range of free. If you originally downloaded it under your apple id, iMovie & Garageband will be listed under the Purchases tab in the App store. You can then re-download and install it. If it was not your apple id that was used for the original download I believe you can still download iMovie in the regular app store but Garageband will cost you.

If it this is another model year that is before October of 2013 iMovie will cost you $14.99.

Lisa

 

[imfromwales]

Yeah, its my rMBP 2014 that I'm referring to.

I have never purchased either iMovie or GB, and so cant restore them as a purchased app.

Whenever I try to download iMovie, it only gives me an option of buying for $18.99

 

[lclev]

I was just asking as iMovie should have come with your 2014 mac and if you purchased it new with your apple id, the program should be in the purchased area - even though you never purchased it. That is where Apple puts all the apps included on you mac or any app you have ever downloaded or purchased.

I have never purchased iMovie but because it came on my 2013 Macbook Air (which I bought used and did an over the internet reinstall) it shows up in my Purchased area under my apple id. As a result, I can also download it to my 2011 MB Pro and 2009 Mac Pro because iMovie is in my purchased area of my apple id. And before anyone worries about licensing on my older machines - I don't use iMovie and I only have it on my 2013 MB Air so I can use it to answer people's questions.

If it is not showing up, unless it is an issue because of different countries (I am in the U.S.) which I can't imagine why that would be an issue, I would call apple and ask.

Lisa

 

[imfromwales]

Wow that was a hassle. I called them and they had to speak with an iTunes specialist. Turns out, because my appleID situation is a mess (after living in 3 countries and having used 3 appleIDs in all 3 countries), my main appleID that I use, doesn't have iMovie. I had to sign in with a different ID.

I must say, appleIDs and moving countries are a bad combination!

 

[lclev]

Well I am glad you got it figured out!

Lisa