Android: Steps to Remove Preinstalled Apps from Your Smartphone

For many Android users, the experience of scrolling through an app drawer filled with preinstalled applications—often referred to as “bloatware”—can be a source of irritation. These apps, which may come courtesy of device manufacturers, carriers, or bundled agreements, can consume valuable storage space and create unnecessary clutter. Fortunately, there are ways to take back control of your smartphone by removing these unwanted applications.

What Are Preinstalled Apps, and Why Are They There?

Preinstalled apps often function as marketing tools or as a means for manufacturers to provide additional features. While some may offer genuine utility—such as camera enhancements or device management tools—many exist solely due to partnerships between manufacturers and third-party developers or carriers. A personal anecdote illustrates this: my first smartphone was loaded with over 20 apps I never used, including a fitness tracker from an unknown brand, despite the absence of any health-related sensors on the device. The frustration of seeing these undeletable apps linger prompted me to explore how to remove them effectively.

While certain apps can be uninstalled directly through the settings menu, others are more resistant. Thankfully, with a bit of effort, most can be removed or at least disabled.

Step 1: Identify the Apps to Remove

Begin by assessing the apps installed on your device. A useful tool for this task is Package Manager, available on the Play Store. This free utility reveals every app and service on your phone, including those hidden from view. Use it to jot down the exact names of the packages you wish to eliminate. For instance, we discovered apps labeled “com.carrier.promos” and “com.manufacturer.weatherwidget” on a friend’s device—both unused yet occupying significant storage.

Step 2: Prepare Your Device

To proceed with the removal of these apps, you will need to enable Developer Options on your phone. This process is straightforward:

Navigate to Settings > About Phone.
Tap on Build Number seven times until you see a message confirming that you are now a developer.

Next, enable USB Debugging by going to Settings > Developer Options > USB Debugging. This step allows your phone to communicate with your computer.

Step 3: Install the Necessary Tools on Your PC

Removing bloatware requires the use of a tool called Android Debug Bridge (ADB) along with an open-source utility known as Universal Android Debloater. Here’s how to set it up:

Download the latest version of ADB from the Android Developers website and extract it to a designated folder on your PC.
Download Universal Android Debloater (UAD) from its official repository, ensuring you select the appropriate file for your operating system (e.g., uadguiwindows.exe for Windows users).

For organization, move the UAD executable file into the ADB folder.

Step 4: Connect Your Phone to Your PC

Using a USB cable, connect your phone to your computer. If prompted, grant USB debugging permissions on your phone. Your device should now be prepared to communicate with ADB.

Step 5: Open Universal Android Debloater

Launch the Universal Android Debloater by double-clicking the executable file. The tool will automatically detect your connected phone and present a list of installed apps. Notably, UAD categorizes apps based on their origin—system apps, Google apps, carrier-installed apps, and more—allowing you to filter the list and focus on bloatware while avoiding the removal of critical system components.

Step 6: Start Uninstalling Unwanted Apps

Utilizing the list of package names compiled earlier, search for each app within UAD’s interface. Select the apps you wish to uninstall and click Uninstall Selection. The tool will process your request, effectively removing the chosen apps from your device. A helpful tip is to stick with the Recommended filter to avoid deleting essential system applications. For example, while it’s acceptable to remove a redundant calendar app, deleting a system framework could lead to complications.

A Few Caveats to Keep in Mind

It’s important to note that removing bloatware will not impact your phone’s ability to receive system updates. However, if you perform a factory reset, the preinstalled apps will reappear, as they are part of the recovery partition. To eliminate them again, you will need to repeat the process.

Additionally, exercise caution when deleting apps. Some, like “com.android.camera,” may seem unnecessary but could be linked to vital features such as your camera or photo gallery. When uncertain, it’s wise to research the app name before proceeding.