# Understand dimmed apps from an unplugged drive

CubbyPad can keep an external-drive app’s place dimmed while its drive is unavailable.

Last updated 26 October 2026

## Follow these steps

1. Check whether the app is installed on a removable drive.

1. Reconnect that drive and confirm it appears in Finder.

1. Open CubbyPad again and inspect the app’s position.

1. Right-click to remove the missing entry only if you no longer want to keep its place.

## What to expect

The saved position can become useful again when the source returns. A dimmed placeholder is different from an installed app that has merely been hidden from the grid.

Keeping the place avoids rebuilding the layout every time a travel drive is disconnected. It does not make an unavailable application runnable without its files.

## If the result is different

If the drive is present but the app remains unavailable, verify its path and app-source settings. The app may have moved or been removed from that disk. Avoid deleting a placeholder until you know whether you want to preserve that arrangement.

For the broader walkthrough, read [when cubbypad does not open as expected](https://cubbypad.com/guides/troubleshooting/).

## Related answers.

[### Use a glass backdrop in CubbyPad

Choose Glass in Settings › Grid › Background for a frosted backdrop behind your app icons.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/background-glass/)[### Use your Mac wallpaper behind the app grid

Choose Wallpaper in Settings › Grid › Background when you want CubbyPad to use your Mac’s wallpaper presentation.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/background-wallpaper/)[### Choose a solid grid background color

Use Color in Settings › Grid › Background for a simple backdrop without a photo or desktop detail.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/background-color/)

Source: https://cubbypad.com/help/disconnected-drive-placeholders/