Learn How to Disable Unwanted Apps on Your Android

When you get a new phone or tablet, you may notice that there are a lot of apps that have been installed on your device. They may use a fair amount of data, drain your battery, or else take up valuable space. Unfortunately, you can’t delete the apps that are preinstalled on your device. However, you can disable them. Disabling certain apps essentially “hides” them on your device.

The ability to disable preinstalled apps is a feature on newer Android devices. Previously, you might have had to root your phone, which would take a lot of extra time and effort. Rooting your phone is the only way to permanently delete these preinstalled apps from your device. Nonetheless, this isn’t a necessary move; disabling the apps is just as effective.

As a warning, disabling an app will delete the data you may have stored on the app. In addition, before you disable an app, make sure that this action will not interfere with the function of other apps. This could create more issues than it solves on your device. It might be best to have a trial phase of disabling specific apps to see how well your device works without them. If you end up needing a particular app again, simply reverse the process.

You can also uninstall apps that you no longer want on your device. This is a great option if you have some games or photo-editing apps on your phone that you haven’t used in months. Those types of apps can take up a lot of space. Worth noting: If you purchased an app from the Play store, you can download it to your device again in the future without having to repurchase it.

How to Disable or Uninstall Apps

Go to your device’s Settings (the gear icon).
Click Apps/Application Manager.
Choose which app you want to disable or uninstall. Click on the app and then click on the action that you want.

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Now that you’ve disabled or uninstalled apps you no longer use, make sure that your device is protected against any new apps you might download. Malicious apps often mimic popular apps. They can trick us into downloading them, and infect our devices with malware. Download PSafe Total to protect your Android device against security threats 24/7.

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The dfndr blog is an informative channel that presents exclusive content on security and privacy in the mobile and business world, with tips to keep users protected. Populated by a select group of expert reporters, the channel has a partnership with dfndr lab's security team. Together they bring you, first-notice news about attacks, scams, internet vulnerabilities, malware and everything affecting cybersecurity.