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How to remove unwanted apps from an android phone?

By HotBotUpdated: August 6, 2024

Answer

Unwanted apps on your Android phone can clutter your device, slow down performance, and even pose security risks. Whether these apps were pre-installed by the manufacturer, downloaded accidentally, or are no longer in use, removing them can free up valuable storage space and improve your phone’s overall efficiency. This guide will walk you through various methods to remove unwanted apps from your Android phone, from basic uninstallation to more advanced techniques.

Using the Settings Menu

The most straightforward way to remove unwanted apps is through the Settings menu. Here’s how to do it:

Open Settings: Tap the Settings icon on your home screen or app drawer.
Navigate to Apps: Scroll down and select Apps or Applications
Select the App: Find and tap on the app you wish to uninstall.
Uninstall: Tap the Uninstall button and confirm the action.

This method works for most apps but may not be effective for system apps or bloatware pre-installed by the manufacturer.

Uninstalling Apps from the Home Screen or App Drawer

Another quick method is to uninstall apps directly from your home screen or app drawer:

Locate the App: Find the app icon on your home screen or app drawer.
Long-Press: Press and hold the app icon until a menu appears.
Drag and Drop: Drag the icon to the Uninstall or Remove option that appears at the top or bottom of the screen.
Confirm: Confirm the uninstallation if prompted.

Disabling Pre-installed Apps

Pre-installed apps, also known as bloatware, cannot always be uninstalled. However, you can disable them to prevent them from running and consuming resources:

Open Settings: Go to Settings from your home screen or app drawer.
Navigate to Apps: Scroll down and tap on Apps or Applications.
Select the App: Find the pre-installed app you want to disable.
Disable: Tap the Disable button and confirm the action.

Disabling an app will hide it from your app drawer and prevent it from running in the background.

Using Third-Party Apps

Several third-party apps can help you manage and uninstall unwanted apps more effectively. Some popular options include:

CCleaner: Offers a simple interface to uninstall multiple apps at once.
App Inspector: Provides detailed information about apps and allows for easy uninstallation.
System App Remover: Requires root access but can remove system apps and bloatware.

Download these apps from the Google Play Store and follow their on-screen instructions to uninstall unwanted apps.

Removing Apps with ADB (Advanced Users)

For advanced users, the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) can be used to remove unwanted apps, especially system apps. This method requires a computer and some technical know-how:

Enable Developer Options: Go to Settings > About Phone and tap on Build Number seven times to enable Developer Options.
Enable USB Debugging: Go to Settings > Developer Options and enable USB Debugging.
Install ADB: Download and install the ADB tool on your computer from the official Android developer website.
Connect Your Phone: Connect your Android phone to the computer using a USB cable.
Open Command Prompt: Open Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac/Linux) on your computer.

Enter ADB Commands: Type the following commands:

adb devices

adb shell pm list packages

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 <package-name>

Replace <package-name> with the actual package name of the app you wish to remove. Be cautious when using ADB, as removing critical system apps can affect your phone’s functionality.

Factory Reset (Last Resort)

If you have multiple unwanted apps and other methods haven’t worked, a factory reset can be a last resort. Be aware that this will erase all data on your phone, so make sure to back up important data first:

Open Settings: Go to Settings from your home screen or app drawer.
Navigate to System: Scroll down and tap on System.
Reset Options: Tap on Reset Options or Backup & Reset.
Factory Data Reset: Select Factory Data Reset and follow the on-screen instructions to confirm.

A factory reset will restore your phone to its original state, removing all apps and data that were not part of the original setup.

Removing unwanted apps from your Android phone can be a straightforward task or a more complex endeavor depending on the nature of the apps and your technical proficiency. From basic uninstallation via the Settings menu to advanced techniques involving ADB, the right method can help you reclaim your device’s storage and performance. Whether you’re dealing with user-installed apps or stubborn bloatware, these strategies offer a range of solutions to fit your needs.