Android devices come with many built-in apps. While some of these apps are essential for the normal functioning of the device, some others are not needed and just take up valuable storage space. In addition, some of these apps may not be available on the Google Play Store, but you may still want to remove them. This article will discuss how to delete a built-in app on Android, giving you more storage space and control over your device.
If you do not know what a built-in app is, these are apps that come pre-installed on your Android device. They are also referred to as system apps. These apps are not like regular apps that you download from the Google Play Store. They are part of the Android operating system. Therefore, users might encounter difficulty in removing these apps. However, with a few tips and tricks, you can delete these built-in apps without damaging your operating system.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
Before deleting a built-in app from Android, you need to understand some important things. First, not all built-in apps can be removed from the device. Some of these apps are critical for the normal functioning of the system. Deleting them may cause some serious issues with your device. Secondly, deleting a built-in app is not the same as uninstalling a regular app. You may experience some challenges or difficulties when attempting to delete a built-in app.
What Requires Your Focus?
The following are some important points that require your attention before you start deleting built-in apps:
- Ensure that you have backed up all necessary data before proceeding. This is crucial because deleting a built-in app may sometimes affect the performance of your device. Backing up your important data provides a safety net that can be used to restore your device to its previous state in case something goes wrong.
- Make sure to only remove apps that you’re sure of. As earlier stated, some of these built-in apps serve vital functions on your device. Unless you know what you’re doing, it’s better to leave them alone.
- You’ll need to understand how to root an Android device before attempting to remove built-in apps. Most devices come with restrictions on removing built-in apps. Rooting your device removes these restrictions, giving you the freedom to remove these apps.
Different Methods to Delete A Built-in App on Android
Method 1: Using a Third-party App
There are several third-party apps available on the Google Play Store that allow you to delete built-in apps. One of such apps is the System App Remover app. Here are the steps to follow:
- Download the System App Remover app from the Google Play Store and install it on your device.
- Launch the app and click on the grant root access button to give the app root access to your device.
- Scroll through the list of installed apps and select the built-in app you want to uninstall.
- Click on the Uninstall button and confirm the action on the pop-up message.
Pros:
- It is a quick and straightforward process.
- You don’t need to have any technical knowledge to use this method.
Cons:
- There’s a risk of damaging your operating system if you delete important system apps.
- Some of these third-party apps are malware and may contain ads that could compromise your device’s security.
Method 2: Using ADB (Android Debug Bridge) to Remove Built-in Apps
ADB is a powerful tool that allows Android users to execute commands on their devices from their computers. Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Make sure to install the Android Debug Bridge on your computer.
- Enable USB debugging on your Android device. You can do this by going to the developer options in your device settings and toggling on the USB Debugging option.
- Connect your Android device to your computer using the USB cable.
- Launch the Command Prompt or Terminal on your computer.
- Enter the following command: adb shell pm uninstall -k –user 0
- Replace
with the name of the built-in app you want to remove. - Press Enter to execute the command.
Pros:
- You don’t need to have any technical knowledge to use it.
- It is a quick and straightforward process.
Cons:
- You need to have access to a computer.
- If you execute a wrong command, it could cause irreversible damage to your device.
Method 3: Rooting Your Device
Rooting your device gives you complete access to all parts of your device. This means that you can remove built-in apps, install custom ROMs, and do more with your device. Here are the steps:
- Ensure that you have backed up all necessary data before proceeding. This is crucial because rooting your device may sometimes affect the performance of your device.
- Download a rooting app, such as KingRoot, and install it on your device.
- Launch the app and follow the on-screen instructions to root your device.
- Once your device is rooted, you can use any of the other methods discussed in this article to remove the built-in app you want.
Pros:
- You have complete control over your device.
- You can uninstall any built-in app, including the critical ones.
Cons:
- You need to have technical knowledge to root your device.
- Rooting your device may void your device’s warranty.
Why Can’t I Delete A Built-in App on Android?
There are several reasons why you may not be able to delete a built-in app on Android. Here are some of them and fixes:
1. The app is a part of the core Android system.
Solution: You can’t delete a core system app unless you have root access to your device. Rooting your device gives you access to these system apps.
2. The app is a pre-installed app by the device manufacturer.
Solution: Some device manufacturers pre-install apps that are difficult to remove. Rooting your device gives you complete control over your device, and you can remove these apps.
3. You’re not allowed to remove the app by your device administrator.
Solution: If your device is managed by an administrator, you may not be able to remove the built-in app. Contact your administrator to request permission to remove the app.
Implications and Recommendations
Deleting built-in apps can free up valuable storage space on your Android device. However, it’s important to exercise caution when deleting these apps. Ensure that you have backed up all necessary data before proceeding. Also, make sure that you only delete apps that you’re sure of. If you’re uncertain, it’s best to leave them alone. Finally, always use a reliable and reputable third-party app when deleting built-in apps.
5 FAQs about Deleting Built-in Apps on Android
Q: Can I delete all built-in apps on my Android device?
A: No. Some built-in apps are critical to the normal functioning of your device, and you can’t remove them unless you have root access to your device.
Q: Will deleting a built-in app improve my device’s performance?
A: Yes. Removing unnecessary built-in apps can free up valuable storage space and improve the performance of your device.
Q: Does rooting my device affect my device’s warranty?
A: Yes. Rooting your device voids your device’s warranty.
Q: Can I reinstall a built-in app I’ve removed?
A: Yes. You can always reinstall a built-in app you’ve removed from the Google Play Store.
Q: Are there any risks involved in rooting my device?
A: Yes. Rooting your device can make your device vulnerable to malware and other security threats. Always use a reliable and reputable rooting app when rooting your device.
In Conclusion
Deleting built-in apps on Android is possible, and it can free up valuable storage space on your device. However, it’s important to exercise caution when removing these apps. Always ensure that you have backed up all necessary data before proceeding, and only delete apps that you’re sure of. Also, always use a reliable and reputable app when deleting built-in apps.