Ultimate Guide to Removing Pre-Installed Apps and Bloatware on Android: All the Step-by-Step Methods

Modern Android phones often come with a number of features. pre-installed applications, many of which are added by the manufacturer, the operator or even the operating system itself. These apps, commonly known as bloatware, they can take up valuable space, slow down your device, consume unnecessary resources, and become annoying in daily use. The good news is that there are multiple methods to remove, disable, or manage these apps, thereby reclaiming memory and optimizing your phone's performance.

This article offers you a comprehensive and practical guide with all the current options for getting rid of bloatware without putting your phone at risk, from the simplest methods for novice users to advanced solutions for those looking for complete control over their Android system. Pay attention to the security warnings and recommendations, as removing certain apps can affect your device's performance if not done correctly.

What is bloatware and why remove it?

El bloatware Bloatware refers to all those applications that come pre-installed on your Android device and, in many cases, aren't essential for the system's operation and aren't useful to most users. Common examples of bloatware include carrier apps, duplicate manufacturer utilities (calculators, calendars, galleries, etc.), promotional games, news services, advertising tools, and other programs of dubious utility.

The main reasons for wanting remove preinstalled apps are:

• Free up storage space on mobile phones with limited memory.
• Improve performance overall device performance, by reducing background processes and RAM consumption.
• Avoid annoying notifications or ads that may come from promotional or operator apps.
• Reduce data and battery consumption caused by unnecessary applications.
• Personalize the user experience, choosing only the apps you really need.

Not all bloatware can be easily removed, as some apps are integrated into the system partition and require special uninstall procedures. Be careful which apps you remove or disable, as some are essential for certain phone functions (e.g., the camera, phone services, messaging, or the update manager).

Identify bloatware on your device

Before deleting any apps, perform a thorough review of the apps installed on your phone to identify which ones are unnecessary and which ones could affect essential functions if removed. Some key tips:

• Check if the app offers features that you don't really use (radios, alternative browsers, redundant file managers, etc.).
• Check if the app can be uninstalled or just disabled.
• Go to the menu Settings> Applications and use the option Show system apps to see all of them, both downloaded and native.
• Google the package name before removing it, especially if you don't know what the app is for.

Never delete apps related to the camera, phone, messages, system updates, or Google Play Services., as your device could stop working properly. If you have any concerns about an app, it's better to disable it rather than remove it completely.

Easy Methods: Uninstall Apps as a Standard User

Many pre-installed apps can be deleted conventionally, just like any app you've downloaded yourself. This is the safest and fastest method, and doesn't require any technical knowledge or a computer:

1. From the home screen or app drawer:
   • Press and hold the icon of the app you want to delete.
   • In the pop-up window, click on uninstall or drag it to the option uninstall.
   • Confirm your decision.
2. From Settings:
   • Accede to Settings> Applications.
   • Locate the app in the list.
   • Press on uninstall (if available).
3. From Google Play Store:
   • But Google Play Store.
   • Click on your profile picture > Manage applications and devices > Administrator.
   • Select the app and choose uninstall.

This method works for most downloaded apps or for some non-system-critical Google and manufacturer apps.

What to do if the uninstall option doesn't appear: Disable or deactivate apps

In many cases, some pre-installed applications cannot be uninstalled, but it is possible disable themThis stops them from running, hides them, and prevents them from taking up resources or receiving updates. It's a safe way to remove bloatware without risk.

1. Opens Settings> Applications.
2. Press on See all applications tab and activate Show system apps (if you see the option).
3. Select the app you want to disable.
4. press Disable (or Disable/Deactivate, depending on the mobile customization layer).
5. Confirm your decision.

The app will no longer appear in the app drawer; it won't run or use any resources. You can re-enable it at any time by following the same process.

Advantages of disabling versus uninstalling:

• It is reversible and safe.
• You don't lose essential features by mistake.
• You free up resources and avoid notifications.
• Ideal if you have no experience or don't want to use advanced methods.

Removing Tough Bloatware: Advanced Methods Without Root

Some system applications, added by the manufacturer or operator, cannot be disabled or removed from the user interface. For these cases, there are advanced methods that allow you to remove them without having to root your phone, but they require the use of a computer and certain development tools.

Prerequisites

• A computer running Windows, macOS, or Linux.
• USB cable to connect the mobile.
• Basic knowledge of using commands and terminal.
• Back up your important data (just in case).

Step by Step: Remove System Apps with ADB and Platform Tools

The most widespread method to remove stubborn bloatware is by using ADB commands (Android Debug Bridge) and Google Platform Tools. This process doesn't require root and is compatible with most current mobile devices.

1. Enable developer options and USB debugging

• Accede to Settings> About phone o Phone Information.
• Click several times (usually seven) on Build Number until you see the message “You are now a developer.”
• Go back to Settings and enter System > Developer Options or, depending on the device, directly into Developer Options.
• Activate the USB debugging.

2. Install the USB drivers for your mobile (if you use Windows)

In some cases, your computer needs the manufacturer-specific USB driver to communicate with the device. You can find them on your brand's official website or on the official Android OEM drivers page. Install the driver and verify that your smartphone is correctly detected in Device Manager.

3. Download and install Platform-Tools

• Download Platform-Tools for Windows
• Download Platform-Tools for macOS
• Download Platform-Tools for Linux

Unzip the ZIP file into an easy-to-remember folder, for example Downloads/platform-tools.

4. Open the terminal (Command Prompt or PowerShell on Windows)

• Access the folder where you unzipped Platform-Tools using the command cd.
• Example: cd Downloads/platform-tools

Connect your phone via USB. If debugging is enabled, a message will appear on your phone requesting permission to debug from your computer. Tap Allow.

5. Check that the device is properly connected

• In the terminal type adb devices and hit Enter.
• Your device name and status should appear as “device.”

6. List the installed packages and locate the exact name

• Write adb shell and press Enter to access the Android shell.
• You can see all installed packages with pm list packages or filter by name with pm list packages | grep name (on Windows use findstr instead of grep).

7. Delete the app with the appropriate command

• To delete an app for your user, use:
  pm uninstall -k –user 0 package.name
• Example for Google Maps:
  pm uninstall -k –user 0 com.google.android.apps.maps
• If all goes well, you will see the message “Success.”

The app will no longer appear or function for your user, although in some cases it can be restored after a format or major update. If you wish to restore it, you'll need to do so from Google Play if available, or by reinstalling the firmware.

How to find out the package name of an app?

Go to Google Play from a browser, search for the app, and look at the URL after "id=", for example:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.facebook.katana

Warnings and precautions

• Only remove apps that you know are safe to remove..
• Do not delete essential system services (phone, camera, Google Play Services, updates, etc.).
• Make a backup before major changes.
• If you have any questions, you can search specialized forums or consult the list of "safe to remove" apps for your specific model.

Recommended graphical tools and apps to remove bloatware even more easily

If you don't want to bother with commands, there are apps and computer programs that make the process much simpler, with a graphical interface and greater security:

• ADB AppControl (Official Web): A free tool for Windows that connects to your phone and lets you uninstall system apps, disable them, or back them up. It requires enabling USB debugging and, in the case of Android TV, knowing the IP address.
  • Download, connect your phone via USB, select the apps and press Uninstall.
• Universal Android Debloater: A multiplatform (Windows, Mac, Linux) open-source program that recognizes your phone and displays lists of apps that are "safe to delete" based on the manufacturer. Ideal for beginners.
• Tools from the manufacturer itself: Xiaomi, Samsung and others allow you to remove some bloatware from their system management apps (such as Application Manager o Operational).
• Advanced uninstallers: Apps like System App Remover (requires root) allow you to delete anything, but are only recommended for expert users and with data backup.

Is it better to disable or uninstall permanently?

It depends on your needs and knowledge:

• Disable apps It's safe and reversible. Ideal for avoiding risks and if you're unsure of the app's usefulness.
• Uninstall system apps It frees up additional space and completely eliminates processes, but it can cause problems if you delete something critical or after updates. It's recommended to back up your data first.
• For carrier apps, news apps, pre-installed social media apps, or duplicate utilities, you can easily uninstall them completely.

What happens after deleting an app from the system?

When you remove an app using advanced methods (ADB, external apps, or root):

• The app disappears for you and won't work, but it may still be on the system partition (it doesn't free up much physical space, but it does free up data and cache).
• If you format or update the system, it may reappear in some cases.
• If you need it again, you'll need to reinstall it from Google Play or by restoring the firmware.

Uninstalling bloatware via root: maximum freedom (but more risks)

The most radical and powerful way to remove apps from the system is get root access on your phone. This gives you complete control, allowing you to delete any item. However, it involves significant risks and often voids the device's warranty.

• With root you can use apps like RootUninstaller o System App Remover.
• Physically delete the APKs from the system partition, but be very careful what you delete.
• Recommended only for expert users and on secondary terminals.
• Always make a backup first.
• Once an app is removed by root, it can be difficult to reinstall it without flashing the full firmware.

Specific solutions for Android TV, tablets and other devices

The procedure is very similar on Android TV, tablets, or IoT devices running Android. However, some special steps may be required, especially for the ADB connection (which can be done over Wi-Fi if the device's IP address is known).

1. Enable developer options and ADB debugging on your Android TV (Settings > About > tap build number several times).
2. Find out and write down your TV’s IP address (Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi information).
3. Use ADB AppControl from your computer, enter the IP address, connect via WiFi, and remove unwanted apps.

Tips for maintaining and cleaning unnecessary apps

• Review your apps periodically from Settings> Applications or from the Play Store to detect apps you don't use.
• Also, clear app data and cache before uninstalling to free up more space.
• Use file managers to delete residual folders after deleting apps.
• If you reinstall an app, consider the "Lite" or "Go" versions, which are lighter and consume less resources.

Troubleshooting: Why can't I uninstall an app?

If certain apps resist uninstallation or generate unexpected errors:

• Restart the terminal and try again.
• Test in safe mode (by holding the power button and then choosing Safe Mode on screen); some apps can be removed only in this way.
• Make sure they are not essential system apps.
• If the app has been corrupted, try clearing the data from Settings > Apps > Storage > Clear data and cache.

FAQs

Can I recover an app that I deleted?

Yes, if it was uninstalled with ADB for the user, you can reinstall it from Google Play or by restoring the system. If it was rooted, you can simply flash the firmware or restore it from a backup.

What happens if I make a mistake and delete an essential app?

The system may experience errors. It's best not to delete critical system apps and to back up your data first. If necessary, you can restore your phone to factory settings.

Does disabling free up space?

Generally, it only frees up data and cache space, not the main APK. This is useful for saving battery and RAM.

Is root required to remove bloatware?

No. Most bloatware can be removed with ADB and special apps, without root. Rooting is only necessary in extreme cases.

Can I uninstall Google apps?

Some do (Google Play Games, Duo, etc.), but others like Google Play Services should not be removed.

Are there risks in removing apps from the system?

Yes, if you don't know what you're doing. Your phone could become unstable. Do your research beforehand and follow only trusted guides.

Can I recover space by removing bloatware?

You'll primarily recover data space, updates, and cache, as well as performance and battery life improvements.

What tools do you recommend for inexperienced users?

• ADB AppControl
• Universal Android Debloater

Both are safe and have suggestions for "safe to delete" apps.

• Periodically delete unused apps, delete residual data, and clear the cache.
• Consider apps in Lite version.
• If your phone doesn't allow you to free up enough space, consider a factory reset after saving your data.
• If you're experienced, explore custom ROM options that don't include bloatware.

Tuning up your Android phone by removing pre-installed apps is one of the best ways to free up space, improve performance, and enjoy a cleaner experience. Thanks to current methods, you can do this safely, without root, and by adapting the solution to your experience level. Remember to be cautious with essential apps and always back up before making major changes. This way, your smartphone will work like new, using only what you really need.