Discover how to remove or disable pre-installed apps that can’t be deleted with these eight effective methods, from using ADB to installing custom ROMs for full control over your device.
Pre-installed apps, often referred to as bloatware, are applications that come with your smartphone, tablet, or computer out of the box.
These apps can take up valuable storage space, drain battery life, and clutter the home screen, even if you never use them.
While some pre-installed apps can be easily uninstalled, others are locked by the manufacturer or carrier, making them impossible to remove through standard methods.
Fortunately, there are ways to disable or completely remove these stubborn apps, allowing you to reclaim control over your device.
This article explores effective strategies for removing or disabling pre-installed apps that seemingly can’t be deleted.
Why Do Devices Come with Pre-Installed Apps?
Manufacturers and carriers often install apps that they believe enhance user experience or drive revenue through partnerships.
Some of these apps may provide essential services, while others serve promotional purposes.
Common examples include:
- Carrier apps – These apps may promote carrier services or provide customer support tools.
- Manufacturer apps – Exclusive apps like health trackers, themes, and device optimizers.
- Third-party apps – Social media, streaming platforms, or shopping apps installed through business deals.
While some pre-installed apps may be useful, others are redundant, duplicating functionality already provided by other apps.
The Impact of Bloatware
Although bloatware might seem harmless, it can affect device performance in several ways:
- Storage Drain – Pre-installed apps occupy space that could be used for apps, photos, or videos.
- Performance Issues – Background processes from these apps can slow down your device.
- Battery Drain – Apps running in the background can reduce battery life.
- User Experience – Unwanted apps clutter the home screen and app drawer, leading to a less personalized experience.
How to Remove or Disable Pre-Installed Apps
Removing pre-installed apps isn’t always straightforward, but the following methods can help minimize their impact:
1. Disable Unwanted Apps (For Non-Removable Apps)
For apps that cannot be uninstalled, disabling them is often the simplest solution.
Disabling an app prevents it from running in the background, receiving updates, or appearing in the app drawer.
Steps to Disable Apps on Android:
- Open Settings.
- Go to Apps & Notifications or Application Manager.
- Select the app you want to disable.
- Tap Disable and confirm.
While most pre-installed Apple apps can’t be fully disabled, you can hide them in the App Library or move them to an unused folder.
Disabling apps stops them from functioning without actually removing them from your device.
This is often sufficient for reducing clutter and freeing up resources.
2. Uninstall Updates and Clear Data
Some pre-installed apps can’t be removed entirely but can be reset to their factory version by uninstalling updates.
This reduces their storage footprint and removes unnecessary data.
- Open Settings.
- Navigate to Apps or Application Manager.
- Select the app and tap Uninstall Updates.
- After this, go to Storage and select Clear Data and Clear Cache.
- This method won’t fully delete the app, but it will revert it to its smallest, least intrusive version.
3. Use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) to Remove Apps
ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is a powerful tool that allows you to access the core system of your Android device from a computer.
With ADB, you can remove pre-installed apps that can’t be deleted through regular means.
- Enable Developer Mode – Go to Settings > About Phone and tap Build Number seven times to unlock Developer Mode.
- Enable USB Debugging – In Developer Options, toggle on USB Debugging. Install ADB on Your Computer – Download and install ADB from the official Android developer site.
- Connect Your Device – Connect your Android device to the computer via USB.
- Open Command Prompt/Terminal – Type adb devices to ensure the device is recognized.
- List Installed Packages – Use the command adb shell pm list packages to display all apps.
- Remove App – To uninstall, type adb shell pm uninstall -k –user 0 <package name>. Replace <package name> with the app’s package name.
This method requires some technical knowledge, but it’s one of the most effective ways to remove stubborn apps.
4. Use Third-Party Apps (Root or Non-Root Solutions)
Third-party apps can help remove or disable pre-installed software.
Some of these apps work without rooting your device, while others require root access to function fully.
Popular Tools:
- CCleaner – Helps disable and remove apps without rooting.
- System App Remover (Root) – Requires root access but allows you to delete system apps.
- Debloater – A desktop tool that can disable apps without rooting.
Rooting your device will void the warranty in most cases, but it gives you complete control over the operating system, allowing for full app removal.
5. Install a Custom ROM (For Advanced Users)
Installing a custom ROM completely replaces the stock operating system with a new version of Android.
This removes all manufacturer-installed apps, giving you a clean slate.
Popular Custom ROMs:
- LineageOS
- Pixel Experience
- Paranoid Android
Installing a custom ROM can be risky, and the process can vary by device.
However, for those comfortable with advanced Android modding, this is one of the most comprehensive ways to eliminate bloatware.
6. Factory Reset with Minimal App Installation
Some manufacturers allow users to perform a factory reset with minimal or essential app installation.
During the reset process, you may be given the option to select which apps are installed.
Choosing only the essential apps can reduce the amount of pre-installed software on the device.
7. Request Carrier or Manufacturer Assistance
If certain pre-installed apps are carrier-specific, contact the carrier’s customer support to request removal or disablement.
While this approach isn’t always successful, some carriers may allow you to remove apps that are not integral to the device’s functionality.
8. Use Web-Based Alternatives
For certain apps that can’t be removed, consider using web-based versions instead.
For example, if the pre-installed Facebook app can’t be uninstalled, delete its updates and access Facebook through a web browser instead.
This reduces app storage usage while still providing access.
Conclusion
While pre-installed apps can be frustrating, various methods can help manage or remove them.
From simple disabling techniques to advanced solutions like ADB commands and custom ROMs, these approaches provide options for users at all technical levels.
By taking control of pre-installed apps, you can optimize your device’s performance, increase storage space, and create a more streamlined user experience.