If apps keep disappearing from your OnePlus 13, you’re not alone. This usually isn’t malware or a serious system failure, but a setting that’s doing exactly what it was designed to do.
The key is identifying which feature is removing apps and turning it off before it happens again.
Why Your OnePlus 13 Is Randomly Deleting Apps
- Storage management is set to remove unused apps automatically.
- Battery optimization is aggressively restricting background apps.
- Google Play is set to auto remove app permissions and data.
- A work profile or secondary user profile is deleting apps.
- A system update reset certain optimization settings.
Check Storage Management Settings.
OnePlus includes smart storage features that can remove apps you haven’t used in a while. This is often the most common reason apps vanish without warning.
- Open Settings, and then tap Storage.
- Tap Storage manager, and then turn off any option related to removing unused apps.
Once disabled, apps will no longer be deleted automatically to save space.
Disable Smart App Management.
Smart app features are meant to improve performance, but they can be too aggressive. When enabled, the system may remove apps it thinks you don’t need.
- Open Settings, and then tap Battery.
- Tap More settings, and then disable Smart app management or similar optimization options.
This ensures apps remain installed even if you do not open them often.
Check Google Play Auto Removal Settings.
Google Play can automatically remove permissions or data from unused apps. In some cases, this behavior can look like apps are being deleted.
- Open Play Store, and then tap your profile icon.
- Tap Settings, and then turn off App permissions auto removal.
This prevents Play Store from interfering with apps you want to keep.
Review Battery Optimization for Apps.
Overly strict battery limits can cause apps to be disabled or removed after system cleanups. Excluding important apps helps keep them installed.
- Open Settings, and then tap Battery.
- Tap App battery management, and then set affected apps to Unrestricted.
Apps set to Unrestricted are less likely to be removed or disabled by the system.
Check for Work Profiles or Multiple Users.
If your OnePlus 13 has a work profile or secondary user, apps may disappear when switching profiles. This is common on phones used for work or school.
- Open Settings, and then tap Passwords and accounts.
- Tap Work profile or Users, and then verify which apps are installed under each profile.
Apps installed in one profile will not appear in another.
Update System Software.
Bugs can also trigger unexpected app behavior. Keeping your phone updated helps prevent system-level issues.
- Open Settings, and then tap About device.
- Tap Software update, and then install any available updates.
A restart after updating helps apply changes correctly.
Random app deletion on the OnePlus 13 is usually caused by optimization features trying to save space or power. Once you disable those features, your apps should stay exactly where you left them.
FAQs
Can a virus cause apps to delete themselves on OnePlus 13?
This is very rare. Most cases are caused by built-in optimization features rather than malware.
Does low storage cause apps to be deleted automatically?
Yes, if smart storage features are enabled. Turning them off prevents automatic removal.
Will factory resetting fix this issue?
It can, but it is rarely necessary. Disabling storage and battery optimizations usually solves the problem without resetting your phone.
