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Introduction
Uninstalling Android apps that come with the phone can be a frustrating process. These pre-installed apps, also known as bloatware, take up valuable storage space and can often slow down your device. Additionally, they may not offer any value to you, and you might prefer to have a clutter-free interface on your Android device.
In this blog post, we will discuss various methods and steps to uninstall these unwanted apps from your Android phone. We will cover multiple techniques that are accessible to both rooted and non-rooted devices, ensuring that you can reclaim your precious storage space and optimize your phone’s performance.
Why You Need to Uninstall Android Apps That Come With The Phone
- Free up storage space: Pre-installed apps can occupy a significant amount of storage, restricting space for apps you actually use.
- Improve device performance: Uninstalling bloatware can help speed up your Android device and reduce unnecessary background processes.
- Simplify the user interface: Removing unwanted apps declutters your app drawer and makes it easier to find the apps you need.
- Enhance battery life: Bloatware often runs in the background, draining your battery. Removing it can help improve your device’s battery life.
- Increased customization: By removing pre-installed apps, you have more control over what appears on your home screen and app drawer.
Method 1. How to Uninstall Android Apps via Settings
Uninstalling Android apps through the device’s settings is the most straightforward and commonly used method. The steps for this method are as follows:
- Open the "Settings" app on your Android device.
- Select "Apps" or "Applications" from the menu.
- Scroll through the list of installed apps and tap on the app you want to uninstall.
- Tap on the "Uninstall" or "Disable" button.
- Confirm the uninstallation when prompted.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Easy and straightforward process to uninstall apps. | 1. Only works for apps that can be uninstalled or disabled. |
| 2. No additional software or tools required. | 2. Limited control over system apps that cannot be uninstalled without root access. |
| 3. Can be done by anyone without technical knowledge. | 3. Affects only the user profile and may not fully uninstall the app. |
Method 2. How to Uninstall Android Apps via Google Play Store
If you’re unable to uninstall an app using the device settings, you can try uninstalling it through the Google Play Store. Here are the steps:
- Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device.
- Tap on the three horizontal lines in the top-left corner to open the menu.
- Select "My apps & games" from the menu.
- Go to the "Installed" tab to see the list of installed apps.
- Find the app you want to uninstall and tap on it.
- Tap on the "Uninstall" button.
- Confirm the uninstallation when prompted.
- Alternatively, you can also long-press on the app icon on your home screen or app drawer, and then drag it to the "Uninstall" or "Remove" option.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Convenient method to uninstall apps directly from the Play Store. | 1. The option to uninstall may not be available for some system apps. |
| 2. Can uninstall multiple apps in one go. | 2. The device must have Google Play Store installed. |
| 3. Suitable for non-rooted devices as well. | 3. May not remove all associated files or data with the app. |
Method 3. How to Uninstall Android Apps via ADB (Android Debug Bridge)
If the first two methods don’t work for you or you have a rooted device, you can use ADB to uninstall system apps. Here’s how:
Before proceeding, ensure that you have ADB (Android Debug Bridge) installed on your computer and USB Debugging enabled on your phone.
- Connect your Android device to your computer using a USB cable.
- Open a command prompt or terminal window on your computer.
- Type the command "adb devices" to check if your device is recognized. You should see your device’s serial number listed.
- Type the command "adb shell" to enter the ADB shell.
- Run the command "pm list packages" to list all the installed packages on your device.
- Scroll through the list to find the package name of the app you want to uninstall.
- Type the command "pm uninstall -k –user 0 [package name]" and replace "[package name]" with the actual package name of the app.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Suitable for rooted devices and system apps that cannot be uninstalled through other methods. | 1. Requires technical knowledge and access to a computer. |
| 2. Can uninstall any app on the system, including bloatware. | 2. Incorrectly uninstalling system apps can lead to instability or loss of functionality. |
| 3. Provides greater control over the device’s software. | 3. May void the warranty or cause damage to the device if not done correctly. |
Method 4. How to Uninstall Android Apps via Third-Party Apps
If the above methods don’t work for you or you prefer a more user-friendly approach, you can use third-party apps to uninstall unwanted apps. Here’s how:
- Download and install a third-party app uninstaller from the Google Play Store (e.g., "SD Maid", "Root App Deleter", "System App Remover").
- Open the app and grant the necessary permissions.
- Scroll through the list of installed apps and select the app you want to uninstall.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to uninstall the app.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. User-friendly interface for uninstalling apps. | 1. Requires additional app installation. |
| 2. Provides additional features for managing apps and optimizing the device. | 2. Some apps may have limited functionality in non-rooted devices. |
| 3. Can uninstall multiple apps at once. | 3. May not remove all associated files or data with the app. |
What to Do If You Can’t Uninstall Android Apps
If you encounter any issues while uninstalling Android apps, here are some fixes you can try:
- Force stop the app: Go to "Settings" > "Apps" > [App name] > "Force Stop" to stop the app’s processes and then try uninstalling it again.
- Clear app data and cache: From the app’s settings, tap on "Storage" > "Clear Data" or "Clear Cache" and then attempt to uninstall the app.
- Disable the app: If uninstallation is not possible, you can try disabling the app to prevent it from running, using the methods mentioned earlier.
- Use a root uninstaller: If you have a rooted device, you can try using a root uninstaller app like "Titanium Backup" or "Greenify" to remove stubborn apps.
Bonus Tips
- Regularly review your installed apps and uninstall those you no longer need or use.
- Keep your Android device updated to the latest version of the operating system, as newer versions may offer more built-in uninstallation options.
- Avoid uninstalling critical system apps unless you are sure about their functionality and potential consequences.
5 FAQs
Q1: Can I uninstall all pre-installed apps on my Android device?
A: Not all pre-installed apps can be uninstalled, as some are essential system apps. However, you can disable them to prevent them from running or appearing in your app drawer.
Q2: Does uninstalling apps improve battery life?
A: Uninstalling unnecessary or power-hungry apps can help improve your device’s battery life by reducing background processes and resource usage.
Q3: What happens if I accidentally uninstall a critical system app?
A: Accidentally uninstalling a critical system app can cause instability or loss of functionality. In such cases, you may need to factory reset your device to restore its original state.
Q4: Do I need to root my device to uninstall system apps?
A: While rooting your device provides more control over system apps, it is not necessary for uninstalling most pre-installed apps. The methods mentioned earlier should work for both rooted and non-rooted devices.
Q5: Are there any risks associated with uninstalling apps?
A: Uninstalling apps is generally safe. However, it’s always a good idea to create a backup of your important data before uninstalling any app, especially if it contains personal files or settings.
Final Thoughts
Uninstalling Android apps that come with the phone can greatly enhance your device’s performance, free up storage space, and provide a more personalized user experience. Whether you prefer using the device settings, Google Play Store, ADB, or third-party apps, there’s a method suitable for your needs.
Remember to exercise caution when uninstalling system apps and always create backups to avoid any unintended consequences. With these methods at your disposal, you can take control of your Android device and optimize it according to your preferences.