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strange app in cellular settings using data, can't delete, not shown in device apps

I discovered an app using data in the cellular settings for my iPhone 12 Pro Max.

The app shows no settings and is not listed in Device apps or the App Store. The app has on/off settings only for cellular data. I reset my iPhone and restored from a backup but of course that did not remove this device/app whatever it is. How can I remove the app off of the iPhone. Do I need a new SIM card? What would a new SIM card accomplish?

I no longer have a back up of the iPhone prior to the appearance of this app. So I can only reset the iPhone but not selectively restore data. I also have the iCloud turned off for the last couple of weeks and moved a lot of data out of it. I am also getting a lot of errors when I try to reset or restore the device. I've worked around those, but ultimately only got the phone back to where it was when I back it up a few hours ago. How do you clean out apps from Cellular that are not present on the device but show up in cellular data use screen where you can turn on or off if a device has access to cell data?

iPhone 12 Pro Max

Posted on Jan 1, 2023 8:11 PM

Reply
4 replies

Jan 5, 2023 12:50 PM in response to Lawrence Finch

Thank you for your reply. I have since discovered that the offending app is the new iOS wallpaper “Astronomy” which I did not add or turn on but I as part of one of the most recent iOS updates. It consumes cellular data even if you haven’t turned that wallpaper screen background on. I also noticed another peculiarity of a user in one of my spouse’s special interest group posts that was familiar to me as a deep internet security person I met a couple years ago. Seemed unlikely to me. But I am certain now the app is legitimate though “spooky” if you know what I mean. Tried turning off apps. Cell phone doesn’t work if you turn off the snooping apps. This is a photo of the app that only displayed in the context of the menu of apps enabled under “Cellular” data use menu. It was enabled by default even though I had not used it nor installed it. It doesn’t show in Apple Apps and is not discussed in the updates notes that I could find. It just sorta appeared and could not be uninstalled. A phone company help person had me turn it off and assured me it couldn’t use data while off but referred me to Apple Store for help. My spouse found information online that gave some explanation. But I have lost confidence in Apple security based on this and other family experiencing cellular hacking on cruise ships and international travels. You can’t tell the good guys from the bad anymore.

APP>>>>

Jan 2, 2023 5:25 PM in response to Karioke94

Hello Karioke94,


Welcome to Apple Support Communities!

We want to help you manage your cellular data usage.


You should be able to reset your app usage statics with these steps:

  • "You can view the data-usage statistics for an app from a current period, or view app data statistics for apps that use data when you were roaming. To reset these statistics, go to Settings > Cellular or Settings > Mobile Data, and tap Reset Statistics."


This Apple Support page has the full details: Use cellular data on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

Or you might need to wait until the next period since the app has used data in this period.


We hope this helps to reset your statics if needed to help remove the old app data.

Cheers!

strange app in cellular settings using data, can't delete, not shown in device apps

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