It's not unheard of that you'll accidentally delete an app from your phone. It happens to the best of us. During my uncluttering sprees, I toss out apps I haven't used in a while — only to need them back later. Sometimes, I forget their names, and it just makes you wish for a dedicated menu that keeps a log of previously downloaded apps.
Luckily, the Google Play Store has a menu that helps you manage your apps. You'll see apps installed on your device, those that need updating, and those not installed. The apps not installed are the ones you want, and here's how to get them back.
How to retrieve deleted apps from the Google Play Store
The “Not installed” section in the Play Store's “Manage apps & device” menu is your app download history. It displays every app you installed in the past with your Google account on that device. You'll be able to tap and reinstall them.
Don't expect to see your account information or app data. You lost them the moment you uninstalled the app. But if you made a cloud or local backup of app-related files beforehand, you may be able to get back your data. Follow the steps below to recover your apps:
Note: Google Play Store may contain bugs that won't let you reinstall a deleted app. Check that the store is up-to-date. Then try clearing its cache and storage, or force-stopping it.
- Open the Google Play Store app. Then tap your profile photo in the top right corner.
2. Ensure that you're logged into the account that hosted the deleted app. Then go to Manage apps & device > Manage. You should see a list of all your apps.
3. Tap Installed to expand dropdown options. Then select Not installed to view only deleted apps.
4. Tap an app to open its information page. Then tap Install to recover it. Alternatively, use the checkboxes beside the apps. Then tap the download button in the top right corner to install an app or more at once.
Although the Google Play Store shows you app sizes before you download, they're estimates of the initial download. Check that your phone has enough storage to hold the app and its additional in-app data.
Never lose an app again on Android
The Google Play Store houses numerous apps, ranging from alarm clocks, Reddit integrated apps and e-book readers. So, even if you don't find the app you originally lost, there are alternatives that work similarly. Taking the time to explore the store may lead you to hidden gems.
If you must retrieve the exact app you lost, and the store has removed it, get the Android Package Kit (APK) from third-party websites. That is if you remember its name. It's something to deliberate as such apps bring security concerns. Third-party APK websites may carry malware that can steal your data, harm your device, or provide apps that don't work properly.
