How to Delete Any App On Android

• Go to Settings > General > Apps and Notifications > select app name > Uninstall.
• To uninstall on Google Play, go to Menu > My Apps & Games > Installed > app name > Uninstall.
• Some apps cannot be uninstalled, but can be disabled through Settings.

How To Uninstall Android Apps Through The Settings App

When you purchase an Android phone, it typically comes with applications already loaded. This program may be useful or it may be a battery and processor drain on your phone. Here’s how to eliminate this “bloatware” if you’re sick of it.

First, you should determine how much bloatware can be eliminated.

1. Open your Settings app

2. Go to the General tab and select Apps and Notifications.

3. Tap on the offending app. At the top will be two buttons, Uninstall and Force Stop. The buttons will be lit if they’re active, and grey if they’re not usable.

4. Tap Uninstall to remove it.

Apps that cannot be uninstalled will have the label Disable or the Uninstall button will be grayed out. Notate these for subsequent use.

Uninstall Apps Through The Google Play Store

You may also uninstall apps through the Google Play Store if you prefer not to utilize the settings app.

1. Open the Google Play Store and open the menu.

2. Tap My Apps & Games and then Installed. This will open a menu of apps installed in your phone.

3. Tap the app you want to remove and it will take you to that app’s page on the Google Play Store.

4. Tap Uninstall.

Note that on the Google Play store, “uninstall” may only remove app updates and not the app itself. In this scenario, it must also be disabled.

Disable Bloatware And Other Pre-Installed Apps

If you’re not comfortable with some of the ways we’ll cover for removing bloatware below, you can reduce your chance of security vulnerabilities by disabling these programs. Disabling an application prevents it from running, prevents it from being “woken up” automatically by other applications, and terminates any background processes it may have.

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

2. Enter the Settings app, navigate to the Apps & Notifications section, and then tap the desired app.

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

4. Select the Disable button. You will be warned that disabling the application may compromise the functionality of other applications. Make note of this fact. It is unlikely that disabling an app you do not use will have a significant impact on your regular phone usage, but it is not impossible. When you press OK, the app will be disabled.

How Can I Remove Bloatware Completely?

In some instances, it may be necessary to eliminate bloatware. In this situation, rooting your phone is your best alternative. You can follow our comprehensive tutorial to root an Android, but before you do, let’s review what rooting is and its advantages and cons.

From a software standpoint, “Rooting” grants you “superuser” privileges on your phone. Android is based on Linux, a popular open-source operating system, and under Linux, the “root” is the device’s leader. It authorizes all applications, operations, and other computer behaviors.

When you purchase a phone from a manufacturer or carrier, you are typically not “root” for a variety of reasons, including allowing the manufacturer and carrier to remotely repair and upgrade the device. However, some would say that makers and carriers abuse this authority when it comes to bloatware. In their opinion, it is comparable to a landlord requiring you to set aside a room for his children to play in anytime they like, regardless of the harm they may cause. Why should you be on the hook? They may be silent or they may burn the house down, but why should you be responsible?

You will be able to install any version of Android you like, from Google’s standard version to extremely secure bespoke designs such as the NSA’s “Fishbowl” version, which completely locks down your data. The primary disadvantage of rooting a phone is that you will be solely responsible for its operation. Rooting a phone may disable some security features and block the installation of specific applications. It may increase the likelihood of “bricking” your gadget, which involves permanently deactivating it by harming its software. In addition, it may invalidate or not.

Rooting can be accomplished in a variety of ways, from running a third-party application on your computer to deleting your phone’s memory and reinstalling Android from scratch. Our tutorial (above) can provide further knowledge, but you should decide whether to root your device and how to do it based on your comfort level with technology. If something bothers you, avoid doing it.