How to Remove Apps on Android: 3 Proven Methods

Introduction / Why This Is Needed

Removing unnecessary apps on Android frees up storage, improves battery life, and enhances system security. The standard method through settings does not allow you to remove pre-installed system apps. This guide explains in detail how to completely get rid of any apps—both user-installed and system ones—using built-in tools, ADB, and special utilities.

Requirements / Preparation

• For standard uninstallation: Device running Android 8.0 or newer.
• For removing system apps via ADB:
  • A computer with Windows, macOS, or Linux.
  • Installed Android SDK Platform-Tools (contains ADB).
  • USB cable to connect the phone.
  • On the phone: USB debugging enabled in Developer options.
• For removal via third-party utilities: The App Manager app (or similar) from Google Play.

Step 1: Uninstalling User Apps via Settings

This is the simplest and safest method for apps you installed yourself.

1. Open your device's Settings (⚙️).
2. Go to the Apps section (or Apps & notifications → See all apps).
3. Find the app you want to remove in the list.
4. Tap on it, then select Uninstall.
5. Confirm the action in the dialog that appears.

💡 Tip: Some manufacturers (Xiaomi, Samsung) may hide system apps in a separate System apps section. You won't be able to remove them this way.

Step 2: Removing System Apps with ADB

This method allows you to remove pre-installed apps for the current user (their storage space will be freed, but files remain in the system partition).

1. Connect your phone to your computer via USB. On the phone, in the "Allow USB debugging?" prompt, check "Always allow from this computer" and press OK.
2. Check the connection in the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux):

   adb devices
   

   In the output, you should see your device's serial number with the status device.
3. Find the app's package name. The easiest way:
   • Install the App Inspector (or Package Name Viewer) app on your phone.
   • Find the desired app in the list and copy the value of the Package name field (e.g., com.facebook.katana).
4. Execute the uninstall command. In the command prompt/terminal, type:

   adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.example.package
   

   Replace com.example.package with the actual package name.
5. On success, you will see Success. The app will disappear from the launcher and the list of installed apps.

Step 3: Removal via Third-Party Utilities (ADB Alternative)

If you don't want to use a computer, you can use manager apps that work via the same ADB protocol but are controlled from the phone.

1. Install the App Manager app (developer MuntashirAkon) from Google Play.
2. In Settings → Developer options, find the "USB debugging (Security settings)" (or "Debugging accessories") option and enable it for App Manager.
3. Open App Manager. Switch to the "System" tab at the top.
4. Find the desired app in the list. Tap on it, then press the "Uninstall for user" button.
5. Confirm the action. The app will be removed.

⚠️ Important: This method also requires USB debugging to be enabled and the computer (or in this case, the utility on the phone itself) to be trusted. Without this, the system won't allow removal of a system package.

Verifying the Result

1. Open Settings → Apps and ensure the removed app is not in the User or System list.
2. Check that the app's icon has disappeared from the home screen and the app drawer.
3. Confirm that storage space has been freed: Settings → Storage (or Memory).

Potential Issues

• Failure [DELETE_FAILED_INTERNAL_ERROR] with ADB: Most often means the app is a protected system component (e.g., part of the firmware). Removing it without root privileges is impossible. Try disabling it instead: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 <package_name>.
• App remains in the installed list after removal: Reboot the device. If the problem persists, the removal might have failed—repeat the command.
• Cannot find the package in App Manager: Ensure you have switched to the "System" tab. Some apps may have multiple packages (e.g., com.app.name and com.app.name.rc).
• Data loss: Uninstalling an app always deletes all its data, cache, and settings. If you need to save something (e.g., chats in a messenger), make a backup beforehand.