Share menu (Share Menu) on Android is one of the most used tools, but over time it turns into a chaos of dozens of unnecessary applications, duplicate options and outdated links. Every time you try to send a photo, link or file, you have to scroll through a long list, where among 20+ options only 2-3 are really needed. Even worse: some applications automatically add themselves to this menu without your consent, slowing down the system and complicating interaction.

The problem is aggravated by the fact that Android does not offer a built-in tool for mass clear this menu. Depending on the OS version (Android 10-14) and shell (MIUI, One UI, ColorOS etc.), the solution methods vary. In this article we will look all working methods from manual configuration to using hidden functions and third-party utilities. You will learn how not only to hide unnecessary items, but to completely remove them from the system so that they do not appear again after a reboot.

Why is the “Share” menu filled with garbage?

The main reason for the list to grow is Aggressive app integration into the system. When you install new software (for example, instant messenger or cloud storage), it automatically registers itself as a processor of certain file types. Even after deleting an app, traces of it may remain in the Share menu due to:

  • 📦 Cached data — Android Retains information about past actions to speed up re-access.
  • 🔄 Residual files —not all apps delete their apps correctly. intent-filter (intent filters) during uninstallation.
  • 🤖 System updates — some shells (for example, MIUI 14+) reset menu settings after updates.
  • 📱 Smartphone manufacturers — Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo and others are added to menu your services (for example, Quick Share or Mi Drop), which cannot be removed using standard means.

Interesting fact: in Android 12 and newer Google tried to solve the problem by adding a function "Priority applications" (Priority apps). However, it works unstable - some applications still make their way to the top of the list, and the setting is reset after updates.

📊 How often do you use the "Share" menu on Android?
Several times a day
1-2 times a week
Only when necessary
I never use

Method 1: Manually setting up priority applications (Android 10+)

The simplest method is disable the display of unnecessary applications directly in the “Share” menu. This method works on most modern devices, but has a limitation: it does not delete items forever, but only hides them until the next reset.

Instructions:

  1. Open any application (for example, Gallery) and select the file to sending.
  2. Click the button "Share"** (icon with three dots and lines).
  3. At the bottom of the menu, tap on More (or Other applications).
  4. Hold your finger on an unnecessary application and drag it to the section Do not show (or click on the ⚙️ icon next to the name).
  5. Confirm the action by selecting Hide or Do not show.

On some firmware (for example, One UI 5.0+ on Samsung) this path may differ:

Settings → Applications → "Share" menu → Customize order

Check the Android version (Settings → About phone)

Update the firmware to the latest version

Make a backup copy of your important data

Close all background applications-->

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 9 and below, this method may not work. Also, some system applications (for example, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct) cannot be hidden using standard means.

Method 2: Resetting the “Share” menu settings via ADB

If manual settings do not help, and the menu is still clogged with garbage, you will have to use debug bridge ADB. This method requires connecting the smartphone to the PC, but it allows completely reset the Share menu cache at the system level.

What you will need:

  • 💻 A computer with installed drivers ADB.
  • 📱 Smartphone with enabled USB debugging (Settings → About phone → Build number - tap 7 times, then return to Settings → System → For developers).
  • 🔌 Cable USB-Type C (preferably original).

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Connect your smartphone to the PC and open Command Prompt (cmd) in the folder with ADB.
  2. Enter the command to check the connection: 
    adb devices

    The name of your device should appear.

  3. Reset the "Share" menu cache: 
    adb shell pm clear com.android.providers.media
  4. Reboot your smartphone.
ADB Command Action Note
adb shell pm clear com.android.providers.media Reset media provider cache Deletes Share history and other temporary data
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.example.app Disable the application for the current user Replace com.example.app with a package of unnecessary software
adb shell cmd shortcut reset-throttling Reset launch restrictions applications Helps if menu items are not updated
💡

Before executing commands ADB make a backup copy of your data via adb backup -apk -shared -all -f backup.ab. This will save all applications and settings in case of failure.

Method 3: Using third-party applications (without root)

If ADB seems complicated, you can use specialized utilities. They do not require rights root, but some functions may be limited.

Top 3 applications for cleaning the Share menu:

  • 🛠️ AndMade Share Cleaner - allows you to hide unnecessary items and sort priority ones. Powered by Android 8+.
  • 🧹 Share Menu Editor —advanced editor with the ability to export/import settings. Supports MIUI, ColorOS, One UI.
  • 🔍 App Inspector - helps to find and disable applications that add themselves to the menu without permission.

How to use AndMade Share Cleaner:

  1. Download the application from Google Play and open it.
  2. Click Scan —the utility will analyze all applications integrated into the “Share” menu.
  3. Select unnecessary items and tap Hide.
  4. Reboot the device to apply the changes.
⚠️ Attention: Some applications (for example, Share Menu Editor) may require permission to access Usage Access (Settings → Accessibility → Access to use). Without this, they will not be able to block system services.
What to do if the application is not hidden?

If after using the utility the menu item still appears, try:

1. Clear application cache Settings → Applications → Find application → Storage → Clear cache.

2. Disable the application via ADB (see Method 2).

3. Remove system application updates (for example Google Play Services) if they add unnecessary options.

Method 4: Cleaning through application settings (for advanced users)

Some applications add themselves to the "Share" menu via explicit intent filters (intent-filters) in the manifest. To remove them permanently, you need to disable the corresponding permissions.

Instructions:

  1. Go to Settings → Applications.
  2. Select an application that adds unnecessary items (for example, Facebook or VK).
  3. Tap on Permissions and disable: 
    Display on top of other applications

    Read/write data from clipboard
    

    Access media files

  4. Go back to the main application menu and click Stop (or Force stop).

For system applications (for example, Google Drive or Samsung Cloud) this method can will not work. In this case, only ADB or root-access will help.

💡

Disabling permissions does not completely remove the application, but blocks its integration into the “Share” menu. This method is safer than deleting via root, since it does not affect system permissions. files.

Method 5: Complete reset (extreme case)

If none of the methods helped, and the “Share” menu is still full of garbage, there remains reset to factory settingsThis is a radical solution that will return the smartphone to its original state, but will delete everything. data.

How to reset:

  1. Create a backup copy of important files (photos, contacts, messages).
  2. Go to Settings → System → Reset settings.
  3. Select Delete all data (factory reset).
  4. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

After the reset, the “Share” menu will be clean, but you will have to configure your smartphone again. To avoid refilling the menu, watch what applications you install and regularly clear the cache.

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Xiaomi c MIUI), resetting does not always remove system applications from the “Share” menu. In this case, only custom firmware will help. data-i="210">Attention: ROM.

How to prevent the menu from refilling?

To keep the Share menu clean, follow these rules:

  • 🚫 Remove unnecessary applications immediately after use, they can add themselves to the menu.
  • 🔄 Clear the cache regularly via Settings → Storage → Clear cache.
  • 🛡️ Disable auto-updates for applications that are aggressively integrated into the system (for example, TikTok or AliExpress).
  • 📱 Use alternative launchers (for example, Nova Launcher), which allow you to customize the “Share” menu more flexibly.

It is also worth paying attention to synchronization settings. data-i="229">Settings → Applications → Autorun. Some cloud services (for example, Google Drive or Dropbox) automatically add themselves to the menu when you first launch them. Disable the autostart of such applications in Settings → Applications → Autorun.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about clearing the Share menu

Is it possible to remove system applications (for example Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct) from the menu “Share”?

Without rootrights it is impossible to delete them, but you can hide them through ADB or third-party utilities (for example, LineageOS) this is done through Settings. → System applications.

Why is the “Share” menu filled with garbage again after an Android update?

Updates often reset user settings. To avoid this, before updating, make a backup copy of the menu settings via Share Menu Editor and restore them after.

Is there a way to clear the "Share" menu without connecting to a PC?

Yes, use applications like AndMade Share Cleaner or App Inspector. They do not require ADB, but may require permission to access accessibility features.

Is it possible to return hidden applications back to the "Share" menu?

Yes, to do this, go to the "Share" menu settings (as in Method 1) and drag the application from the section Do not show back to the main list.

Why are some applications (for example, Telegram) duplicated in the menu?

This happens because the application registers several intent-filter for different file types (images, videos, text). To remove duplicates, use ADB or the menu editor.