Deleted app returns after iPhone restart

Question

Level 1

24 points

Deleted app returns after iPhone restart

Running an iPhone 6s with iOS 10.0.2 but this problem has existed for a few years through 3 iPhones (4,5, and 6) and numerous iOS versions.

I removed an app from my phone the normal way (wiggle>X).

Every time I restart my iPhone, for any reason, the app returns.

I could not locate the app in iTunes and I could not find a related ipa to delete.

It seems to return with any restore.

The app is an old version of FilmOn.

Any suggestions on how to finally and permanently get rid of it?

iPhone 6s, iOS 10.0.2

Posted on Sep 26, 2016 1:30 PM

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Answer 1

Pmintz25

Level 4

2,058 points

Oct 4, 2016 1:45 PM in response to PhilC50

You could always try restoring the iPhone if it becomes too bothersome.

You would back up your iPhone to a computer with iTunes (not just iCloud as it doesn't back up text messages and other items), then restore the iPhone to factory settings, and finally restoring your backup.

Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch from a backup - Apple Support

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Answer 2

Pmintz25

Level 4

2,058 points

Sep 26, 2016 1:36 PM in response to PhilC50

Check Settings > General > Storage & iCloud Usage > Manage Storage > see if the app is actually taking up space on your phone.

Resetting the AppStore cache may help. I would delete the app, then open the AppStore.

Tap ten times in any of the bottom five sections, and the AppStore will "refresh." The AppStore may be telling your phone to download the app as a result of a cache error.

Seems odd that it would download an app that doesn't exist anymore.

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Answer 3

PhilC50 Author

Level 1

24 points

Sep 30, 2016 12:49 PM in response to PhilC50

No. It is a bookmark that was saved to the Home Screen. The bookmark does not exist inside Safari. Although I can delete it from the home screen by holding for the wiggle and pressing the X, it returns whenever the iPhone is restarted.

Crazy.

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Answer 4

PhilC50 Author

Level 1

24 points

Sep 28, 2016 8:38 AM in response to Pmintz25

Thanks for the quick reply.

I have dealt with this so long, I just delete the app shortcut when I restart my phone almost as habit. 🙂

However, you did make me start thinking again.

I did not see the app in my Storage usage so I actually clicked on the app icon and found that it is NOT an app. It is a bookmark to filmon.com. This explains the absence in my apps listing and lack of an ipa.

So maybe there is something else I should be looking for? What could make a deleted shortcut return to the screen?

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Answer 5

Pmintz25

Level 4

2,058 points

Sep 30, 2016 1:56 PM in response to PhilC50

Try resetting the Home Screen layout. It will change the organization of your apps so only do it if you don't mind rearranging your apps. My hope is there is a bad cache related to the bookmark that will get cleared out when you reset the Home Screen.

Settings > General > Reset > Reset Home Screen Layout

Also, instead of shutting the phone down normally, try holding the Home button and the Power button for about 8 seconds until the phone turns off. Then turn it back on. This works for me better than a normal shut down when I have app issues.

Lastly, you could simply try synching the phone with iTunes. That tends to help me if I notice issues with storage capacity so it may help here.

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