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How to delete apps on android?

By HotBotUpdated: July 4, 2024

Answer

Managing your Android device includes knowing how to efficiently delete apps. Whether you're freeing up storage space, removing unwanted applications, or simply cleaning up your home screen, the process is straightforward yet varies slightly depending on your device and Android version. Here, we delve into different methods and nuances of deleting apps on Android.

Deleting Apps via the Home Screen

One of the most direct ways to delete an app is through the home screen. This method is user-friendly and convenient:

Locate the App: Find the app icon on your home screen or app drawer.
Tap and Hold: Press and hold the app icon until options appear.
Drag to Uninstall: Drag the icon to the 'Uninstall' option that appears at the top or side of the screen.
Confirm Deletion: A confirmation prompt will appear. Tap 'OK' or 'Uninstall' to confirm.

This method is effective for most third-party apps but might not work for system apps or pre-installed bloatware.

Removing Apps via the Settings Menu

Using the settings menu provides a more comprehensive way to manage your apps and is especially useful for troubleshooting:

Open Settings: Access the settings menu by tapping the gear icon in your app drawer or notification shade.
Select 'Apps' or 'Applications': Navigate to the 'Apps' or 'Applications' section, which lists all installed apps.
Choose the App: Scroll through the list to find the app you want to delete and tap on it.
Tap 'Uninstall': In the app info screen, press the 'Uninstall' button. Confirm the action when prompted.

This method ensures you are not only deleting the app but also clearing any associated data and cache.

Uninstalling Apps Through the Google Play Store

The Google Play Store offers another avenue for uninstalling apps, particularly useful for keeping track of your installed apps:

Open Google Play Store: Launch the Google Play Store app from your home screen or app drawer.
Access 'My Apps & Games': Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the upper-left corner and select 'My apps & games.'
Go to the 'Installed' Tab: Navigate to the 'Installed' section to view all apps currently on your device.
Select the App: Find the app you wish to uninstall and tap on it.
Tap 'Uninstall': Press the 'Uninstall' button and confirm the action.

This method not only deletes the app but also updates your app library in the Play Store, ensuring consistency across devices.

Deleting Pre-installed Apps and Bloatware

Pre-installed apps, often referred to as bloatware, can be tricky to delete. While some can be uninstalled, others can only be disabled:

Access Settings: Open the settings menu on your device.
Navigate to 'Apps': Go to the 'Apps' or 'Applications' section.
Select the Bloatware: Find the pre-installed app you want to remove.
Tap 'Uninstall' or 'Disable': If 'Uninstall' is available, use it. Otherwise, tap 'Disable' to prevent the app from running.
Confirm Action: Confirm the action when prompted.

Disabling an app will hide it from your app drawer and prevent it from running, although it will still occupy storage space.

Using Third-Party Uninstaller Apps

Several third-party apps can help manage and uninstall applications more efficiently. These apps often offer additional features like batch uninstallation:

App Manager: Apps like 'App Manager' provide a user-friendly interface for managing and uninstalling multiple apps at once.
CCleaner: Known for its cleaning capabilities, CCleaner also offers app management features.
SD Maid: This app specializes in keeping your device clean and includes tools for app removal.

These apps can be particularly useful if you need to uninstall multiple apps quickly or want more control over the uninstallation process.

Advanced Methods: Using ADB and Root Access

For advanced users, the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) and root access provide deeper control over your device's software:

Using ADB

Install ADB: Download and install ADB on your computer.
Enable Developer Options: Go to 'Settings' > 'About phone' and tap 'Build number' seven times to enable developer options.
Enable USB Debugging: In developer options, enable 'USB debugging.'
Connect Device: Connect your Android device to your computer via USB.
Open Command Prompt: Open a command prompt or terminal window on your computer.
Enter ADB Commands: Use the command adb devices to ensure your device is recognized, then adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 [package name] to uninstall the desired app.

ADB allows you to uninstall system apps that cannot be removed through regular methods, although it requires some technical know-how.

Using Root Access

Root Your Device: Follow a reliable guide to root your specific Android device. Be aware that rooting can void warranties and has risks.
Install a Root File Manager: Use a root file manager like 'Root Explorer' or 'ES File Explorer' with root privileges.
Navigate to System Apps: Find the system app directory, usually located in /system/app or /system/priv-app.
Delete the App: Locate the app you wish to remove and delete its APK file.
Reboot Device: Restart your device to apply changes.

Root access provides the ultimate control over your device, allowing you to remove any app, but it should be used with caution.

Additional Tips for Managing Apps

Efficient app management extends beyond just deleting unwanted apps. Here are some additional tips:

Regular Cleanup: Periodically review and delete apps you no longer use.
Clear Cache: Clear app caches to free up additional storage space.
Backup Important Data: Before deleting apps that store important data, ensure you have backups.
Update Apps: Keep essential apps updated for better performance and security.

Effective app management can significantly improve your device's performance and user experience.

In the ever-evolving landscape of Android devices, mastering the art of app deletion is a fundamental skill. Whether you're a casual user or a tech enthusiast, understanding these methods empowers you to maintain a clean, efficient, and personalized Android experience.