App state persists after uninstall when installed via Google Play Store #647
Description
Checklist
- I am able to reproduce the bug with the latest version given here: CLICK THIS LINK.
- I made sure that there are no existing issues - open or closed - which I could contribute my information to.
- I have taken the time to fill in all the required details. I understand that the bug report will be dismissed otherwise.
- This issue contains only one bug.
- I have read and understood the contribution guidelines.
Affected version
Version: 1.7.0 (Play Store build), Version: 1.7.0 (APK sideload)
Steps to reproduce the bug
When Bitchat is installed via the Google Play Store, Android appears to restore previous app state after uninstall and reinstall. This causes geotag channels / permanent notes to reappear, even when all local devices were wiped and no mesh peers exist.
Installing the same version via APK sideload does not show this behavior.
This is confusing when testing offline / mesh-only behavior and can make it appear as if data is persisted externally.
Steps to Reproduce
- Install Bitchat from the Google Play Store
- Create a permanent note on a geotag channel
- Uninstall Bitchat
- Reinstall Bitchat from the Google Play Store
- Return to the same physical location
Expected behavior
After uninstalling and reinstalling the app, no previous geotag notes or local state should be restored unless explicitly synced by the app.
Actual behavior
The same geotag channel / permanent note appears again after reinstalling from the Play Store.
Screenshots/Screen recordings
No response
Affected Android/Custom ROM version
No response
Affected device model
Samsung A56
Additional information
- When the app is uninstalled and reinstalled via APK sideload (with Android Auto Restore disabled), the issue does not occur.
- This strongly suggests Android Auto Backup / Restore restoring app state on Play Store installs.
- This may be mitigated by opting out of Android backup or documenting this behavior for users.