Have you ever accidentally deleted an app from your iPhone and then struggled to remember what it was? Whether you removed an app by mistake, needed to free up space, or just want to revisit old apps you’ve used before, Apple offers simple ways to check recently deleted apps and restore them. In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through how to see recently deleted apps on iPhone, how to reinstall them, and even how to track app history using your Apple ID.
Why Would You Want to See Recently Deleted Apps?
There are several reasons why you might want to view or recover recently deleted apps on your iPhone:
- Accidental Deletion: You may have deleted an app without realizing it.
- Memory Management: You uninstalled apps to save space and now want them back.
- Reinstalling Favorites: You’re setting up a new device and want to reinstall essential apps.
- Parental Monitoring: You want to track apps that your child has removed from a shared iPhone or iPad.
Fortunately, iOS has built-in tools that help you see which apps you’ve installed — and deleted — using your App Store history.
Method 1: Use the App Store Purchase History
This is the easiest and most direct method to see recently deleted apps:
Steps:
- Open the App Store on your iPhone.
- Tap your profile icon in the top-right corner.
- Select Purchased.
- Tap My Purchases if you’re on a Family Sharing account.
- Tap the Not on this iPhone tab.
This section shows all the apps that you have downloaded before but are not currently installed on your device — including the recently deleted ones.
You can scroll through the list to find the app, and if you recognize it, simply tap the download icon (cloud with arrow) to reinstall it.
Pros:
- Fast and reliable.
- Syncs with your Apple ID across devices.
- Works even if the app was deleted weeks or months ago.
Cons:
- Doesn’t show the exact date when the app was deleted.
- Only works for apps downloaded using your Apple ID.
Method 2: Use iPhone Settings to Check Screen Time or App Limits
If you’ve enabled Screen Time, it may help you figure out which apps were recently deleted.
Steps:
- Go to Settings > Screen Time.
- Tap See All Activity under Daily or Weekly report.
- Look for apps that appear in the usage list but aren’t on your phone anymore.
If an app appears in this report but you can’t find it on your phone, it’s likely been deleted.
Pros:
- Helps you identify apps you were actively using.
- Great for parental controls and monitoring.
Cons:
- Doesn’t show a complete history.
- Only works if Screen Time was enabled before the app was deleted.
Method 3: Check Notifications and App Suggestions
iOS sometimes keeps residual notifications for deleted apps, or Siri might continue suggesting apps you’ve recently used. If you recently deleted an app and haven’t restarted your device:
- Check your Notification Center for app alerts.
- Swipe down on your home screen to activate Siri Search and type the name of the app.
If you see the app name with a cloud icon next to it, it’s not currently installed — but can be quickly re-downloaded.
Method 4: Use iCloud Backup or iTunes Backup (for Advanced Users)
If you perform regular iPhone backups to iCloud or your computer via iTunes/Finder, you might be able to restore deleted apps from a backup.
⚠️ Note: Restoring a backup will also revert other changes made after the backup date.
iCloud Restore:
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
- Set up your iPhone and choose Restore from iCloud Backup during setup.
iTunes/Finder Restore:
- Connect your iPhone to your Mac or PC.
- Open Finder (macOS Catalina and later) or iTunes (Windows/macOS Mojave and earlier).
- Select your device and choose Restore Backup.
This restores your iPhone to the backup’s state — including apps.
Extra Tip: Use Third-Party App Managers (Optional)
Apps like iMazing or AnyTrans allow you to view detailed app history and even back up apps individually. These tools are more technical but useful for users who want to maintain full control of their app library.
What If the Deleted App Is No Longer Available?
Sometimes, you may not be able to find the deleted app in the App Store. This usually happens when:
- The developer removed the app from the App Store.
- The app was banned or discontinued.
- It’s an old 32-bit app that isn’t supported on iOS 11 or later.
In such cases, you may not be able to recover the app. However, if it’s essential, consider contacting the developer through their website or support page (if available).
Bonus: How to Prevent Accidental Deletion of Apps
If you frequently delete apps by mistake or want to stop others from deleting apps on your phone:
Enable Restrictions:
- Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions.
- Tap iTunes & App Store Purchases.
- Set Deleting Apps to Don’t Allow.
This feature is especially helpful for kids’ devices or if you’re managing your app layout very carefully.
While iPhones don’t have a traditional “Recycle Bin” for apps, there are several smart ways to track and recover deleted apps. Whether you use the App Store purchase history, Screen Time, or a backup, you’re not completely out of luck if you delete something important.
To summarize:
| Method | Can Recover Deleted App? | Shows Deletion Time? | Easy to Use? |
|---|---|---|---|
| App Store Purchase History | ✅ | ❌ | ✅✅✅ |
| Screen Time | ❌ (only view usage) | ❌ | ✅✅ |
| Notifications/Siri Search | ❌ (suggestive only) | ❌ | ✅ |
| iCloud/iTunes Backup | ✅ | ✅ (if known date) | ⚠️ Advanced |
| Third-party tools | ✅ (some) | ✅ | ⚠️ Paid |
Being familiar with these options can save you time, reduce stress, and help you better manage your app ecosystem. So next time you’re wondering how to see recently deleted apps on iPhone, just follow this guide and you’ll be back on track in minutes.