You power on the mobile device that you recently purchased and notice that the application drawer is filled with pre-installed applications that you neither installed nor intend to use for the foreseeable future. This is commonly referred to as bloatware.
Although manufacturers are generally considerate to their users, many of them still load their operating systems with bloatware. There are still some areas where people wish to remove unwanted applications.
However, not all bloatware is necessarily harmful; it’s important to keep that in mind. Moreover, the one that can be uninstalled effortlessly without root is definitely not a cause for concern. In this guide, we will provide a detailed explanation of everything you need to know regarding bloatware on Android, as well as how to eliminate it permanently.
At the start of the article, I mentioned bloatware as the pre-installed apps on a device. It’s accurate to say that the term “bloatware” refers to all those pre-installed apps on the device’s operating system that consume storage space without providing clear benefits for users.
Hence, labeling the system settings app, which comes pre-installed on all Android phones, as bloatware would not be appropriate. However, it could be considered an option within the settings.
“Junk software” is not limited only to applications. We can also find some options added in the system settings, modules, or even in the widgets of the UI. Despite not providing any value, they are taking up space, consuming resources such as memory or battery, or just dirtying the experience with the device.
So what could we consider “good bloatware”? All those apps, which are not important for the OS but do provide a real utility. Apps that do not come in-built in AOSP like a file browser, a video player or a gallery application, would be examples of truly useful pre-installed apps, as long as they do not exceed the limit of incorporating more functions than necessary.
How to remove bloatware from your Android mobile
But thing is – bloatware can be removed.
Some manufacturers provide the option to disable or deactivate pre-installed applications to free up storage space on mobile devices. While this may be a viable solution, it should be noted that deactivating apps does not completely delete them.
The most effective way to eliminate bloatware is to remove the applications pre-installed on the system by the manufacturer. The easiest method is to uninstall the app as usual through the system settings. However, it may not always be possible, and you may need to follow more advanced procedures at times.
Remove bloatware without root
You don’t need to have root access on your Android mobile to be able to remove bloatware. Just a USB cable and a computer with the ADB drivers installed on it. If you meet the requirements, these are the steps you must follow:
- First, turn on USB debugging on your phone and connect it to your computer.
- Now, open a command window – CMD or Terminal – on your computer.
- To verify that the phone has connected successfully, run the command “adb devices”. The identification number of the device should appear in the command window.
- On your computer, enter the command “adb shell”.
- To list all the apps pre-installed by the device manufacturer, you must run the following command:
pm list packages | grep 'brand'
For example, pm list packages | grep ‘samsung’. - To remove a specific application, enter the following command:
pm uninstall -k - -user 0 packagename
For example, pm uninstall -k – -user 0 com.samsung.calculator. - Repeat the previous step for all the apps you want to uninstall.
The only con of this abd command method is that it will only let you uninstall an app, but you can not uninstall a setting or option / UI element. Fortunately, these unwanted options don’t consume many resources from your device.
List of some common Bloatware that you must remove from your Android
Here are the lists of bloatware that you can directly remove from your device. For your convenience, we made categorized lists!
Warning: Please be aware that all custom ROMs, Official Firmware, how-to guides, tutorials, roots, hacks, and tricks mentioned on our site belong to their respective developers. We cannot be held responsible if anything goes wrong with your device. Any action you take is at your own risk. If you make a mistake and brick your device, we will not be held liable for it.
1. Safe List of Google Bloatware
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.apps.magazines
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.talk
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.chrome
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.gm
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.apps.plus
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.apps.maps
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.vr.vrcore
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.music
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.apps.books
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.apps.docs
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.apps.photos
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.apps.tachyon
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.videos
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.youtube2. Safe List of Microsoft Bloatware
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.skype.raider
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.microsoft.office.word
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.microsoft.office.powerpoint
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.microsoft.skydrive
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.microsoft.office.excel3. Safe List of Samsung Bloatware
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.sec.android.app.gamehub
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.sec.readershub
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.app.ledcoverdream
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.spay
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.sec.everglades
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.email
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.sec.android.provider.snote
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.sec.everglades.update
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.sec.android.widgetapp.samsungapps
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.sec.kidsplat.installer
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.app.episodes
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.svoice.sync
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.app.watchmanager
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.hmt.vrshell
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.tripadvisor.tripadvisor
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.sec.android.app.translator
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.widgetapp.yahooedge.finance
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.app.memo
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.sec.android.sidesync30
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.sec.android.service.health
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.sec.android.cover.ledcover
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.tripwidget
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.sec.yosemite.phone
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.voicewakeup
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.hmt.vrsvc
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.app.storyalbumwidget
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.sec.android.widgetapp.diotek.smemo
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.app.vrsetupwizardstub
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.vlingo.midas
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.widgetapp.yahooedge.sport
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.spdfnote
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.sec.android.app.desktoplauncher
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.groupcast
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.drivelink.stub
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.sec.android.app.ocr
pm uninstall -k --user 0 tv.peel.samsung.app
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.sec.android.app.shealth
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.sec.spp.push
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.voiceserviceplatform
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.service.travel
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.email.provider
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.svoice
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.dreams.phototable
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.sec.android.app.withtv
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.exchange
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.dsi.ant.sample.acquirechannels
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.egg
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.dreams.phototable
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.hancom.office.editor.hidden
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.keyguardwallpaperupdator
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.app.reminder
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.printspooler
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.widgetapp.yahooedge.sport
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.widgetapp.yahooedge.finance
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.spdfnote
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.weather
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.dsi.ant.service.socket
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.sec.android.daemonapp
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.app.news
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.sec.android.widgetapp.samsungapps
pm uninstall -k --user 0 flipboard.boxer.app
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.sec.android.easyonehand
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.dsi.ant.plugins.antplus
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.printservice.recommendation
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.dsi.ant.server
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.cnn.mobile.android.phone.edgepanel
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.game.gamehome
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.enhance.gameservice
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.game.gametools
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.sec.android.app.sbrowser
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.app.sbrowseredge
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.email.provider
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.wsomacp
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.app.vrsetupwizardstub
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.vr.vrcore
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.hmt.vrshell
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.hmt.vrsvc
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.sec.android.cover.ledcover
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.app.ledcoverdream
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.sec.android.app.desktoplauncher
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.sec.android.app.withtv4. Safe List of T-Mobile Bloatware
pm uninstall -k --user 0 us.com.dt.iq.appsource.tmobile
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.mobitv.client.tmobiletvhd5. Safe List of Verizon Bloatware
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.vcast.mediamanager
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.asurion.android.verizon.vms
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.motricity.verizon.ssodownloadable
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.vvm
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.vznavigator.[You_Model_Here]
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.vzw.hss.myverizon
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.vmmhux
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.vzw.hs.android.modlite6. Safe List of Facebook Bloatware
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.facebook.appmanager
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.facebook.katana
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.facebook.services
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.facebook.system7. Safe List of Amazon Bloatware
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.amazon.fv
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.amazon.mShop.android
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.amazon.mp3
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.amazon.kindle
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.amazon.venezia8. Safe List of some more Bloatware
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.gotv.nflgamecenter.us.lite
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.hancom.office.editor.hidden
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.nuance.swype.input
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.cequint.ecid
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.audible.application
pm uninstall -k --user 0 flipboard.boxer.app
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.imdb.mobile
pm uninstall -k --user 0 flipboard.app
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.blurb.checkout
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.infraware.polarisoffice5Please be cautious while attempting to uninstall any app from your device. It is crucial to ensure that the app you intend to uninstall does not use any system functions or settings. Uninstalling a critical app could potentially cause your phone to become unusable, and we will not be held responsible for any such damage caused. Hence, it is important to proceed at your own risk and be mindful of the potential consequences.
What if you have root access?
In case you have the root access, you can simply download the following app:
Install the app and launch it. Grant root permission using a root management app such as Magisk or SuperSU. Once granted, you can easily uninstall any system apps from the provided list.
Did I forget anything? Let me know in the comments below! We’re always eager to hear from you and will do our best to get back to you as soon as we can. So, don’t hesitate to leave a comment!
