How to Remove Bloatware on Android: A Simple Guide
Bloatware, by definition, refers to unwanted software installed on your device that you neither asked for nor need. It often comes pre-installed on new devices or is bundled with apps from the Google Play Store. While some bloatware can be harmless, others can consume valuable resources such as memory and battery life, affecting the overall performance of your Android device.
In this blog post, we'll walk you through easy steps to help you identify and remove bloatware on your Android device.
Step 1: Identify Bloatware
Before you start removing apps, it's essential to determine which apps are taking up unnecessary space or resources on your Android device. Here's how:
- Go to the 'Settings' app on your Android device.
- Tap on 'Apps & notifications'.
- Scroll down and tap on 'See all X apps'.
- Sort the list by 'Size' or 'Last used' to identify larger or less-used apps.
Step 2: Disable Bloatware Notifications
Some bloatware comes with persistent notifications, which can be annoying and distracting. Here's how to disable them:
- Go to the app settings for the bloatware app you wish to quiet.
- Tap on 'Notifications'.
- Turn off all available notification options.
Step 3: Uninstall Bloatware
You can uninstall most apps just like you would any other app from your Android device. Here's how:
- Go to the 'Settings' app and tap on 'Apps & notifications'.
- Find the bloatware app in the list and tap on it.
- Tap on 'Uninstall'. If the option is greyed out, you might need to go to the Google Play Store app and uninstall the update for that particular app instead.
Step 4: Use System App Uninstaller (Rooted Devices)
For rooted Android devices, you can use a system app uninstaller like Greenify or Titanium Backup to completely remove pre-installed apps that cannot be uninstalled through the usual method. Keep in mind that removing core system apps may potentially cause issues with your device's functionality. Proceed with caution and only remove apps that you are confident will not negatively impact your Android experience.
Step 5: Use Play Store Filtering to Avoid Bloatware
To prevent future bloatware installations, you can use the Google Play Store filtering options while downloading new apps. Here's how:
- Open the Google Play Store app.
- Tap on 'Menu' > 'Settings'.
- Toggle on 'App filtering'.
- Select 'Show only installed', so you only see the apps already installed on your device.
- Before downloading a new app, check its size and user reviews for any signs of bloatware.
By following these steps, you'll be able to identify and remove bloatware from your Android device, improving overall performance and saving valuable resources. Happy cleaning!