How to Get Your Free iLife & iWork iOS Apps After Restoring from a Backup

The day I picked up my iPhone 5S was a very exciting day. I had taken all the correct steps in backing up my old device so that after a quick restore-from-backup (which turned into half an hour), I was right at home on the new hardware.

Having such a speedy, new fingerprint scanning device must have distracted me, because it took nearly a full week before I realized I had not taken advantage of the free downloads that came with the new hardware purchase.

During the keynote where the new iPhone 5S and 5C were announced, it was also stated that iMovie, iPhoto, Pages, Numbers, and Keynote would be available as free downloads for all of the new iOS devices purchased after September 1, 2013.

So, off to the App Store I went wanting to download $40 of free Apple apps. To my surprise, the full price was listed.

Not to worry—I found the solution and it is very easy.

How It Should Have Worked

During the keynote, it was stated that users activating a new, qualifying device would be prompted during setup to download these 5 iLife and iWork iOS apps.

Since I restored from backup, the device went through the modified setup process and no prompt for the free download was given.

Step 1: Search the App Store

As I stated above, a simple search of the App Store will show the apps. This has been all that is required for some users. If the price tag says "free," grab it while you can! Otherwise move on to the next step...

Step 2: Sign Out, Sign In

This is how I managed to get the freebies. On your qualifying device (iPhone 5S, iPhone 5C, iPod touch 5th Gen, or iPad with iOS 7 that has been activated after Sept 1, 2013), go into...

• Setting > iTunes & App Store > Apple ID:... > Sign Out

After signing out, sign right back in with the same Apple ID. You can now navigate back to the App Store and download the iWork and iLife iOS apps for free (sadly Garage Band is not included in this offer).

Enjoy.