How to Delete Pre-Installed Apps on Android

This article explains how to uninstall apps through the Settings app or the Google Play Store and how to disable apps that you can't uninstall.

How to Uninstall Android Apps Through the Settings App

When you buy an Android phone, it usually comes with preinstalled software. This software can be helpful or an annoying drain on your phone's battery and processor. If you're sick of this bloatwareHere's how to get rid of it:

1. Open the Settings app.

2. Tap Apps.

   On some devices, you'll need to go to the General tab and select Apps & notifications.

3. Select the offending app.

4. Tap Uninstall > OK to remove it.

   Some apps can't be deleted. If so, the uninstall option will be grey or missing entirely. Make note of these and keep reading to learn what your options are.

Uninstall Apps Through the Google Play Store

Another way to delete apps is through the Google Play Store.

1. Open Play Store and tap the menu at the top. It's your Google profile image on some devices and a three-line menu on others.

2. Tap My apps & device or, if you don't see that, My apps & games.

3. Tap Manage or Installed (whichever one you see).

4. Tap the app you want to remove.

5. Choose Uninstall, and then confirm by tapping Uninstall once more.

   For system apps, the uninstall option will just delete all updates that have been applied to it, not the app itself. In this case, you'll also need to disable the app (see below).

Disable Bloatware and Other Pre-Installed Apps

If you're not going to use an app and aren't comfortable with some methods, we'll talk about how to get rid of bloatware. You can limit your risk of security loopholes by disabling these apps. Disabling an app stops it from receiving updates and running in the background.

1. Uninstall all updates from the app through the Google Play Store using the instructions above.

2. Select the app in Settings. Here's how to see your apps on most devices:

   • Settings > Apps.
   • Settings > General > Apps & notifications.

3. Tap Permissions and disable any permissions. This will keep the app in line if you're forced to enable it later.

4. Go back to the App info page and tap Disable.

5. You'll get a warning that disabling the app may affect the function of other apps. Make a note of this. Disabling an app you don't use will rarely have any effect on your day-to-day phone usage, but it's not impossible.

   Press Disable app or OK.

How Can I Remove Bloatware Completely?

There are two ways to delete all the bloatware on your Android. One method is easier, and it's what we recommend you try first, but if that doesn't work or you want some added benefits (and don't mind the risks), you can go with the second method.

The first option is to use Universal Android Debloater. This tool gives you an easy-to-use program to select which apps you want to delete. It runs from a computer over USB. First, you need to install Android Debug Bridge (ADB) on your computer.

The second option is to root your Android. This gives you super permissions a regular user doesn't have. With those new privileges, you can do things not usually permitted, such as deleting pre-installed apps. Just be sure to understand the risks of rooting before you decide to do it.