Mobile device users are often faced with the need to completely remove their digital footprints from social networks and dating applications. The service Friends around (formerly known as Mamba) is no exception, and the deactivation procedure here has its own nuances, especially on the Android platform. Simply deleting an icon from the desktop is not enough, since the data remains on the servers and continues to take up space in the device’s memory.
The cleaning process requires a sequential approach: first you need to cancel the account on the server side, and then clear the cache and remaining files from the smartphone itself. In this article, we will analyze in detail each stage, from setting up privacy to using engineering menus to check system logs.
Sometimes users want to leave the platform temporarily, but the deletion functionality often hides the possibility of recovery. It is important to understand the difference between blocking a profile and completely erasing it, since the consequences of these actions are irreversible in different ways. We will look at both scenarios so that you can make an informed decision.
Preparing your account for deletion through the app settings
Before taking drastic measures, you need to go into the application itself and find the profile management section. Usually the path is through the main menu, which is hidden behind an icon with three stripes or a user avatar in the corner of the screen. You will need to find the item Settingsand then subsection Profile or Security.
In modern versions of software for Android developers are required to place the delete button in an accessible place, according to application store rules. However, the interface may change, so you should carefully look for the words “Delete account” or “Deactivation”. Sometimes this function is hidden at the very bottom of the list of settings to avoid accidental clicks.
The system may request identification confirmation before performing the operation. This is a standard measure securitythat prevents attackers who have gained access to your phone from deleting your profile. You may be asked to enter a password, a code from SMS, or answer a security question.
⚠️ Attention: Before deleting, it is recommended to manually cancel all active paid subscriptions through Google Play to avoid being charged after deactivating the service.
☑️ Preparation for deletion
The procedure for revoking consents and clearing data in the Android system
After initiating deletion on the server, you need to go to the system settings of the smartphone itself. Go to Settings your device, then select the section Applications or All applications. Find it in the list Friends around and tap on it to open information about the app.
It is critical to perform two steps here: first press the button Stopif the application is active, and then select Storage and Clear data. This operation will delete all local files, databases and temporary caches that the application may have saved on the internal drive.
Next you should go to the permissions section. In the application menu, find the item Permissions and revoke access to all functions: camera, microphone, geolocation and contacts. This ensures that even with residual processes, the app will not be able to collect information about you.
- 📍 Disable access to geolocation so that the application does not track movements in the background.
- 📞 Prevent reading your contact list to protect the data of your friends.
- 📷 Remove permission to use the camera and microphone for complete privacy.
Use the built-in file manager to check the Android/data folder for residual directories with the name of the application package (for example, ru.mamba).
Removal via the web version and mobile browser
Sometimes the mobile application does not allow you to complete the deletion procedure due to technical glitches or an outdated version. In this case, an effective solution is to use the mobile version of the site through a browser Chrome or Firefox. The full version of the site often contains advanced account settings that are not available in the applet.
Log in to the official resource using your current credentials. In your personal account, find the profile settings section. The interface of the web version is usually more informative and allows you to configure the deletion settings in detail, including the reason for leaving the service.
After confirming the deletion in the browser, return to the application on your phone. You will see an authorization error or a message stating that the profile was not found. This is a signal that the server part of the process has been completed successfully, and you can begin final cleaning of the device.
| Action | Where it is performed | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Profile deactivation | Application settings / Website | Profile hidden from search |
| Clearing cache | Android Settings -> Applications | Deleting temporary files |
| Revoking permissions | OS permission menu | Personal data protection |
| Remove APK | Desktop / Menu | Complete app removal |
Using third-party utilities for complete uninstallation
For users who want to achieve maximum system cleanliness, there are specialized tools. Uninstaller applications such as Revo Uninstaller (mobile version) or built-in cleaning tools from manufacturers like Xiaomi or Samsungcan find hidden remains.
These utilities scan the file system for “tails” - folders and files, which the standard removal procedure often ignores. They can also identify related services or libraries that were installed along with the main application.
However, you should be careful when using aggressive cleaners. Some of them can delete system files if not configured correctly. Always check the list of files proposed for deletion before confirming the operation.
⚠️ Attention: Android shell interfaces (MIUI, OneUI, ColorOS) may differ. Menu items may have different names, but the logic of the actions remains the same.
Resetting the advertising identifier and protecting privacy
Even after you uninstall the application, advertising networks can retain information about your device using a unique advertising identifier (AAID). To break this connection and prevent targeting based on past activity, you must reset this ID in the system settings.
Go to Settings -> Google -> Advertising. Here you will find the option Reset advertising ID or Remove advertising ID (depending on the Android version). This action will create a new random number, and the old data about your interests will become useless for advertisers.
It is also recommended to check the list trusted devices in your Google account. If the phone from which you deleted the application is listed there as an active device for synchronization, it is better to remove it from the list and add it again after complete cleaning.
Why reset the advertising ID?
Resetting the ID breaks the connection between your browsing history and the current device profile, making advertising less intrusive and personalized based on old data.
Checking the system for residual processes
The final stage of expert cleaning is checking running processes. Go to Settings -> For developers (if the mode is enabled) -> Running services. Make sure that there are no processes associated with the service being deleted in the list.
If you find strange processes with names similar to the remote application, this may indicate the presence of malware or a deeply integrated system extension. In this case, deeper diagnostics or a reset to factory settings may be required.
Rebooting the device after all manipulations is required. This will allow the operating system Android to recalculate the file index and finally unload from RAM any libraries that may have been loaded by the application earlier.
Full cleaning is achieved only by a combination of deleting the account on the server, resetting the data in the phone settings and revoking the advertising identifier.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to recover a deleted Friends Around profile?
In most cases, recovery is impossible. The service policy implies permanent deletion of data after a certain period (usually 30 days) from the date of the request. If you change your mind immediately after clicking the button, you should quickly write to support, but there are no guarantees.
Will my correspondence be deleted from the interlocutors?
No, deleting your profile only affects your data. Correspondence saved on other users' devices or on shared chat history servers will remain available to them unless they delete it themselves.
Why do you need to wait 30 days after requesting deletion?
This security period is introduced to protect against scammers. If your account is hacked and someone tries to delete it, you will have a month to regain access and cancel the operation. After this period, the data is physically erased.
Does deleting an application affect the Premium subscription?
Simply deleting the application icon does NOT cancel the subscription. Payment continues through Google Play. You must separately go to the subscription settings in the app store and cancel the renewal.
How to delete an application if it is not deleted through the settings?
If the “Delete” button is inactive, the application may have device administrator rights. Check the section Security -> Device administrators and uncheck the desired application, then try deleting again.