FAQs
Uninstalling an app will remove it entirely from your phone. Disabling an app will remove it from the apps screen and stop it from running in the background. Disabled apps will no longer receive updates. Depending on where you bought your device, different apps may be preinstalled.
What happens when you disable an app on Android? ›
Uninstalling an app will remove it entirely from your phone. Disabling an app will remove it from the apps screen and stop it from running in the background. Disabled apps will no longer receive updates. Depending on where you bought your device, different apps may be preinstalled.
How do I disable unused apps on my Android phone? ›
Open Android device settings. Scroll down and click on Apps. From the list of applications, choose the one you wish to disable. Tap on the app then hit the Disable button.
Should I delete unused apps on Android? ›
use a strong password on your phone, it's a good idea to delete any apps from your phone that are obsolete for your life now. Your device will also run faster if unused apps and files are deleted. Most phones will list when you last visited each app.
How do I completely delete and uninstall an app on Android? ›
Play Store: Go to Menu > Manage apps & device > Manage > select the app > Uninstall > Uninstall.
Is it better to disable or force stop an app? ›
The reason why using Force Stop is recommended when trying to fix a misbehaving app is 1) it kills the currently running instance of that app and 2) it means that the app will no longer be accessing any of its cache files.
Is disable an app the same as uninstall? ›
If you disable an app, the billing subscription will be paused so you won't be charged for it. You will also retain any settings configured. The app can be disabled indefinitely until such time you decide to re-enable. If you fully uninstall, it cancels the subscription completely and you are not charged.
Should I disable unused apps? ›
Unused apps not only clutter your phone but also create a risk of personal data leakage, so it's better to remove them.
What happens if you disable an app? ›
When you Disable an app, it just prevents the app from running resident in memory. The app isn't actually deleted and its data isn't removed from your phone.
Does disabling apps cause problems? ›
Disabling apps is sometimes useful for troubleshooting application problems, and disabled apps can always be re-enabled later. Apps that are essential for system operation can't be disabled. If you want to remove an app from your application instance completely, uninstall the app.
Delete apps on your Android device
- Open the Google Play Store app .
- At the top right, tap the Profile icon.
- Tap Manage apps & devices. Manage.
- Select the name of the app you want to delete.
- Tap Uninstall.
How do I clean up unused apps? ›
Delete unused apps and free up space
- On your Android device, open Files by Google .
- Tap Menu Clean .
- If you don't find "Delete unused apps" card, scroll to "Free up more space" card and tap Search for apps.
- On the confirmation dialog, tap Continue.
- On the “Usage access” screen, tap Files by Google.
What Android system apps should I disable? ›
Here are some specific examples of Android apps that can be safely removed:
- Flashlight apps.
- QR scanner apps.
- Screen recorder apps.
- Media player apps.
- Screen dimmer apps.
- Duplicate web browsers.
- Duplicate note-taking apps.
- Duplicate data backup apps.
Does disabling apps free up space? ›
The only way in which disabling the app will save on storage space is if any updates that have been installed made the app larger. When you go to disable the app any updates will be uninstalled first. Force Stop will do nothing for storage space, but clearing cache and data will...
How do I get rid of bloatware apps on Android? ›
In case you are unable to see system apps, tap the three-dot menu button from the top right of the screen and click on the 'Show system apps' option. 5. Once done, Tap on the one you want to get rid of and a new screen will appear where you will be able to uninstall or disable the app.
What will happen if I disable an app? ›
A disabled app is not much different from an uninstalled one — it vanishes from the set of icons on the startup screen and won't run manually or when the phone boots up. Should you need it later, you can easily turn it back on with a single tap on that same App Info screen.
Can you enable an app after disabling it? ›
If you turn off an app that comes with your device, you can turn it back on. Learn how to manage unused apps on Android. You can also reinstall an app that you bought but deleted.
Does disabling apps make phone faster? ›
The good news is that you can easily and quickly turn off or remove these apps to clear up space and make your handset faster.
What happens when you turn off apps? ›
Force stopping apps or services ends all foreground and background activity. The app no longer accesses caches and resources necessary to function until you open it again.