Introduction
Android offers the flexibility to install your desired applications, but as we all know, it’s easy to install apps but can be hard to remove them. This article aims to guide you on how to uninstall apps on an Android device. It provides a comprehensive guide from basic steps to advanced techniques for removing pre-installed apps and batch uninstallation. The article also covers best practices to ensure that your device runs smoothly and you free up your precious storage space.
Step-by-Step Guide
The most common method for uninstalling an app is to use the basic process. Here’s how:
- 1. Go to your device’s home screen and locate the app you want to remove.
- 2. Tap and hold the app icon, and an options menu will pop up.
- 3. Select “Uninstall,” then confirm the action by tapping “OK.”
- 4. Wait for the app to uninstall, and it’s done!
However, there might be instances when apps don’t appear in your home screen or might have moved from their original location. In such cases, you can still uninstall them by following these steps:
- 1. Open the Settings app on your device.
- 2. Select “Apps” or “Application Manager,” depending on the version of your Android.
- 3. Look for the app you want to uninstall and tap on it.
- 4. Select “Uninstall,” then confirm by tapping “OK.”
- 5. Wait for the app to uninstall, and it’s done!
As you can see, the process is relatively easy, but it’s essential to be thorough and follow the instructions provided to avoid any unwanted effects.
Using App Manager
The App Manager is one of the best features that Android has provided to manage your installed apps thoroughly. It’s a built-in tool that makes managing your apps more manageable. Here’s how to access it on your Android device:
- 1. Open the Settings app on your device.
- 2. Scroll down to the “Apps” or “Application Manager” section.
- 3. Tap on “App Manager,” a list of the apps installed on your device will appear.
You can sort the list by app name, size, or usage frequency. This feature is handy when you want to see which apps are taking up too much space on your device. From here, you can uninstall apps by tapping on the app you want to remove and selecting “Uninstall.”
Using Application Uninstallers
Although the basic process and App Manager work well for most users, third-party uninstallers can do more. They can remove an app along with its leftover files, freeing up your device’s storage space. Here are some of the best third-party uninstallers that you can find on the Google Play Store:
- 1. SD Maid
- 2. Easy Uninstaller
- 3. App Uninstaller
- 4. All-In-One Toolbox
- 5. Uninstall Master
Using any of these uninstallers is as easy as downloading, installing, and running the app. Here’s how to use them:
- 1. Open the app and wait for it to scan your installed apps.
- 2. Select the app you want to uninstall from the list of installed apps.
- 3. Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation process.
- 4. The app uninstaller will remove the app and its leftover files (if any) and free up your storage space.
Removing Pre-installed Apps
Pre-installed apps are the apps that come with your device and typically cannot be removed. However, you can disable or hide them from your device’s home screen. Here’s how:
- 1. Open the Settings app on your device.
- 2. Select “Apps” or “Application Manager,” depending on the version of your Android.
- 3. Locate the pre-installed app you want to disable.
- 4. Tap on the app and select “Disable.”
- 5. Confirm the action by tapping “Yes.”
The app will no longer be visible on your device’s home screen, nor will it consume system resources. It’s worth noting that disabling a pre-installed app may cause other apps to malfunction, so be careful and considerate of your actions.
Batch Uninstallation Techniques
Batch uninstallation is an efficient way to remove multiple apps simultaneously. You can use either a third-party app or an in-built option to achieve this. Here are two techniques for batch uninstallation:
- 1. Batch Uninstaller Apps: Several third-party apps allow you to remove multiple apps simultaneously. Here are some of the best:
- Batch Uninstaller
- Easy Uninstaller
- Uninstaller Pro
- 2. Built-in Option: Some Android devices also have a built-in batch uninstallation option. Here’s how to use it:
- Go to your device’s home screen and access the App Drawer.
- Tap and hold on an app until you see checkboxes appear next to all your apps.
- Select all the apps you want to uninstall.
- Tap on “Uninstall” at the top right corner of your screen.
- Confirm the action by tapping “OK.”
- Wait for the apps to uninstall, and you’re done!
Using Play Store
You can check and uninstall apps on Google Play Store by following these steps:
- 1. Open Google Play Store on your device.
- 2. Tap on the three horizontal lines in the top left corner of the screen to open the menu.
- 3. Select “My apps & games.”
- 4. Choose the “Installed” tab.
- 5. Select the app you want to uninstall and tap on the “Uninstall” button.
Before uninstalling the app, consider checking its reviews, rating, and update frequency. A good app should have regular updates and high ratings from users.
Best Practices while Uninstalling
Uninstalling apps can be simple, but it’s essential to exercise caution and adhere to best practices. Here are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind:
- Do check app permissions before uninstalling any app. Apps that require access to certain areas of your device should be scrutinized, especially if they’re not from reputable sources.
- Don’t blindly uninstall pre-installed apps without considering their purpose. Some apps might seem useless but contribute to the smooth running of your device.
- Do clear cache and data of apps before uninstalling as it frees up more space and deletes any temporary files that might be using your device’s resources.
- Don’t forget to check storage space before uninstalling any app. Android devices require a healthy amount of free storage space to function correctly.
Conclusion
Uninstalling apps on an Android device should be easy with the help of this comprehensive guide. We’ve covered the basic uninstallation process, App Manager, third-party apps, pre-installed apps, batch uninstallation, and Play Store. We’ve also shared some best practices to ensure that the process is as smooth as possible. Remember to exercise caution while uninstalling and reducing your chances of affecting your device negatively. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to share them in the comments section below.