Our smartphones have become an integral part of our lives. With time, the number of apps we download on our phones keeps increasing. As a result, our phone’s storage space becomes cluttered, and we often find ourselves running out of space. One solution to this problem is deleting apps that we no longer use. However, manually deleting apps from your phone can be time-consuming. An easier and efficient way to delete apps from your phone is by doing it on a computer. In this blog post, we’ll guide you on the different methods you can use to delete apps from your phone on the computer.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of How to Delete Apps from Phone on Computer
Deleting apps from your phone on a computer can be a little challenging if you don’t know where to start. Most people prefer to delete apps directly from their phone, while others are unaware of the options available to do it on their computer.
However, deleting apps from a computer is very beneficial as it saves time, and you can select multiple apps at once. Knowing the methods to delete apps from your phone on a computer ensures you quickly free up space on your phone.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before deleting apps from your phone on your computer, there are a few things you need to prepare.
1. Your smartphone’s operating system (OS) version; you need to know the OS version your phone is running as different OS versions have different methods to delete apps from a computer.
2. A computer with a USB port and an internet connection.
3. A USB cable to connect your phone to the computer.
4. Make sure your phone and computer are synchronized.
Method 1: Android Debug Bridge (ADB)
Android Debug Bridge (ADB) is a powerful command-line tool used to communicate with your android device. This method is suitable for Android users, and it involves the use of ADB commands to delete apps.
1. First, download and install the ADB tool on your computer.
2. Open the command prompt on your computer.
3. Connect your phone to your computer using the USB cable.
4. Make sure USB debugging is enabled on your phone by going to "Settings" – "Developer Options" – "USB Debugging" and turning it on.
5. In the command prompt, type "adb devices" and press enter. This command confirms if your phone is connected and recognized.
6. Then, type "adb shell" and press enter.
7. To see a list of all your installed apps, type "pm list packages" in the command prompt.
8. To delete an app, type "pm uninstall -k –user 0 (package name)." Replace "package name" with the name of the app you want to delete.
9. Press enter to execute the command.
10. The app will be deleted from your phone.
Pros:
– It saves time because you can delete multiple apps at once.
– It doesn’t require any third-party app, saving you space on your phone.
– It’s relatively easy for those familiar with command prompts.
Cons:
– It requires technical knowledge of ADB commands.
– Any mistake while giving commands can cause harm to your device.
Method 2: Phone Manager Via PC
You can delete apps from your android phone using your computer using phone manager software. Different smartphone manufacturers provide their PC suite or phone manager software, such as Samsung Smart Switch or Huawei HiSuite.
1. Download and install your phone’s manager software on your computer.
2. Connect your phone to the computer using a USB cable.
3. Launch the phone manager software and allow it to detect your phone.
4. In the phone manager window, select the "Apps" option.
5. Select the apps that you want to delete.
6. Click on the "Delete" option or select the "Uninstall" option to delete the app from your phone.
Pros:
– It’s a straightforward method that doesn’t require technical knowledge.
– It allows you to select and delete multiple apps at once.
– The software is free and fast compared to other methods.
Cons:
– You need to download and install the phone manager software that takes up space on your computer.
– The method is limited to specific smartphone manufacturers.
Method 3: iTunes or Finder (Mac Users)
This method applies only to iPhone users on Mac. Here’s how to delete apps from your iPhone via iTunes or Finder.
1. Connect your iPhone to your Mac using a USB cable.
2. Open iTunes or Finder on your Mac.
3. In the iTunes or Finder window, select your iPhone.
4. From the menu, select "Apps."
5. Select the apps that you want to delete from your iPhone.
6. Click on "Remove," then select "Apply" to confirm the deletion.
Pros:
– It’s an official Apple method that eliminates the risk of third-party programs.
– It allows you to manage and delete apps from your iPhone on your Mac.
– It’s a quick method that doesn’t require technical knowledge.
Cons:
– It’s only limited to Mac users.
– Deleting an app from this method doesn’t delete the app data.
Why Can’t I Delete Apps from My Phone on My Computer
1. Update your phone to the latest OS version. Sometimes the OS version may not support deleting apps from your phone on the computer. Updating your phone’s OS version can solve this issue.
2. Approve the USB debugging option. Before connecting your phone to the computer, you need to enable "USB Debugging" on your phone. Without this option, your computer can’t access your phone. Go to "Settings" – "Developer options" – "USB debugging" and turn it on.
3. Make sure USB connectivity is functioning. Sometimes, connecting a phone to a PC using a faulty USB cable may not work. Make sure the USB cable you’re using is functional by testing it with another device.
4. Install the necessary drivers. Your computer may not recognize your phone if the necessary drivers are not installed. Install appropriate drivers for your phone to use this feature.
Additional Tips
1. Always back up your data before deleting apps from your phone on the computer.
2. Before deleting an app, ensure you don’t need it in the future to avoid re-downloading it.
3. Only delete apps that you’re sure will save you space and aren’t useful to you.
4. Ensure you’re following the necessary steps to prevent accidental deletion of necessary data.
5 FAQs about How to Delete Apps from Phone on Computer
Q1: Is it safe to delete apps from my phone on a computer?
A: Yes, it’s safe to delete apps via your computer. However, you need to ensure you’re following the proper steps to prevent accidental deletion of necessary data.
Q2: What’s the difference between deleting apps directly from my phone and on the computer?
A: Deleting apps directly from your phone can be time-consuming. Deleting apps on the computer saves you time and allows you to select multiple apps at once.
Q3: Do I need to pay to use a phone manager software?
A: No, phone manager software is free. You need to download and install it on your computer.
Q4: Can I delete apps from my iPhone on a Windows PC?
A: No, iTunes or Finder deletion of apps is limited to Mac users only.
Q5: Can I delete apps that come with my phone or apps I can’t uninstall?
A: No, system apps that come with your phone can’t be deleted.
In Conclusion
Deleting apps from your phone on the computer is an efficient way to save storage space on your phone. It also saves you time and allows you to select multiple apps at once. We’ve discussed three methods you can use to delete apps from your phone on your computer. Choose the method that suits you best, and follow the steps carefully. Don’t forget to back up your data before deleting apps. Happy deleting!