Master the Art of Easily Uninstalling Android Apps on Your Phone or Tablet

Key Takeaways

Uninstalling unused Android apps can improve performance and free up storage space. Use the Play Store to select and uninstall apps.

To uninstall an app, tap and hold on its icon to access a contextual menu, and then choose "Uninstall". Note that certain apps may not be uninstalled but can be disabled. Disabled apps are prevented from running in the background or appearing in the app drawer.

There are numerous captivating and free apps available in the Google Play Store, but it's common to download some that eventually remain unused. Retaining unused apps on your Android device can affect its performance and consume storage space. This guide explains how to uninstall Android apps.

In most cases, any app or game obtained from the Play Store can be uninstalled. However, there are a few exceptions, such as certain pre-loaded apps on your phone or tablet. Occasionally, it is possible to "disable" these apps, although this option may not always be available.

Uninstall Android Apps

Uninstalling an Android app or game can be done in two ways: through the Play Store or directly from the home screen/app drawer. Let's start with the Play Store method, which is a universal process for everyone.

Open the Play Store on your Android smartphone or tablet and tap the hamburger menu icon in the top-left corner.

Select "Manage Apps & Devices" from the menu.

You'll see a section that shows how much storage you're using, tap on it.

You'll see all the apps on your device from the Play Store. Check the boxes for all the apps you want to uninstall, then tap the trash can icon in the top right.

Finally, confirm you want to remove the selected apps by selecting "Uninstall" on the pop-up message.

That's all! The app will be uninstalled.

The specific approach may differ based on the home screen launcher and device's skin you have. Generally, you can press and hold an app icon to display a contextual menu.

From that menu, tap "Uninstall."

A confirmation pop-up will ask whether you're sure. Select "OK" to delete the app.

Different launchers have varying methods for uninstalling apps. Some may require you to drag the app icon to an "Uninstall" button, while others offer an "App Info" option in the contextual menu. Selecting "App Info" will take you to the app's settings page, where you can choose to uninstall it. If you're unsure about the uninstallation procedure in your launcher, you can always utilize the Play Store method as a reliable alternative.

Disable Android Apps

Certain Android apps cannot be uninstalled, but they can be disabled instead. Disabling an app means it remains on your device, but it is prevented from running in the background or appearing in your app drawer.

Disabling is usually an option for pre-installed applications that are not necessary for the functioning of the device. In the case of the Facebook app being pre-installed, you may not be able to uninstall it directly, but it is possible to disable it.

To disable the app, start by swiping down from the top of the screen (once or twice, depending on the device's manufacturer) and tapping on the gear icon to access the Settings menu.

Next, select "Apps."

You may need to tap "See All [Number] Apps" for the full list of installed apps. Some devices show the full list right away.

Select the app that you wish to uninstall/disable.

On the app info page, you'll either see the option to "Uninstall" or "Disable." Tap it.

A pop-up will ask you to confirm that you want to disable the app. Tap "Disable App" to proceed.

If the app can't be disabled, the option will be grayed out.

That's all there is to it. A disabled app will remain on your device and can be reenabled with the same steps at any time.