How to Find Recently Deleted Apps on Android and iOS
Accidentally deleting an app can be frustrating, especially if you rely on it for important tasks or entertainment. Fortunately, both Android and iOS devices provide ways to view your recently deleted apps and potentially restore them. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to find recently deleted apps on various Android and iOS devices, as well as provide answers to frequently asked questions.
Finding Recently Deleted Apps on Android
Using the Google Play Store
The easiest way to find recently deleted apps on Android is through the Google Play Store. Here’s how:
- Open the Google Play Store app and tap on your profile picture in the top-right corner.
- Select “Manage apps & device” or “My apps & games.”
- Tap on the “Manage” tab at the top of the screen.
- Tap on the “Installed” drop-down menu and select “Not installed.”
- You will now see a list of all the apps that have been deleted from your device. To filter by recently deleted apps, tap on the “Sort” option and select “Last updated.”
Using the Galaxy Store (Samsung Devices)
If you have a Samsung device, you can also check the Galaxy Store for recently deleted apps:
- Open the Galaxy Store app and tap on the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom-right corner.
- Select “My apps.”
- Tap on the filter icon in the top-right corner and deselect “Show installed apps.”
- You will now see a list of all the apps that have been deleted from your device. Unfortunately, the Galaxy Store does not provide a way to filter by recently deleted apps.
Finding Recently Deleted Apps on iOS
Using the App Store
To find recently deleted apps on an iOS device, follow these steps:
- Open the App Store app and tap on your profile picture in the top-right corner.
- Select “Purchased.”
- Tap on the “Not on this iPhone” or “Not on this iPad” tab.
- You will now see a list of all the apps that have been deleted from your device. To filter by recently deleted apps, tap on the “Sort” option and select “Recently Updated.”
Using the Offloaded Apps Feature
iOS also has a feature called “Offload Unused Apps” that can help you find recently deleted apps. Here’s how it works:
- Go to Settings > General > iPhone/iPad Storage.
- Scroll down and you will see a list of your installed apps, including any that have been offloaded.
- Tap on an offloaded app to see when it was last used and how much storage space it takes up.
- To reinstall an offloaded app, simply tap on the “Download” button next to it.
Recovering Deleted App Data
If you have deleted an app but want to recover its data, there are a few options:
Using Cloud Backups
Many apps now offer cloud backup services that allow you to restore your data if you delete the app or switch to a new device. Check the settings of the app you deleted to see if it offers a cloud backup option.
Using Third-Party Recovery Tools
There are also third-party recovery tools available that can scan your device’s storage for deleted files and data. Some popular options include DroidKit for Android and PhoneRescue for iOS. Keep in mind that these tools may require root or jailbreak access to your device.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I restore a paid app I deleted without paying again?
Yes, if you originally purchased the app through the Google Play Store or App Store, you can reinstall it without paying again. The stores keep a record of your purchases.
2. How long do deleted apps stay in the Google Play Store or App Store?
Deleted apps typically remain in your purchase history indefinitely, but the stores may remove them after a certain period of time if they are no longer available for download.
3. Can I restore an app that is no longer available in the Google Play Store or App Store?
If an app has been permanently removed from the stores, you may not be able to reinstall it. However, you may be able to find the APK file for the app from a trusted third-party source and sideload it onto your device.
4. Will I lose my app data if I reinstall a deleted app?
It depends on whether the app used cloud backup to save your data. If it did, your data should be restored when you reinstall the app. If not, you may lose your data unless you have a backup from before you deleted the app.
5. How can I prevent accidentally deleting apps in the future?
Be careful when rearranging your home screen or using the “Uninstall” option in the app drawer. You can also turn on the “Ask to Buy” feature in the Family Sharing settings of the App Store to require approval before downloading apps.
Conclusion
Losing a valuable app can be frustrating, but with the methods outlined in this guide, you should be able to find and potentially restore recently deleted apps on your Android or iOS device. Remember to always back up your important app data to the cloud or a local backup to avoid losing it if you need to delete an app in the future.For more information on the Google Play Store and its features, you can refer to the Wikipedia page on the Google Play Store.
