Losing an app on your iPhone feels like misplacing a small yet essential part of your digital life. One moment, you’re swiping happily through your apps; the next, that vital app has vanished into thin air.
If you’ve ever found yourself frantically searching for how to see recently deleted apps on iPhone, you’re in the right place. Understanding app recovery can be crucial, whether for retrieving a productivity tool, a favorite game, or an unexpectedly disappeared utility.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into streamlined methods to restore those lost apps. From accessing your App Store purchase history to utilizing less-known iOS features like the App Library, each step ensures you regain control.
You’ll also learn about hidden gems like using iTunes for recovery, managing built-in apps, and troubleshooting common issues that might block your recovery attempts.
By the end, you’ll be armed with actionable insights to navigate app recovery like a pro.
How to See Recently Deleted Apps on iPhone: Quick Workflow
Here’s how to see recently deleted apps on your iPhone:
Using the App Store
The easiest way to see deleted apps on your iPhone is through the App Store:
- Open the App Store and tap your profile icon in the top right corner.
- Tap “Purchased.”
- Tap the “Not on this iPhone” tab to see apps that are no longer installed on your device, including recently deleted ones.
- You can use the search bar to find a specific deleted app you’re looking for.
Using Spotlight Search
- Swipe down from the middle of your home screen to open Spotlight Search.
- Type the name of the deleted app and select the App Store icon if it appears in the search results.
Checking Hidden Purchases
If you’ve hidden an app purchase, it won’t show up in your regular purchase history. To view hidden purchases:
- Go to Settings > [your name] > Media & Purchases > View Account.
- Tap “Hidden Purchases” to see a list of apps you’ve hidden.
- Tap “Unhide” next to an app to restore it to your regular purchase history.
Keep in mind that the App Store lists apps in order of purchase date, not deletion date. So the most recently deleted apps may not always be at the top of the “Not on this iPhone” list.
Recovery Methods for iPhone
Using the App Store
So, you’ve misplaced an app? No worries, the App Store is your go-to for recovery. First, fire up the App Store on your iPhone. Second, tap on your Apple ID icon at the top right to open your account settings.
Finally, navigate to the “Purchased” list. This list isn’t just a shopping history—it’s your app recovery goldmine. Scroll through until you spot the apps you’ve mistakenly deleted. Hit that download icon, and like magic, they’re back!
Utilizing the App Library
Ah, the App Library—a feature introduced with iOS 14. This gem efficiently organizes all installed apps, even the hidden ones. Here’s where it gets interesting: you can recover apps that you thought had vanished. Swipe to your last Home Screen to access the App Library.
All your treasures are listed under categories. Search for the app name if it’s hiding. Then, drag it back to your Home Screen. Voila!
Retrieving Apps via iTunes
For those who love the nostalgia of syncing with iTunes, there’s a classic route. Connect your iPhone to your computer.
Open iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later). Click on your device icon. Navigate to “Apps” under the Settings sidebar. Find the missing app, and choose to install it. Sync your device and watch your apps reappear as if they’d never left. This method works wonders if you prefer that old-school vibe.
Handling Hidden and Built-In Apps
Some apps, like Calendars or Maps, might be hidden instead of deleted. They can be recovered too. Head to App Store, tap your Apple ID icon, go to “Purchased” and look for those sneaky apps. Redownload them to make them reappear. For built-in apps, they might need to be re-enabled in settings.
For iOS devices running iOS 14 or later, hidden apps can also be found in the App Library. Search or browse until you find the app, then simply drag it back to where it belongs.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Ever find that an app doesn’t appear even after you’ve restored it? It’s perplexing but solvable. First, check for any restrictions in Settings that might be blocking the app’s visibility. Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions. Ensure apps aren’t restricted.
Permissions can also cause hiccups. Ensure the app has all the necessary permissions enabled. Navigate to Settings > Privacy, and toggle permissions as needed.
Recovery Methods for Android
Using Google Play Store
Ever hit uninstall on an app and immediately regretted it? You’re not alone. Head over to the Google Play Store—your first line of defense.
To access your uninstall history, open the Play Store, then tap on your profile icon at the top right. Select “My apps & games,” then go to the “Library” tab. Here, you’ll find a list of all the apps you’ve ever installed with your Google account. Find the app you deleted, tap “Install,” and it’s back, just like that. No spells required.
Recovering APK Files
Now, let’s get into the guts of it—APK files. These are the raw files for Android apps, like .exe files for Windows. Knowing how to handle APKs can be a lifesaver, especially when an app disappears.
Recovery tools like DroidKit can dive into your device’s storage and pull out those elusive APKs. Install DroidKit on your computer, connect your Android device, and follow the prompts to find and recover deleted APK files. It’s like being a digital archaeologist uncovering lost treasures in your file system.
Advanced Recovery Tools
For those apps that are stubborn about coming back, PhoneRescue steps into the picture. This tool offers a deeper dive into app recovery, including app data.
To get into the nitty-gritty, you might need to root your Android device. Rooting opens up a whole new level of access. Be cautious, though—rooting isn’t for the faint-hearted and can void warranties. Download and install PhoneRescue, connect your device, follow the on-screen instructions, and voila! You can even recover app data that was believed to be long gone.
FAQs and Troubleshooting
Got a Samsung device and can’t find your app? Head to Galaxy Store—some apps are exclusive or optimized there. Check your app’s download history. If you’re still puzzled, backtrack to Google Play Store and repeat the “My apps & games” search.
After reinstalling, you might find your apps not behaving as they should. Permissions could be the culprit. Navigate to Settings > Privacy, toggle the necessary permissions, and grant the needed access.
Your app should be running smoothly now. If not, consider using recovery tools like EaseUS MobiSaver for a more aggressive retrieval of lost data and apps. Remember, sometimes the solution is just a couple of taps and permissions away.
Preventative Measures and Best Practices
Setting Up Backups
Picture this: it’s 2 AM, and you’re frantically Googling how to see recently deleted apps on iPhone because that important app just vanished. Avoid the panic attack by setting up regular backups. It’s like having a safety net when you’re tightrope walking over a canyon.
On iOS, automatic backups make this pretty easy. Jump into Settings, tap your name at the top to access iCloud, and then “iCloud Backup.” Make sure it’s toggled on. Your iPhone will backup data every time it’s plugged in, locked, and connected to Wi-Fi. Essentially, it’s like your device is whispering sweet reassurances while you sleep.
On Android, it’s under your Google account. Navigate to System > Backup and ensure “Back up to Google Drive” is enabled. This keeps a shadow copy of your app data, ready to swoop in when disaster strikes.
Managing App Permissions and Restrictions
Prevention is better than cure, they say. Configuring settings to prevent those heart-stopping accidental deletions is crucial.
On iOS, Screen Time is your friend. Access it via Settings and choose Content & Privacy Restrictions. Create restrictions to prevent apps from being deleted, ensuring only you hold the key to such decisions.
With Android, it’s about managing app permissions. Head to Settings > Apps & notifications > App permissions. Specify what each app can and can’t do. This not only keeps your data safe but also makes sure apps don’t wander off without your say-so.
Utilizing Data Recovery and Backup Tools
EaseUS MobiSaver and MobiMover are more than just fancy words—they’re lifesavers. EaseUS MobiSaver dives deep into your device, recovering everything from deleted apps to lost contacts. Think of it as a digital Sherlock Holmes, piecing together your device’s mysteries.
For MobiMover, it’s about efficiency in backups. This tool allows you to transfer and backup iOS data effortlessly. Just connect your device to a computer, run MobiMover, and choose the “Transfer to Computer” option. Your apps, data, and even memories get a digital fortress.
When setting up backups with these tools, connect your device, follow the on-screen prompts, and make sure everything is backed up regularly.
FAQ On How To See Recently Deleted Apps On iPhone
How can I find recently deleted apps on my iPhone?
To locate recently deleted apps, navigate to the App Store. Tap your Apple ID icon, then go to the “Purchased” section. Here, you’ll find all your previously downloaded apps. Look under “Not on this iPhone” to see the ones you’ve deleted.
Can I recover data from a deleted app on an iPhone?
Recovering data from a deleted app depends on the app itself. If it supports iCloud backup, reinstalling the app will restore it with your data. For apps that don’t use iCloud, check if they provide their cloud storage solutions or check your latest backup.
Is it possible to recover built-in iOS apps?
Yes, you can restore built-in iOS apps like Calendars and Maps. Go to the App Store, search for the app by name, and tap the download icon. Built-in apps are always available for reinstallation.
How do I prevent accidental app deletion?
Activate “Screen Time” in your settings. Under Content & Privacy Restrictions, toggle off the deletion of apps. This adds an extra step before any app can be deleted, thus avoiding accidental deletions.
Do deleted apps appear in iCloud backups?
Yes, if the app uses iCloud for data storage and you have iCloud Backup enabled. Navigate to iCloud settings and check under “Manage Storage” to ensure your app data is backed up before re-downloading the app.
Can I see a list of all apps I have ever downloaded?
Absolutely. Open the App Store, tap your profile icon, then go to “Purchased.” Under “My Purchases,” you will see all the apps linked to your Apple ID, including those deleted from your device.
How do I recover an app that was deleted in a factory reset?
Post-factory reset, open the App Store. Tap your profile icon and go to “Purchased.” From here, you can reinstall any app linked to your Apple ID. Ensure iCloud backups are enabled to recover the associated app data.
How do I automatically back up my apps?
To ensure your apps are regularly backed up, enable “iCloud Backup.” Under settings, tap your Apple ID > iCloud > iCloud Backup. This will back up your apps and data whenever the iPhone is charging, locked, and on Wi-Fi.
Does reinstalling an app cost money if I previously purchased it?
Re-downloading a previously purchased app from the App Store is free, as long as you use the same Apple ID. You can find these apps in the “Purchased” section under your profile.
Can I recover app data without a backup?
Without a backup, app data recovery is challenging. Some apps may retain user data in their cloud storage. Reinstall the app and log in; you might get lucky. For a more thorough recovery, use data recovery tools like EaseUS MobiSaver.
Conclusion
Coming full circle on discovering how to see recently deleted apps on iPhone, the methods boil down to leveraging the robust tools at your disposal—whether it’s diving into the App Store, navigating the App Library, or even utilizing iTunes. Each approach offers a gateway to recover what’s seemingly lost, ensuring you regain your productivity and peace of mind.
When you accidentally delete an app or fall victim to device glitches, understanding these recovery paths is empowering. Access your Apple ID, and inspect the “Purchased” list, or resort to backup utilities for those elusive scenarios.
Remember:
- Use Screen Time to prevent accidental deletions.
- Regularly back up your iPhone via iCloud.
- Check the App Library for easily accessible recoveries.
- Root around in iTunes for deeper dives.
- Understand that data recovery tools also play a role.
Combining these preventative measures with proactive recovery strategies equips you with a foolproof plan to maintain your app ecosystem seamlessly.
If you liked this article about how to see recently deleted apps on iPhone, you should check out this article about how to hide apps on iPhone.
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With over a decade in the tech field, Bogdan blends technical expertise with insights on business innovation in technology.
A regular contributor to TMS Outsource's blog, where you'll find sharp analyses on software development, tech business strategies, and global tech dynamics.
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