How to remove apps from android?

By HotBotUpdated: September 30, 2024

Removing apps from an Android device can help free up storage, improve performance, and declutter your home screen. Whether you're looking to uninstall bloatware, remove unused apps, or manage system apps, this guide will cover all the necessary steps. We'll explore different methods, from straightforward uninstallation to advanced techniques for rooted devices.

Uninstalling Apps from the Home Screen

The simplest way to remove an app from your Android device is directly from the home screen. Here's how:

1. Long-press the app icon you want to remove.
2. A menu will appear with options such as Uninstall or Remove.
3. Tap on Uninstall.
4. Confirm the uninstallation when prompted.

This method works for most user-installed apps and is the quickest way to declutter your home screen.

Using the Settings Menu

If the app icon isn't on your home screen or you prefer a different method, you can uninstall apps via the Settings menu:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Navigate to Apps or Applications (the exact name may vary by device).
3. Scroll through the list of installed apps and tap on the app you wish to remove.
4. Tap on Uninstall.
5. Confirm the uninstallation when prompted.

This method provides more control and a comprehensive view of all installed apps, making it easier to manage multiple apps at once.

Disabling Pre-installed Apps

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

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Go to Apps or Applications.
3. Find the pre-installed app you want to disable.
4. Tap on the app and select Disable.
5. Confirm the action when prompted.

Disabling an app hides it from the app drawer and prevents it from running in the background, effectively making it inactive without removing it from your device.

Using Google Play Store

The Google Play Store also allows you to uninstall apps directly from its interface:

1. Open the Google Play Store app.
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.
5. Find the app you want to uninstall and tap on it.
6. Tap on Uninstall.
7. Confirm the uninstallation when prompted.

This method is particularly useful for managing apps you've downloaded from the Play Store, providing an easy way to track and remove them.

Removing Apps for Multiple Users

If your device supports multiple user profiles, you might need to remove apps from each profile individually:

1. Switch to the user profile from which you want to remove the app.
2. Follow one of the previously mentioned methods to uninstall the app.

Note that uninstalling an app from one user profile does not remove it from other profiles. Each user must manage their apps independently.

Advanced Method: Using ADB

For those comfortable with more advanced techniques, the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) allows you to uninstall apps via a command line interface:

1. Enable Developer Options on your device by going to Settings > About phone and tapping Build Number seven times.
2. Enable USB Debugging in Developer Options.
3. Install ADB on your computer (available from the Android Developers website).
4. Connect your Android device to your computer via USB.
5. Open a command prompt or terminal window on your computer.
6. Enter the command: adb devices to ensure your device is recognized.
7. Find the package name of the app you want to uninstall. You can use the command: adb shell pm list packages.
8. To uninstall the app, use the command: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 <package-name>.

This method is powerful and allows for the removal of system apps, but it should be used with caution as it can affect the stability of your device.

Removing Apps on Rooted Devices

Rooted devices offer even more control over app management. With root access, you can use specialized apps like System App Remover or Titanium Backup to remove system apps:

1. Download and install a root file manager or uninstaller app from the Google Play Store.
2. Grant root permissions when prompted.
3. Navigate to the list of installed apps.
4. Select the system app you want to remove.
5. Choose the option to uninstall or delete the app.

Be very careful when removing system apps, as deleting essential services can render your device unusable or unstable.

Reinstalling and Managing Apps

If you change your mind about an app, you can always reinstall it from the Google Play Store. Additionally, consider using app management tools to keep track of your installed apps and streamline the process of updating, backing up, and removing apps as needed.

Managing apps on your Android device is a crucial part of maintaining its performance and usability. From basic uninstallation methods to advanced techniques, there are multiple ways to tailor your device to your needs. Whether you're a casual user or a tech enthusiast, understanding these methods will help you effectively manage your Android apps.

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