Accidentally deleted an important app? You’re not alone! Every day, people remove apps they later need, whether it’s a game they enjoyed, a productivity tool, or an app they simply forgot the name of.
The good news is that finding recently deleted apps is possible on any device using built-in tools or simple third-party solutions. This comprehensive guide will show you exactly how to see recently deleted apps on Android, Windows, and iPhone, with step-by-step instructions that anyone can follow.
How to See Recently Deleted Apps on Android?
Android devices make it relatively easy to find recently deleted apps through the Google Play Store. If you’re wondering how to see recently deleted apps on android, follow these simple steps:
Using Google Play Store:
- Open the Google Play Store app on your device
- Tap your profile picture in the top-right corner
- Select “Manage apps & device”
- Tap the “Manage” tab
- Look for the “Installed” dropdown menu and select “Not installed”
- You’ll now see all apps you’ve previously downloaded but aren’t currently installed
This method works for most apps downloaded from the Play Store. To find recently deleted apps, simply scroll through the list and tap “Install” next to any app you want to recover.
Using Third-Party Recovery Tools: For apps not downloaded from the Play Store (like APK files), you might need a recovery tool. Apps like DroidKit or PhoneRescue can scan your device deeply and show recently deleted apps that aren’t visible through the Play Store.
Check for Hidden Apps: Sometimes apps aren’t actually deleted but just hidden. To check this:
- Go to your device’s Settings
- Tap “Apps” or “Applications”
- Look for a menu option to “Hide apps” or “Show hidden apps”
- Unhide any apps you want to see again
How to See Recently Deleted Apps on Windows?
Windows users have several options when it comes to finding recently deleted apps. The process for how to see recently deleted apps on windows is different from mobile devices but still manageable.
Using Event Viewer:
- Right-click the Start button and select “Event Viewer”
- In the left pane, expand “Windows Logs” and click “Application”
- In the center pane, click the “Source” column header to sort by source
- Look for events with “MsiInstaller” as the source
- These events show when apps were installed or uninstalled
This method helps with finding recently deleted apps by showing you the uninstallation history, though it won’t help you recover the apps directly.
Using System Restore:
- Type “Control Panel” in the Windows search bar and open it
- In the Control Panel search box, type “recovery”
- Select “Recovery” and then “Open System Restore”
- Choose a restore point from before you deleted the app
- Click “Scan for affected programs” to see what will be restored
- Click “Next” and then “Finish” to restore your system
System Restore can recover recently deleted apps, but it will also undo other system changes made after that point.
Using Third-Party Recovery Software: Tools like Disk Drill or Recuva can help recover deleted program files. These tools scan your hard drive for traces of deleted applications and can often recover them completely.
How to See Recently Deleted Apps on iPhone?
iPhone users have several built-in options to show recently deleted apps. Apple’s ecosystem makes it straightforward to find and recover apps you’ve removed.
Using App Store Purchase History:
- Open the App Store on your iPhone
- Tap your profile picture in the top-right corner
- Select “Purchased”
- Choose “My Purchases” to see all apps you’ve ever downloaded
- Tap “Not on this iPhone” to filter for deleted apps
- Find the app you want and tap the cloud icon to reinstall
This method will show me my deleted apps and let me recover them with just a few taps.
Using the App Library:
- Swipe left past your last home screen to reach the App Library
- Tap the search bar at the top
- Type the name of the app you’re looking for
- If it appears but isn’t installed, tap and hold the icon
- Select “Download App” to reinstall it
The App Library is a great way to show recently deleted apps without having to scroll through your entire purchase history.
Using iCloud Backup: If you have an iCloud backup from before you deleted the app:
- Go to Settings > General > Reset
- Select “Erase All Content and Settings”
- Set up your iPhone again and choose “Restore from iCloud Backup”
- Select the backup from before you deleted the app
This method should be your last resort, as it will restore your entire device to an earlier state.
Finding Recently Deleted Apps by Platform
| Platform | Best Method | Time Required | Success Rate |
| Android | Google Play Store | 2-3 minutes | 95% |
| Windows | Event Viewer | 5-10 minutes | 80% |
| iPhone | App Store Purchase History | 2-3 minutes | 98% |
This table shows the quickest ways to show recent deleted apps on each platform. For most users, the built-in store or app management system is the fastest way to recover recently deleted apps.
Common Mistakes When Recovering Deleted Apps
When trying to find recently deleted apps, people often make these mistakes:
Waiting Too Long: The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to recover deleted apps. Some systems only keep app history for a limited time, and recovery tools work best when used soon after deletion.
Using Unreliable Third-Party Tools: Not all recovery apps are created equal. Some might contain malware or make promises they can’t keep. Stick to well-known tools with good reviews.
Not Checking the Right Places: Many users don’t know about the “Not installed” section in app stores or the Event Viewer in Windows. These are often the easiest places to find deleted apps.
Forgetting Account Sync: Make sure you’re signed into the correct account (Google for Android, Apple ID for iPhone) when looking for deleted apps. You won’t see apps downloaded under different accounts.
Pro Tips for App Recovery
Here are some expert tips to make finding recently deleted apps easier:
Regular Backups: Set up automatic backups for your devices. This ensures you can always recover your apps and data if something goes wrong. Android users can use Google One, while iPhone users should use iCloud.
Keep a List: Maintain a simple list of your most important apps. This makes it easier to remember what to look for if something gets deleted accidentally.
Use Built-in Tools First: Before trying third-party solutions, always check the built-in recovery options first. They’re safer, free, and often more effective.
Act Quickly: If you realize you’ve deleted an app by mistake, try to recover it immediately. The sooner you act, the better your chances of success.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I view uninstalled apps in Windows 11?
To view uninstalled apps in Windows 11, open Event Viewer by right-clicking the Start button. Go to Windows Logs > Application, then sort by the Source column and look for “MsiInstaller” entries. These show installation and uninstallation events for programs on your computer.
Is there a history list of apps I’ve uninstalled on Windows?
Yes, Windows keeps a history of installed and uninstalled apps in the Event Viewer. You can access this by opening Event Viewer, navigating to Windows Logs > Application, and filtering for MsiInstaller events. This will show you a chronological list of app installations and uninstallations.
I deleted an app recently but want it back, but I don’t remember what it was called. What should I do?
If you don’t remember the app name, check your app store’s “Not installed” or “Purchased” section. On Android, go to Play Store > Manage apps & device > Not installed. On iPhone, go to App Store > Profile > Purchased > Not on this iPhone. Browse through the list to recognize the app visually.
Is there a way to see apps that I have previously installed on Android?
Yes, Google Play Store keeps a complete history of all apps you’ve ever installed on your Android devices. Go to Play Store, tap your profile picture, select “Manage apps & device,” then “Manage,” and change the filter from “Installed” to “Not installed.” This will show all apps you’ve installed but currently don’t have on your device.
How to restore deleted app on my Android phone?
To restore a deleted app on Android, open the Google Play Store, tap your profile picture, select “Manage apps & device,” then “Manage.” Change the filter to “Not installed” to see your deleted apps. Find the app you want and tap “Install” to restore it to your device.
How do I find list of recently deleted apps on my iPhone?
To find recently deleted apps on iPhone, open the App Store and tap your profile picture. Select “Purchased” then “My Purchases.” Tap “Not on this iPhone” to see all apps you’ve deleted. You can also check the App Library by swiping left past your last home screen and searching for the app name.
Is there any way to check the install/uninstall history of applications in Windows?
Yes, Windows maintains an install/uninstall history in the Event Viewer. Open Event Viewer, go to Windows Logs > Application, and sort by the Source column. Look for entries from “MsiInstaller” which indicate software installations and uninstallations. You can also use the Reliability History tool in Control Panel for a more user-friendly view.
Conclusion
Finding recently deleted apps doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re using Android, Windows, or iPhone, there are built-in tools that make it easy to recover your favorite applications. The key is knowing where to look and acting quickly when you realize an app is missing.
Remember to check your device’s app store first, use system tools like Event Viewer or System Restore on Windows, and keep regular backups to prevent future app loss. With the methods outlined in this guide, you’ll never have to worry about permanently losing an important app again.
Start by checking your device’s app store today, you might be surprised at how easy it is to get your deleted apps back.
