How to uninstall apps on android?

By HotBotUpdated: July 15, 2024

Uninstalling apps on an Android device can free up storage space, improve performance, and reduce clutter. Whether you're dealing with a pre-installed app, a third-party application, or a stubborn bloatware, this guide covers all aspects of uninstalling apps on Android. Below are the detailed steps and methods to uninstall apps from your Android device.

Using the Settings Menu

The Settings menu is the most straightforward method to uninstall apps on an Android device. Follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings app on your Android device.
2. Scroll down and tap on Apps or Applications, depending on your device's user interface.
3. Browse through the list of installed apps and select the app you want to uninstall.
4. Tap on the app to open its details page.
5. Click on the Uninstall button.
6. Confirm the uninstallation when prompted.

Uninstalling via the Home Screen or App Drawer

Many Android devices allow you to uninstall apps directly from the Home screen or App Drawer. Here’s how:

1. Navigate to the Home screen or App Drawer where the app icon is located.
2. Long-press (tap and hold) the app icon until a menu or options appear.
3. Drag the icon to the Uninstall option that appears at the top or side of the screen.
4. Release the app icon and confirm the uninstallation when prompted.

Using Google Play Store

You can also uninstall apps via the Google Play Store. This method is particularly useful if you’re managing multiple apps. Follow these steps:

1. Open the Google Play Store app on your device.
2. Tap on the Menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the upper-left corner.
3. Select My apps & games.
4. Navigate to the Installed tab to see all the apps currently installed on your device.
5. Find the app you want to uninstall and tap on it.
6. Tap on the Uninstall button and confirm the action when prompted.

Uninstalling System Apps and Bloatware

System apps and bloatware can often be more challenging to uninstall. Here are some methods to remove these apps:

Disabling System Apps

In many cases, you cannot fully uninstall system apps, but you can disable them. Disabling an app will remove it from the app drawer and prevent it from running in the background. Here’s how:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap on Apps or Applications.
3. Select the system app you wish to disable.
4. Tap on the Disable button.
5. Confirm the action when prompted.

Using ADB Commands

For advanced users, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB) commands to uninstall system apps. This method requires a computer and some technical know-how. Here’s a brief overview:

1. Install ADB on your computer.
2. Enable Developer Options and USB Debugging on your Android device.
3. Connect your Android device to the computer using a USB cable.
4. Open a command prompt or terminal window on your computer.
5. Type adb devices to ensure your device is connected.
6. Type adb shell to open a shell interface.
7. Find the package name of the app you want to uninstall by typing pm list packages.
8. Uninstall the app by typing pm uninstall -k --user 0 [package name].

Using Third-Party Apps

There are several third-party apps available on the Google Play Store designed to help you uninstall apps more efficiently. Some popular options include:

• App Manager: This app offers batch uninstallation and other app management features.
• System App Remover: Requires root access and can uninstall system apps and bloatware.
• Clean Master: Known for its cleaning capabilities, it also offers app uninstallation features.

Reverting Uninstallation

If you accidentally uninstall an app, you can usually reinstall it from the Google Play Store. Simply search for the app and tap on the Install button. If the app is a system app that you disabled, you can re-enable it through the Settings menu:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap on Apps or Applications.
3. Scroll down to the Disabled section.
4. Select the app you wish to re-enable.
5. Tap on the Enable button.

Uninstalling Updates

Sometimes, you may want to revert an app to its factory version by uninstalling updates rather than the app itself. This is particularly useful for system apps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap on Apps or Applications.
3. Select the app for which you want to uninstall updates.
4. Tap on the More or three dots menu.
5. Select Uninstall updates and confirm the action.

Handling Stubborn Apps

Some apps may resist uninstallation due to being set as device administrators or having other permissions. To handle these stubborn apps:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Select Security or Biometrics and Security.
3. Tap on Device administrators.
4. Find the app in the list and uncheck it.
5. Return to the Apps menu and uninstall the app as usual.

By following these comprehensive steps and methods, you can successfully uninstall any app on your Android device, optimizing its performance and making space for new applications. Each method has its own use case, ensuring that you have the tools you need to manage your apps effectively.

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