How to restore deleted apps on android?

By HotBotUpdated: August 14, 2024

Answer

Accidentally deleting an app from your Android device can be a frustrating experience, especially if you rely on that app for daily tasks or entertainment. Fortunately, restoring deleted apps on Android is generally a straightforward process. This comprehensive guide will walk you through various methods to recover your apps, including using the Google Play Store, APK files, and other alternative methods. Read on to explore all the avenues to restore your deleted apps.

Using Google Play Store

Accessing Your Library on Google Play Store

The Google Play Store maintains a record of all the apps you have ever downloaded using your Google account. To restore a deleted app:

Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device.
Tap on the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the upper-left corner.
Select My apps & games.
Navigate to the Library tab. Here, you will see a list of all the apps you have previously downloaded but are not currently installed.
Find the app you want to restore and tap the Install button next to it.

Reinstalling Purchased Apps

If the deleted app is one you had purchased, there is no need to buy it again:

Continue

Follow the same steps to access the Library in the Google Play Store.
Find your purchased app and tap on it.
Click on the Install button to reinstall the app. Since you have already purchased it, you won't be charged again.

Using Backup and Restore Features

Google Drive Backup

Many Android devices come with built-in backup features that use Google Drive to save your app data, settings, and even the apps themselves:

Open Settings on your Android device.
Navigate to System > Backup.
Ensure that the Back up to Google Drive option is enabled.
To restore apps from a backup, perform a factory reset by going to Settings > System > Reset options > Erase all data (factory reset).
During the setup process, choose to restore from your Google Drive backup. This will reinstall your apps and restore your settings.

OEM-Specific Backup Solutions

Some manufacturers offer their own backup solutions, such as Samsung Smart Switch or Xiaomi's Mi Cloud. To use these services:

Download and install the relevant backup and restore app from the Google Play Store if it's not already pre-installed.
Follow the app-specific instructions to restore your apps and data from a backup.

Using APK Files

Finding and Downloading APK Files

APK files are the installation files for Android apps. If you can't find the app in the Google Play Store, you can download the APK file from trusted sources:

Search for the APK file of the deleted app on reputable websites like APKMirror or APKPure.
Download the APK file to your device.
Before installing, make sure to enable Install Unknown Apps by going to Settings > Security > Install Unknown Apps and granting permission to your browser or file manager.
Open the downloaded APK file and follow the prompts to install the app.

Alternative Methods

Using Third-Party App Recovery Tools

There are various third-party tools available that claim to help you recover deleted apps and data. Some popular ones include:

EaseUS MobiSaver: A comprehensive tool that can recover deleted apps, photos, videos, contacts, and more. It requires a computer for recovery.
Dr.Fone - Data Recovery: Another powerful tool that offers app and data recovery options. It also requires a computer.

To use these tools:

Download and install the software on your computer.
Connect your Android device to your computer via USB cable.
Follow the on-screen instructions provided by the software to scan for and recover deleted apps.

Contacting App Developers

If the app you deleted is no longer available on the Google Play Store or through APK files, consider contacting the app developers. They might provide you with an APK file or guidance on how to restore the app.

To find the developer's contact information:

Search for the app on the Google Play Store.
Scroll down to the Developer contact section.
Send an email to the developer explaining your situation and requesting assistance.

Precautions and Tips

Regular Backups

Regularly backing up your apps and data can save you from the hassle of restoring deleted apps in the future. Use Google Drive or OEM-specific backup solutions to keep your data safe.

App Lockers

Using app lockers can prevent accidental deletion of important apps. These apps require a password or fingerprint authentication to uninstall protected apps.

Keep Your APK Files

If you frequently use apps that are not available on the Google Play Store, keep a backup of their APK files on your device or cloud storage.

By exploring these methods, you can easily restore your deleted apps on Android, ensuring that you always have access to the tools and entertainment you need. Whether you rely on the Google Play Store, backup solutions, or third-party tools, there's a method that will work for you.