Android phones come with a suite of preinstalled apps, often from the manufacturer or your mobile carrier. While some are useful, others might be redundant or simply unwanted, cluttering your app drawer and potentially consuming resources. Fortunately, uninstalling these preinstalled apps, often referred to as bloatware, is possible, though the process varies depending on your Android version and phone manufacturer. This guide will walk you through several methods, answering common questions along the way.
Can I Uninstall All Preinstalled Apps?
No, you can't uninstall all preinstalled apps. Some are crucial to the functioning of your Android operating system or your phone's specific features. These system apps are usually essential for core processes and cannot be removed entirely. However, you can often disable them, which effectively hides them from your app drawer and stops them from running in the background, freeing up space and resources.
How to Uninstall Preinstalled Apps (If Possible)
The ability to completely uninstall preinstalled apps is largely dependent on your Android version and your phone's manufacturer. Some manufacturers offer more flexibility than others.
Method 1: The Standard Uninstall Method
This is the simplest method, but it only works for preinstalled apps that the manufacturer has allowed to be uninstalled.
- Locate the app: Go to your app drawer and find the app you want to remove.
- Long-press the app icon: Hold your finger down on the app icon.
- Select "Uninstall": After a few seconds, options should appear. Look for an "Uninstall" or similar button. If you only see "Disable," then the app cannot be fully removed.
- Confirm the uninstall: Android will ask for confirmation. Tap "OK" or the equivalent to complete the uninstall.
Method 2: Using the App Settings
This method provides a slightly more direct route to uninstalling, though the results are the same as Method 1.
- Open your phone's Settings app. This is typically a gear-shaped icon.
- Navigate to Apps or Applications. The exact wording may vary depending on your Android version and phone.
- Find the app you wish to uninstall. You might need to scroll through a list of all installed apps.
- Tap on the app. This will open the app's info screen.
- Look for the "Uninstall" button. If present, tap it to remove the app.
How to Disable Preinstalled Apps
If the uninstall option isn't available, you can still disable the app. This hides the app icon from your app drawer and prevents it from running in the background, effectively removing its impact on your phone's performance and storage.
- Follow steps 1-3 from Method 2 (Open Settings, go to Apps/Applications, find the app).
- Tap on the app. This will open the app's info screen.
- Tap "Disable." Android will ask for confirmation. Tap "OK" to proceed.
Remember, disabling a system app might lead to unexpected behavior or malfunction of some phone features. Only disable apps that you understand their functions and are confident you won't need them.
What Happens When I Uninstall or Disable a Preinstalled App?
- Uninstall: The app is completely removed from your phone's storage, freeing up space. This is only possible for apps designated as uninstallable by the manufacturer.
- Disable: The app is hidden from your app drawer and prevented from running in the background, improving performance. However, the app's data remains on your phone, and you might need to re-enable it if certain features stop working.
Can I Uninstall Carrier Apps?
Carrier apps (provided by your mobile service provider) are often harder to remove completely than manufacturer apps. You might only be able to disable them. In some cases, rooting your Android device might offer more control, but this process voids your warranty and can risk damaging your phone if not done correctly. We strongly advise against rooting unless you are highly experienced with Android system modifications.
How to Recover Deleted Apps?
If you've uninstalled an app you later regret removing, you can easily reinstall it from the Google Play Store, provided it's still available. Disabled apps can be re-enabled by going back into the App settings and selecting "Enable."
By following these steps, you can effectively manage the preinstalled apps on your Android device, optimizing performance and freeing up valuable storage space. Remember to proceed with caution and only uninstall or disable apps you're comfortable removing.
