Sobes.tech
Junior — Middle

Is it possible to save application information when reinstalling on a device?

sobes.tech AI

Answer from AI

During a standard reinstallation of an iOS app, data stored in its sandbox (for example, in UserDefaults, files, or databases within the app) is deleted along with the app. However, it is possible to preserve information by using external storage that is independent of the app installation:

  • iCloud (Key-Value Storage, CloudKit) — data is stored in the cloud and accessible after reinstallation.
  • Keychain — data stored in the keychain remains even after the app is deleted, unless manually cleared.
  • External databases or servers — data is stored outside the device.

Example of using Keychain to save a token that will remain after reinstallation:

import KeychainAccess

let keychain = Keychain(service: "com.example.myapp")

// Saving
try? keychain.set("userToken123", key: "authToken")

// Retrieving
let token = try? keychain.get("authToken")

Thus, to preserve data during reinstallation, it is necessary to use storage outside the app's sandbox.