How to Restore a Deleted Power Apps Canvas App (Step-by-Step with PowerShell)

Accidentally deleted a Power Apps canvas app?

Yeah… that “oh no” moment is real, I know I did it last Tuesday while on a flight. Whoops!

The good news: you can restore a deleted Power Apps app

The bad news: Microsoft doesn’t give you a button to do it

Instead, you’ll use PowerShell and it’s actually pretty easy once you know how.

Quick Answer

To restore a deleted Power Apps canvas app:

1. Install Power Apps PowerShell modules

2. Run Add-PowerAppsAccount to sign in

3. Run Get-AdminDeletedPowerAppsList to find the app

4. Copy the App Name (GUID)

5. Run Get-AdminRecoverDeletedPowerApp

6. Provide App Name and Environment ID

Notes:

• Deleted apps can be recovered for up to ~28 days

• Requires Power Platform Admin or Global Admin

• Restored app will have a timestamp added to name but same link works

Before we continue, if you are more of a visual leaner then here is a YouTube video of me doing all of these steps: How to Restore a Deleted Power Apps Canvas App Step by Step

Can You Restore a Deleted Power Apps Canvas App?

Yes, but only if:

• The app was deleted within ~28 days

• You have admin permissions

• You use PowerShell (not the UI)

There is no restore button in the Power Apps interface.

Where People Look First (But Won’t Find It)

Let’s save you some time and frustration, I already checked all of these places.

Power Platform Admin Center ❌

No way to restore individual apps

Restore Environment ❌

Restores everything, which is not practical

Power Automate Admin Actions ❌

No restore actions exists

COE Toolkit ❌

No recovery option

At this point most people assume the app is gone forever! UGH.

What You Need Before You Start

• Windows + PowerShell

• Power Platform Admin or Global Admin access

Step 1: Install Power Apps PowerShell Modules

Run PowerShell as Administrator and install:

Install-Module -Name Microsoft.PowerApps.Administration.PowerShell
Install-Module -Name Microsoft.PowerApps.PowerShell -AllowClobber

If you are prompted about trusting repository PSGallery click Y if you trust it (I do) to allow the install to continue. It will not work if you say no.

Step 2: Sign In to Power Apps

This will cause a pop-up screen where you need to choose your M365 Account that has permissions to do the restore.

Add-PowerAppsAccount

Step 3: List Deleted Power Apps

Now we want to find the app. Use the following Screenshot to put the puzzle together.

First enter the cmdlet in the PowerShell window. (Shown with red underline)

Get-AdminDeletedPowerAppsList

Now, you’ll need your Environment ID (Shown with green highlighter)

How to Find Your Environment ID

In a browser go to the home of Power Apps and from the URL (between /e/ and /a/). Remember you need to be in the environment where you deleted the app from. Also, in green is my ID, it will not work for you. 🙃

Step 4: Restore the Deleted App

From PowerShell enter this cmdlet.

Get-AdminRecoverDeletedPowerApp

Enter YOUR values for:

• App Name (Yellow Above)

• Environment ID (Green Above)

Step 5: Wait for the App to Reappear

• Usually takes 5 minutes

• Refresh your apps list

What Gets Restored?

This is the best part:

• App returns

• Version history remains

• Connections still work

• App functions normally

• The name will include “restored” + timestamp

❓ FAQ

How long can you restore a deleted Power Apps app?

Up to ~28 days after deletion.

Can a maker restore a deleted Power Apps app?

No. You must be a Power Platform Admin or Global Admin.

Is there a restore button in Power Apps?

No. You must use PowerShell.

Does restoring an app bring back data and connections?

Yes. In most cases, connections and version history remain intact.

Can you restore a Power Apps app without PowerShell?

No, PowerShell is currently the only supported method.

Quick Recap

• Deleted Power Apps apps are recoverable

• Recovery window is ~28 days

• No UI option exists

• PowerShell is required

• Use:

  • Get-AdminDeletedPowerAppsList

  • Get-AdminRecoverDeletedPowerApp

Need Help with Power Apps?

If you want help building, fixing, or avoiding disasters like this:

PowerApps911 can help with:

• Consulting

• Training

• Governance

• Troubleshooting

Basically… everything you wish you had before clicked delete.