How to delete Preinstalled Apps on Android

Preinstalled apps on Android, also known as “system apps” or “bloatware,” are typically preloaded by the device manufacturer or your mobile carrier. These apps cannot be easily uninstalled like regular apps you download from the Google Play Store. However, there are a few methods you can use to disable or hide preinstalled apps, which effectively removes them from your app drawer and prevents them from running. Here’s how:

Method 1: Disable Preinstalled Apps (Recommended):

1. Open the “Settings” app on your Android device.
2. Scroll down and tap on “Apps” or “Applications,” depending on your device.
3. You will see a list of installed apps. Tap the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner of the screen and select “Show system” or “Show system apps.” This will display the system apps, including preinstalled ones.
4. Scroll through the list to find the preinstalled app you want to disable.
5. Tap on the app to open its details screen.
6. If the “Disable” option is available (it may be labeled differently on some devices, like “Turn off”), tap it. Confirm your choice when prompted.
7. The app will be disabled, and its icon will disappear from your app drawer.

Method 2: Use a Third-Party App Manager:

You can also use third-party app managers or package disabler apps to disable preinstalled apps. Here’s how:

1. Download and install a third-party app manager or package disabler app from the Google Play Store. Popular options include “Package Disabler Pro” and “Disable Application.”
2. Open the app manager or package disabler app.
3. Grant the app the necessary permissions, including access to system apps.
4. Search for the preinstalled app you want to disable.
5. Tap on the app, and you should see an option to disable or deactivate it.
6. Confirm your choice when prompted.
7. The app will be disabled, and its icon will be removed from your app drawer.

Method 3: Hide Preinstalled Apps (Doesn’t Remove Them):

If you don’t want to disable preinstalled apps but simply want to hide their icons from the app drawer, you can create a folder and move them into it. Here’s how:

1. Long-press on the app icon you want to hide until you can drag it.
2. Drag the app icon to the top of the screen, where you’ll see the “Create folder” option.
3. Drop the app icon onto “Create folder.”
4. You can then name the folder and tap “Create” or simply tap outside the folder to leave it unnamed.
5. The app icon will now be inside the folder, effectively hiding it from your app drawer. You can repeat this process for other preinstalled apps you want to hide.

The disabling or hiding preinstalled apps can vary depending on your device’s manufacturer and Android version. Some preinstalled apps are essential for the functioning of your device, so be cautious when disabling them. If you encounter issues or accidentally disable a critical system app, you can usually re-enable it by following the same steps but selecting “Enable” instead of “Disable.”