How to Delete Pre-Installed Apps on Android

What Is Bloatware?

“Bloatware” is the nickname for software that comes preinstalled on phones. Usually there are two sets; software suites installed by the manufacturer, and software installed by your network provider. This can range from potentially useful apps such as standard apps like Visual Voicemail to apps you don't want, such as streaming services or step tracking apps. There might even be apps you won't even notice until they're pointed out to you, like a custom “skin” on Android that customizes how your phone works. It may also be apps or content that a third party, such as a music service, have paid to pre-install on your phone.

In some cases, bloatware is simply obnoxious; you can ignore it. In other cases, it may cause your Wi-Fi signal, battery, and other resources to run even if you don't open the app. If your phone is slowing down or draining fast, you may find deleting or disabling bloatware will restore your phone.

In other cases, however, it can be dangerous. Bloatware has been shown to offer security loopholes that can potentially allow hackers to take over various pieces of your phone or even completely lock you out of it. And it gets worse: While some bloatware can be deleted using a simple process, other types will refuse to be deleted and in some cases refuse even to be disabled. So how do you get rid of it?

How To Uninstall Android Apps Through The Settings App

First, you should see how much of the bloatware can be removed.

Open your Settings app, choose the General tab, and select Apps and Notifications.

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. Press Uninstall to remove it. Apps you can't uninstall will be labeled Disable or have the Uninstall button greyed out. Make a note of these for later.

Uninstall Apps Through The Google Play Store

If you'd prefer not to use the settings app, you can also uninstall apps through the Google Play Store.

Open the Google Play Store and open the menu. Tap My Apps & Games and then Installed. This will open a menu of apps installed in your phone. Tap the app you want to remove and it will take you to that app's page on the Google Play Store. Tap Uninstall.

Note that on the Play store, “uninstall” sometimes will only uninstall updates from the app, not the app itself. In this case, you'll also need to disable it.

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 discuss for getting rid of bloatware below, you can limit your risk of security loopholes by disabling these apps. Disabling an app means it won't run, can't be “woken up” automatically by other apps, and also shuts down any background processes the app may engage in.

1. Uninstall all updates from the app through the Google Play store, using the instructions above.
2. Enter the Settings app, and navigate to the Apps & Notifications menu, tap the app that you want to disable.
3. Tap Permissions and disable any permissions. This will keep the app in line if you're forced to enable it later.
4. Tap the Disable button. You will receive a warning that disabling the app may affect the function of other apps. Make a note of this. It is rare that disabling an app you don't use will have any effect on your day-to-day phone usage, but it's not impossible. Press OK and the app will be disabled.