How to Remove Bloatware from Any Android Phone
Bloatware is one of the biggest reasons Android phones feel slow, cluttered, and low on storage. These pre-installed apps often come from phone manufacturers, carriers, or partners—and most users never use them.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to remove bloatware from any Android phone safely, using both no-root and advanced methods, without damaging your device.
Table of Contents
- What Is Bloatware?
- Why You Should Remove Bloatware
- Types of Bloatware on Android
- Method 1: Disable Bloatware (No Root)
- Method 2: Uninstall App Updates
- Method 3: Remove Bloatware Using ADB (No Root)
- Safety Tips Before Removing System Apps
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What Is Bloatware?
Bloatware refers to apps that come pre-installed on your Android phone and cannot be easily removed like normal apps.
Examples include:
- Manufacturer apps (themes, app stores)
- Carrier apps
- Duplicate apps (two browsers, two music apps)
- Promotional or trial apps
Most of these apps run in the background and consume storage, RAM, and battery.
2. Why You Should Remove Bloatware
- Free up internal storage
- Improve phone speed and performance
- Increase battery life
- Reduce background data usage
- Declutter app drawer
Removing or disabling bloatware makes your Android phone feel cleaner and faster.
3. Types of Bloatware on Android
✔ Safe to Remove
- Pre-installed games
- Shopping or streaming apps
- Third-party promotional apps
⚠ Do NOT Remove
- System UI
- Google Play Services
- Phone, Contacts, Settings apps
Removing critical system apps can cause boot loops or crashes.
4. Method 1: Disable Bloatware (No Root – Recommended)
This is the safest and easiest method.
Steps:
- Open Settings
- Go to Apps
- Select the bloatware app
- Tap Disable
Disabling an app:
- Stops it from running
- Removes it from app drawer
- Prevents updates
5. Method 2: Uninstall App Updates
Some system apps can’t be fully removed, but you can uninstall their updates.
Steps:
- Settings → Apps
- Select the system app
- Tap Uninstall Updates
This reduces app size and background activity.
6. Method 3: Remove Bloatware Using ADB (No Root)
This advanced method removes bloatware using a computer—without rooting.
Requirements:
- PC or Laptop
- USB Cable
- ADB tools
High-level Steps:
- Enable Developer Options
- Turn on USB Debugging
- Connect phone to PC
- Use ADB command to uninstall app for current user
Note: This removes the app for the user, not from system partition, making it reversible.
7. Safety Tips Before Removing Bloatware
- Research app package names before removal
- Disable first, uninstall later
- Never remove core system apps
- Keep a backup of important data
- Restart phone after changes
When in doubt—disable instead of uninstall.
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I completely remove bloatware without root?
Yes, using ADB you can remove most bloatware without rooting.
Does disabling apps improve performance?
Yes, disabled apps stop running in background and free resources.
Will removing bloatware void warranty?
No, disabling or ADB removal does not void warranty.
Can bloatware come back after update?
Some apps may reappear after major system updates.