Recently, Android smartphones come loaded with bloatware such as cleaners, Facebook app managers, and questionable voice assistants. These apps often consume vital resources like RAM, processing power, and battery, along with raising privacy concerns. If only we could uninstall them as easily as regular apps.
Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) collaborate with software companies to pre-install their apps. Consequently, manufacturers designate these apps as system apps, integrating them deeply into the OS. Consequently, they cannot be uninstalled conventionally, requiring privileged permission. However, fret not; we have some handy tricks to easily uninstall these apps using just an ADB command.
Setting up ADB
To proceed, set up ADB (Android Debugging Bridge). We’ve crafted a comprehensive guide to simplify the process. Click the link, follow the instructions meticulously, and you’ll be ready for the next step.
Removing Bloatware without Root
Here, we’ll explore various methods for removing apps. Initially, we’ll employ a universal approach applicable to all Android devices, regardless of the manufacturer. This manual process offers insight into the workings. Subsequently, we’ll utilize automated tools for removing bloatware on Samsung and Xiaomi smartphones, streamlining the task into a few clicks. Let’s commence with the universal method.
Removing Bloatware from Any Android Smartphone
- Connect the smartphone to your PC. Type adb devices in Command Prompt, Powershell, or Terminal and hit enter. If your device is listed with a serial number, you are good to go. If not, revisit our guide and set things up correctly.
- The next step is to find the package name of the apps you want to remove. Download App Inspector (free) on your smartphone, and note down the package names you want to uninstall. Open App Inspector and tap on the desired app. It will display the package name at the top.
- Back to the PC, type “adb shell” in your terminal and hit enter. Then, input “pm uninstall -k –user 0” followed by the actual package name. For instance, to uninstall the Facebook app, type “pm uninstall -k –user 0 com.facebook.katana” and hit enter. The Facebook app will be instantly uninstalled.
This is how you can easily uninstall annoying apps one by one. While the process can be tiresome if you have a long list of apps to remove, you must be diligent. Many system apps are interdependent, so removing one may render your smartphone unusable. Be cautious when removing core system apps.
Removing Bloatware on Xiaomi and Poco Phones:
- Download the Xiaomi ADB Fastboot Tools app, a simple tool that streamlines the uninstalling process in just a few clicks.
Note: Xiaomi ADB Fastboot Tools is a jar application so your PC must have Java installed. If the application doesn’t launch, download Java from here and install it.
- Connect the smartphone to your PC and launch the application. You will receive a pop-up on your smartphone asking for USB debugging permission. Grant this permission, as it is required to remove the bloatware. Once granted, the Status should change to “Device found” on the left side of the application. If your device is not detected, it means ADB is not set up correctly.
- Now, the application will load all installed apps on your smartphone. Choose the ones to remove and click Uninstall. Voila, in seconds, bloatware will vanish.
- After uninstalling, disconnect your smartphone. Then, restart for changes to take effect. Your Xiaomi device will be bloat-free and usable.
No need to worry about breaking OTA updates; it’ll function as intended. However, Xiaomi may reinstall all removed apps after a system update. You might need to repeat the process. Overall, it’s a great way to debloat your Xiaomi smartphone for a smoother experience.
Remove Bloatware from Samsung Smartphones
- Download Package Disabler Pro+ ($3.49) from the Play Store and install it. Now, select apps by tapping checkboxes to disable them. To confirm, tap Disabled to see all disabled apps. Similarly, uncheck boxes to enable apps.
- Disabling bloatware can be time-consuming. A hack disables all bloatware via an XML file. XDA user BAYmustafa96 compiled safe-to-disable apps in an XML file. Download and import it.
- Tap the three-dot menu, choose ‘Import from XML’. Then tap Select, scroll to Download folder, open it, select your XML file, and tap Import.
What Happens If Something Goes Wrong?
Things can go awry if you’re not careful. However, there’s no need to worry because you can restore your smartphone to full functionality by factory resetting it through recovery mode. It’s advisable to back up all your data beforehand to prevent potential loss.
Eliminating Bloatware from your Phone without Rooting
This is how you remove bloatware from your phone without rooting it first. Doing so not only tidies up your app drawer but also conserves your smartphone’s resources, potentially reducing the occurrence of ads on certain devices. Have you removed or disabled bloatware from your phone? Share your experience in the comments below.
Pritam Chopra is a seasoned IT professional and a passionate blogger hailing from the dynamic realm of technology. With an insatiable curiosity for all things tech-related, Pritam has dedicated himself to exploring and unraveling the intricacies of the digital world.
