Unsuccessful iOS 14.5.1 Update: What Happens to Automatically Removed Apps and How to Get Them Back
The process of updating your iOS device can sometimes fail, especially on older models like the iPhone 6s Plus. When an update is interrupted or unsuccessful, iOS may attempt to free up space by removing certain apps automatically. But what exactly happens to these apps, and can you recover them if needed?
Approximate Space Required for iOS 14.5.1 on iPhone 6s Plus
The iPhone 6s Plus might struggle to accommodate the current iOS 14.5.1 update due to limited storage capacity, particularly if it already has many apps installed and a significant amount of data. According to Apple, the iOS 14.5.1 update requires approximately 1.8 GB of free space on your device. If this space requirement is not met, iOS may intervene to clear some space by removing apps related to background tasks, system functionality, or data caches.
What Happens to Automatically Removed Apps
If the update fails and iOS decides to clear space by removing certain apps, it does not permanently delete them. Instead, iOS replaces the removed apps with a kind of alias or placeholder. These placeholders act as a temporary substitute, displaying the same icon as the original app. When the app is clicked, iOS initiates the automatic download and reinstallation process for the original app.
How iOS Creates and Manages Aliases for Removed Apps
When the update fails and iOS removes an app to free up space, the system creates a placeholder with the same icon. This placeholder resides in the same location as the original app would, acting as a proxy. If you click on the placeholder, the system triggers a process to download the app again. This process is designed to be seamless for the user and ensures that essential apps are available again.
Steps to Get Removed Apps Back After an Unsuccessful iOS Update
After an unsuccessful iOS 14.5.1 update, if you notice that certain apps have been removed to make space, follow these steps to get them back:
Check if the app is still listed in the App Store. Sometimes, the app might still be available. If it is, you can simply reinstall it from there.
Look for the placeholder icon in your app drawer or on the search bar. If you click on it, iOS will initiate the download and reinstallation process for the original app.
Ensure that your device is connected to Wi-Fi or has sufficient data plan usage, as reinstallation will consume additional data and space.
Go to the Settings app, then select General, and tap Storage iCloud Usage. Here, you can check the installed apps and available space to determine which apps are missing.
Consider clearing temporary files and deleting unnecessary data to free up more space before attempting the update again. You can also selectively delete apps or parts of apps to avoid conflict with the update process.
Frequent Issues and Solutions to iOS 14.5.1 Update
Several issues commonly arise when attempting to update iOS 14.5.1 on the iPhone 6s Plus. Here are some frequent problems and their solutions:
Update Error Codes and Messages
Error 5201: This often indicates a problem with the device software or a conflict with other apps. Solution: Run a representative reset on your device to clear any saved settings or data that might be causing the conflict.
Error 3258: This error suggests a problem with the device firmware. Solution: Restore the device to factory settings through the Settings app (be sure to back up data first) or attempt a manual wipe and reinstallation process.
Error 2693: This code might indicate a network issue. Solution: Turn off Wi-Fi and attempt the update over a cellular data connection. Alternatively, test your network with another device to ensure it is working correctly.
Conclusion
The process of automatically removing apps to clear space during an iOS update on an iPhone 6s Plus is designed to be halted seamlessly. By understanding this mechanism and following the appropriate steps, you can ensure that your apps remain accessible even when an update fails. Remember to monitor your device's storage and manage your apps regularly to prevent these situations from occurring in the future.