If your Android device is nearing its storage limits, the prospect of deleting apps may seem daunting. However, the process is straightforward and can be accomplished in just a few moments. Below, we explore various methods to uninstall applications on your Android device, including how to handle system apps and more. Let’s delve into the details.
QUICK ANSWER
To delete apps on Android, navigate to Settings, then go to Apps > See all apps. Select the app you wish to remove, tap Uninstall, and confirm by selecting OK.
JUMP TO KEY SECTIONS
Editor’s note: This guide is based on a Google Pixel 7 running Android 14. Please note that steps may vary depending on your device’s hardware and software.
Delete apps from the settings
The most conventional method to uninstall an app is through the Settings app. Here’s how to do it:
How to delete apps from the Settings:
- Open Settings on your device.
- Tap on Apps.
- Select See all apps.
- Locate the app you wish to remove and select it.
- Tap Uninstall.
- Confirm by hitting OK.
Delete apps on the Google Play Store
An alternative approach is to uninstall apps via the Google Play Store, which is particularly efficient for removing multiple apps simultaneously.
How to uninstall apps from the Google Play Store:
- Open the Google Play Store app on your device.
- Tap your account profile image.
- Select Manage apps & device.
- Navigate to the Manage tab.
- Find the app you wish to uninstall and check the box next to it.
- Tap the trash can icon.
- Select Uninstall.
Uninstall applications in the app drawer or home screen
This method is likely the quickest way to delete apps on your device, though it may not be available on older Android versions.
How to uninstall apps from the home screen:
- Tap and hold an app located in the app drawer or on the home screen.
- Drag it to the Uninstall section that appears on the screen.
- Tap OK when prompted.
You can also access an app’s settings page from the home screen or app drawer:
- Tap and hold an app in the app drawer or on the home screen, then release.
- Select App info.
- Choose Uninstall.
- Hit OK.
How to delete apps from Amazon’s Fire devices
While the aforementioned methods apply to most Android devices, Amazon’s Fire devices require a slightly different approach due to their customized Android version.
How to delete apps on Amazon Fire tablets:
- Navigate to the Home tab.
- Tap and hold the app you wish to uninstall.
- Upon release, select Uninstall App from the options that appear.
- Confirm by tapping OK.
Note: These instructions were created using an Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus running FireOS 7.3.2.9. Depending on your specific Fire tablet and software, the steps may vary.
How to get rid of pre-installed applications
Most Android devices come with a variety of pre-installed applications. While some of these, like Gmail and YouTube, are widely used, others may not be necessary for every user. Unfortunately, many of these pre-installed apps, known as system apps, cannot be easily uninstalled through the standard methods.
The only way to get rid of system apps is to root your device.Mitja Rutnik
Rooting your device grants you administrative access, allowing you to modify system files and applications. However, this process carries risks and may void warranties. Alternatively, if rooting seems daunting, you can hide system apps in your app drawer or disable them, which prevents them from running in the background.
How to disable system apps on Android:
- Open Settings on your device.
- Tap on Apps.
- Locate the app you wish to disable and select it.
- Tap Disable.
- Confirm by selecting Disable app.
What happens if you delete purchased apps
A common concern among users is whether deleting purchased apps from the Play Store will require them to repurchase the app later. Fortunately, this is not the case. Once an app is purchased, you can delete it and reinstall it at no additional cost.
When you search for a previously purchased app in the Google Play Store, it will be marked as “Purchased.” Simply reinstall it, and you can continue using it without any payment.
FAQs
<button type="button" class="efl”><span class="egl”>What happens if I uninstall an app and want it back?
You can reinstall apps from the Google Play Store. Some data may still be on your device, making it easier to set everything back up.
<button type="button" class="efl”><span class="egl”>How do I know if I disabled an app?
To check if you’ve disabled an app, go to Settings > Apps > Show all apps. If an app is disabled, a drop-down menu will appear. Select Disabled apps to view all disabled applications.
<button type="button" class="efl”><span class="egl”>How do I know if an app is important?
It’s advisable to avoid deleting or disabling apps whose functions you do not fully understand, as they may be crucial for your device’s operations. When in doubt, stick to uninstalling apps from the Google Play Store, as these are typically not system apps.
<button type="button" class="efl”><span class="egl”>How do you delete apps on Samsung devices?
Many of the methods outlined in this guide for deleting apps will also apply to Samsung devices, though there may be slight variations. For specific instructions, refer to our dedicated guide for Samsung phones.
