Can I find out what apps I have already downloaded?

paulri · Jan 10, 2016

In an effort to clear up space on my Samsung Galaxy, I uninstalled a bunch of apps. Now I have all the space I need, but I'd like to get that same flashlight app back. Is there a way to find out what apps I have downloaded in the past? I know that flashlight apps are a dime a dozen, but the last ones I've downloaded require extra clicking to turn the light on. The one I found was literally click on, click off, which is what I want--a single click on the home screen, to toggle it on and off.

MLSS · Jan 10, 2016

Just click on the all apps tab in to your play store app. Scan down til you find the app you want to reinstall and download it.

paulri · Jan 10, 2016

Hmmmm went to the My apps & Games menu, then hit All---and I saw plenty that I have installed, and a few that I've uninstalled--but no flashlight app. I see the two that I installed today, but nothing prior to that. Interesting. I know I had a flashlight app installed.

Thanks anyways.

paulri · Jan 10, 2016

Never mind. I just discovered a menu called Widgets. Man learning the ins and outs of a new OS is interesting. OK my old flashlight app is back on the home page.

MLSS · Jan 10, 2016

paulri said:
Never mind. I just discovered a menu called Widgets. Man learning the ins and outs of a new OS is interesting. OK my old flashlight app is back on the home page.

Glad you were able to find it! Don't worry, you will be a pro in no time at all. [emoji217]

Fox Mulder · Jan 10, 2016

The reason you couldn't find it in your downloaded apps list is that the flashlight widget is built into the Samsung version of Android on the Galaxy. So you already had it without having to download anything.
This is actually a very good thing, since a large number of the free flashlight apps are really malware/spyware that you don't want on your phone. Just look at the permissions they want- all that's required for a flashlight is to control the phone's camera flash, but some of those apps have a permissions list as long as your arm.

Mikestony · Jan 10, 2016

Fox Mulder said:
....snipped quote....
...... since a large number of the free flashlight apps are really malware/spyware that you don't want on your phone. Just look at the permissions they want- all that's required for a flashlight is to control the phone's camera flash, but some of those apps have a permissions list as long as your arm.

QFT!

androidmachine · Jan 10, 2016

Fox Mulder said:
This is actually a very good thing, since a large number of the free flashlight apps are really malware/spyware that you don't want on your phone. Just look at the permissions they want- all that's required for a flashlight is to control the phone's camera flash, but some of those apps have a permissions list as long as your arm.

I suspected this. I found out that a flashlight app that I had was running in the background and eating a significant amount of battery even though I had not switched it on in weeks. This despite several reboots. I uninstalled it as soon as I discovered this.

Thom · Jan 10, 2016

CM Flashlights by Cheetah Mobile perhaps?

... Thom

androidmachine · Jan 10, 2016

Thom said:
CM Flashlights by Cheetah Mobile perhaps?

... Thom

I don't think so. It was just an unassuming generic flashlight app I downloaded. I haven't had any Cheetah Mobile apps on my devices since they started wanting me to install a whole bunch of stuff which I was unwilling to do. At that time, I recognized them as not something I wanted on my device.

Can I find out what apps I have already downloaded?

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