In the world of smartphones, app-related issues are common. You might have come across the suggestion to reinstall an app when troubleshooting problems on your Android or iOS device. But what exactly happens when you decide to go ahead with this solution? Will your data vanish into thin air, or will your account be wiped clean? In this article, we'll delve deep into the process of reinstalling mobile apps, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the implications.
What is Meant by Reinstalling an App
Reinstalling an app is a simple yet effective process that involves uninstalling the application from your device and subsequently reinstalling it. Uninstalling an app equates to its complete removal from your device, necessitating a fresh installation for further use. This means that, upon reinstalling, the app will appear as if you're using it for the first time. On iOS, an interesting alternative to complete uninstallation is offloading, which retains the app data, but we'll discuss this further in detail.
What Happens by Reinstalling an App
Let's explore the key aspects of what transpires when you reinstall an app:
App Data
The fate of your app data varies from one application to another. Some Android apps will wipe the data completely, while others might retain it for your convenience. However, on iOS, app data is not preserved. App data refers to locally stored information on your device, excluding data like social media profiles, posts, or messages, which are securely stored on the respective service provider's servers.
App Settings
Reinstalling an app results in your app settings being reset to default values. This means you'll need to configure your preferences once more after the reinstallation.
Login Details
Be prepared to log out of your account when you reinstall an app. Reauthentication with your account username and password is essential post-reinstallation.
Paid Apps
The good news is that you won't have to repurchase a paid app. As long as you use the same account for download and login, you can continue using the app without any additional charges. For one-time purchases, the app remains yours forever, while subscription-based apps require periodic payments.
Storage
Uninstalling an app frees up storage space by removing the app data, cache, and user data.
Examples of Reinstalling Apps
Here are some real-life examples of what happens when you reinstall popular apps:
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Gallery App: Pre-installed gallery apps like Google Photos or Apple Photos cannot be reinstalled. However, third-party gallery apps can be reinstalled without losing your photos or videos.
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Facebook and Facebook Messenger: Reinstalling these apps requires you to log in again, but your profile, posts, and messages remain unaffected.
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Instagram: Like Facebook, you'll need to log in again, but your profile, followers, and messages are safe. Additionally, any photos or videos you downloaded from Instagram won't be deleted.
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WhatsApp: On Android, you can restore chats from a local backup or Google Drive if you created a backup before uninstalling the app. On iOS, chat restoration is only possible from an iCloud backup. Reinstalling WhatsApp won't affect your WhatsApp groups.
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Games: Just like apps, games retain your data and progress if you were signed into Game Center or another linked account.
How to Reinstall Apps
Now, let's quickly go over how to reinstall apps on Android and iOS:
Reinstalling Apps on Android
- Open your device's Settings.
- Navigate to Apps and select the app you want to uninstall.
- Tap Uninstall, and if you have Stock Android, decide whether to keep app data.
- After uninstallation, open the Play Store and reinstall the app.
Reinstalling Apps on iPhone
- On your iPhone, access the App Library.
- Touch and hold the app icon you wish to uninstall, then select Delete App.
- Confirm the deletion.
- To reinstall, visit the App Store, search for the app, and hit Download.
How to Find Deleted Apps and Reinstall Them
If you've accidentally deleted an app, here's how to retrieve it:
Find and Reinstall Deleted Apps on Android
- Open the Play Store on your device.
- Tap your profile picture, then go to Manage apps & devices.
- Select Manage, then tap Installed and choose Not installed.
- Here, you'll find a list of deleted apps. Select the app you want and hit Install.
Find and Reinstall Deleted Apps on iOS
- Open the App Store on your iPhone.
- Tap your account icon and access Purchased.
- Choose Not on this iPhone to view deleted apps and reinstall by tapping the Download icon.
Keep Your Apps Updated
Reinstalling an app is just one method of resolving issues. Regularly updating your apps is equally crucial to prevent problems from occurring in the first place.
In conclusion, the process of reinstalling mobile apps comes with both advantages and limitations, affecting data, settings, and user experience. Understanding what happens during this procedure can empower you to make informed decisions when troubleshooting app-related issues on your Android or iOS device. So, the next time you consider reinstalling an app, you'll be well-prepared for what lies ahead.
