Android · Research guidance. Instructions are based on publisher guidance; a UK IPTV account was not tested on this platform.
Read the icon’s state
Google documents a dimmed app icon with an archive indicator for archived apps. Archiving removes software, permissions and temporary files while retaining the icon and app data. A faded icon can therefore mean the executable needs to be downloaded again, rather than that a subscription expired or the service removed a programme.
Check availability and device support
Google qualifies some archive instructions by Android version and supporting hardware. Read the options shown on the device. The relevant app store must still be installed and the app must remain available there for restoration. Retaining local data is not a guarantee of future store availability or compatibility.
Use the documented restore action
Select the faded icon and follow its reinstall action, or use the app’s information page or store details where supported. Confirm the legitimate publisher and app identity. If the device lacks space, Google says storage management may be required. Do not replace an unavailable app with an unverified similarly named download.
Review the restored permissions
Archiving removes permissions, so review any new requests according to the feature you intend to use. Restored app data does not justify granting unrelated access. Open a harmless part of the interface and check the actual state before entering credentials or describing the app as fully operational.
Choose future archive behaviour
Google documents a per-app Manage app if unused setting for preventing automatic archiving in the relevant configuration. Decide whether the app needs that exception rather than turning housekeeping off everywhere. Record whether the icon was archived and whether legitimate restoration succeeded; keep service-account and programme questions separate.
Questions, answered
Does the retained icon guarantee the app can always be restored?
No. Google requires the store to be installed and the app to remain available.
Can archiving remove permissions?
Yes. Google lists permission removal among the archive changes.