Android users enjoy a truly open operating system that allows them to customize their devices according to their preferences. One of the features that make Android stand out is its ability to add 3rd party apps and software. On the one hand, this is an excellent opportunity to enhance your device’s functionality and enrich your user experience. On the other hand, it’s not uncommon for users to download too many apps, causing their devices to slow down or behave erratically.
If you find yourself in this situation and want to learn how to uninstall third-party apps on your Android device, you have come to the right place. This blog post will provide you with different methods to remove 3rd party apps from your device without causing any damage to your OS or important data.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
To begin uninstalling third-party apps on your Android device, you will need your phone or tablet, an internet connection, and the app that you want to delete. In case you don’t know which app to remove, you can use your device’s “recent apps” feature to see which apps are currently running on your device. This feature is typically accessed by pressing the square icon on your screen’s bottom right corner.
What Requires Your Focus?
Uninstalling third-party apps can be a relatively easy process, but it’s essential to focus on three crucial aspects to avoid any issues:
1. Know which app you want to remove
2. Be aware of the method you’ll use to remove it
3. Understand that removing an app permanently deletes its data from your device, including settings, preferences, and user data.
Different Methods to Uninstall 3rd Party Apps on Android
Different approaches can be taken to remove third-party apps from your Android device, and each of them has its pros and cons. Here are three popular and simple methods to uninstall apps from your device:
Method 1: Uninstalling the App via Settings
If you want to remove a 3rd party app from your Android device, this method is the most straightforward place to start. The vast majority of phones and tablets allow users to delete apps through the device’s settings. Follow these steps to remove an app through settings:
1. Open the “Settings” app on your device’s home screen
2. Find the “Apps & notifications” option and tap on it
3. From this screen, you’ll see a list of all your apps sorted alphabetically by default. Swipe down or use the search bar at the top to find the app you want to remove
4. Tap on the app’s name to open up its information page
5. On this page, you’ll see the “Uninstall” button. Tap on it, and a pop-up notification will appear
6. Tap “OK,” and your app will be completely deleted from your device
Pros:
– Easy and straightforward to execute
– Quick, typically takes under a minute to remove an app
– Removes all app data, freeing up space on your device
Cons:
– Not all pre-installed apps can be removed this way
– Could still have some app residue or leftover data on your device
Method 2: Uninstalling the App via Google Play Store
Another way to uninstall an app from your Android device is via the Google Play Store. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Open the Google Play Store app on your device’s home screen
2. At the top of the screen, you’ll see three horizontal lines. Tap on them to open the menu
3. From this list, select “My apps & games”
4. Next, select “Installed”
5. Find the app you want to remove and tap on it
6. You will see an “Uninstall” button. Tap on it, and you’ll receive a pop-up notification
7. Tap “OK,” and the app will be removed from your device
Pros:
– Easily view all your installed apps and remove them from one place
– Shows which apps need updating or can’t be deleted
– Guides you through the uninstall process, making it impossible to accidentally delete important files or data
Cons:
– Doesn’t remove all app data as it doesn’t clear up cache files or app preferences
Method 3: Uninstalling the App via Third-Party Apps
The last method we’ll discuss to remove third-party apps from your Android device involves using third-party apps that can help uninstall other apps. One example of a third-party app that enables one to uninstall or remove other apps is “App Manager.” Here are the steps to follow:
1. Head to the Google Play Store and search the keyword “App Manager.”
2. Install the app, then open it up
3. On this page, you’ll see all your currently installed apps in alphabetical order. Pick the app you want to remove
4. Tap on the app, and you’ll be provided with two options: “Uninstall” or “Force stop.” Select “Uninstall”
5. Here, you’ll have to manually confirm that you want to continue. Choose “OK” and the app will be removed from your device.
Pros:
– Can remove multiple apps at the same time
– Provides additional features like backup and restore for your apps if needed
– Removes all app data, freeing up storage space on your phone or tablet
Cons:
– Not always as accurate with identifying app files that need to be removed, unlike Method 2, which guarantees that all data sections get cleared.
Why Can’t I Uninstall 3rd Party Apps on Android?
Here are some reasons why an Android user might be unable to remove third-party apps from their device and possible fixes.
Reason 1: Preinstalled apps cannot be removed, such as the calendar, Chrome, Gmail, or Google Play Store app.
Fix: Android devices come with some pre-installed apps that can’t be removed due to certain dependencies. These include system apps that Android relies on for basic functions. However, disabling these apps is possible in some cases. On your device’s Settings menu, navigate to “Apps & notifications,” then select “See all apps.” Choose the app you want to disable, and on its info screen, tap on the “Disable” button.
Reason 2: The app is in use, won’t respond, or has crashed
Fix: Close the app in question and try again. If the app is frozen or unresponsive, force close it by navigating to the “Apps & notifications” page and swiping up the app you want to close. Then, relaunch the app and try uninstalling it again.
Reason 3: The app is stubborn and refuses to leave your device
Fix: In some cases, the stubborn app might be malware or a virus. In such scenarios, you need to take additional steps to rid your device of malicious software. Download apps like Malwarebytes and perform a scan and remove any red-flagged files. If that doesn’t work, a factory reset might be necessary.
Implications and Recommendations
Before you decide to remove any 3rd party apps, be sure to back up any important files, photos, or data that may associate with the app you are deleting. After you finish removing these apps, you’ll find that your device runs more smoothly. You may even discover that your phone’s battery life will improve. Lastly, removing bloatware apps will aid in preventing your phone from getting bogged down in the future.
5 FAQs about Uninstalling 3rd Party Apps on Android
Q1: How do I know which apps I should uninstall?
A: You can determine which apps to uninstall by reviewing your device’s storage space and performance. It’s essential to analyze whether the apps are necessary to continue using and whether the app runs smoothly and correctly.
Q2: Is there a limit to the number of apps you can uninstall at once?
A: No, you can uninstall as many apps as you’d like either individually or as a group.
Q3: Can I still access my app’s data after uninstalling it?
A: No, uninstalling an app means that it will be deleted entirely, along with its settings, preferences, and user data.
Q4: Can I uninstall pre-installed apps on my Android device?
A: It depends on the device and the manufacturer. Some pre-installed apps are uninstallable, while others can only be disabled.
Q5: Will uninstalling apps free up space on my device?
A: Yes, the uninstallation will free up space on your device that was previously occupied by the app’s data and cache storage.
In Conclusion
Removing third-party apps from your Android device is a simple process that can free up storage space, improve your device’s performance, and eliminate any unwanted apps. With the methods outlined in this post, you can quickly and efficiently delete old and unnecessary apps from your device. Remember to focus on the essential aspects of the process, such as identifying which app(s) to remove, choosing a method to remove it, and backing up any valuable data before starting the uninstallation process.