Owners of smartphones released in the era Nougatoften face the problem of full memory and intrusive system garbage. Device manufacturers, such as Samsung, Meizu or Xiaomioften pre-install dozens of utilities that cannot be removed using standard tools. This not only takes up precious space, but also consumes RAM, slowing down the operation of the gadget. Removing system applications on Android 7 is an effective way to restore your device to its former sharpness and free up gigabytes of storage.
The cleaning procedure requires caution, as removing critical components can lead to unstable operation of the operating system. However, with the right approach, you can get rid of advertising services, unnecessary browsers and duplicate standard apps. In this article, we will look at safe uninstallation methods that are suitable both for users with superuser rights and for those who prefer to work through a computer.
Before taking active steps, it is necessary to prepare the device. This will minimize the risk of data loss and allow you to quickly restore the system to its original state if necessary. Remember that you carry out any manipulations with the system partition at your own peril and risk, so creating a backup copy is a mandatory step.
Preparing the device to remove system software
The first step is to activate the hidden developer menu, which is closed by default to the average user. To do this, you need to go to the Settingssection, then select About the phone and quickly click on the build number seven times. After this, a new section will appear in the main settings menu For developers, where you need to activate USB debugging. Without this parameter, the computer will not be able to issue a command to remove system packages.
The next step is to ensure a stable connection and battery charge. The uninstallation process, especially when using computer utilities, requires a constant connection. If the device runs out of power while modifying system files, it may result in a software crash. It is also recommended to create a full backup of your contacts and important files, since deep cleaning sometimes affects user data.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting work, be sure to back up your important data. Removing system components can lead to unexpected errors, and the ability to recover quickly will be critical.
It is also important to understand the difference between regular applications and system processes. Some services are responsible for the operation of the camera, sound system, or communication module. Forcibly terminating or deleting them may disrupt the functionality of the smartphone. Therefore, before cleaning, it is worth studying the purpose of the packages to be removed so as not to turn the phone into a “brick.”
For work, you may need a USB cable with high-quality insulation and a working contact. Cheap cables often only provide charging without transmitting data, which will make it impossible to use tools like ADB. Check the functionality of the cable in advance by connecting the device to the computer and checking the display of files or debugging.
Removing built-in applications via ADB without Root
The most secure and universal method of cleaning Android 7 is to use tools Android Debug Bridge. This method does not require obtaining superuser rights, which preserves the warranty on the device (if it is still valid) and the integrity of the system partition. You will need to download the package Platform-tools from the official website of the developers and install the drivers for your smartphone on your computer.
After connecting the device and enabling USB debugging, open the command line on your computer in the folder with ADB. Make sure that the computer sees the phone by entering the command adb devices. If a device with a serial number appears in the list, you can start searching for packages. To do this, use the command adb shell pm list packageswhich will display a complete list of installed apps.
Finding the right package can be difficult, since system names often differ from the names in the menu. For example, a standard browser may be called com.android.browser, and Google services have the prefix com.google.android. To remove a specific application, use the command:
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 package_nameThis command removes the application for the current user, effectively hiding it and freeing up space, but leaving the possibility of recovery. The key -k preserves the cache and data, which is sometimes useful, but for complete clearing it can be omitted. It is important not to delete packages whose purpose you are not sure of, for example com.android.phone or com.android.systemui.
☑️ Check before deleting via ADB
Using ADB allows you to flexibly manage system components. You can remove entire groups of services, for example, video services or cloud storage from a manufacturer, which are often imposed on the user. This is especially true for devices with a small amount of built-in memory, where every megabyte counts.
Using specialized uninstaller applications
For those who do not want to bother with the command line, there are convenient uninstaller utilities. One of the most popular solutions is the application System App Remover or NoBloat Free. These apps provide a graphical interface where system applications are sorted into categories: user, system and critical. This greatly simplifies navigation and reduces the risk of errors.
However, it is worth noting that most of these utilities still require rights for full operation. Root. Without them, they can only disable applications, but not physically remove them from the partition /system. If your Android 7 smartphone is already rooted, such apps become a powerful tool in the user’s hands, allowing mass cleaning in one click.
When using uninstallers, pay attention to the color coding. Typically, critical processes that cannot be deleted are marked in red. Yellow - system applications that can be removed, but with caution. Green - custom software. Following this color scheme will help you avoid fatal errors during the optimization process.
What to do if the application is not uninstalled?
If the uninstaller reports an uninstall error, first try to force stop the process in the application settings, and then clear its cache. Sometimes blocking is carried out by device administrator rights, which must first be revoked.
The advantage of specialized applications is the ability to create a restore point. Before deleting a group of apps, smart uninstallers will offer to create a backup. In case of problems, you can restore deleted components directly from the app interface without resorting to flashing the device.
Full uninstallation with SuperUser (Root) rights
Having superuser rights allows access to the deepest layers of the Android 7 operating system. Using file managers with Root support, such as Root Explorer or ES File Explorer, you can directly edit the contents of the system folder /system/app and /system/priv-app. This allows you to physically erase APK files of applications, freeing up space on the system partition that is not available with a normal wipe.
The process is as follows: you open the root of the file system, navigate to the path /system/app, mount the partition in read-write (R/W) mode and delete unnecessary APK files. It is also necessary to delete the corresponding files .odexif they are present in the same folder. After deleting the files, the access rights return to read-only (R/O) mode and the device reboots.
This method is the most radical and effective, but also the most risky. An error in the file name or removal of an unnecessary component can lead to a cyclic reboot (bootloop). Therefore, using root access to remove system applications requires maximum concentration and knowledge of the exact names of the packages being deleted.
⚠️ Attention: When working with the file system through root access, do not delete files unless you are 100% sure of their purpose. Damage to system libraries may require flashing the device via Fastboot or Recovery.
Owners of processor-based devices MediaTek or Qualcomm often use this method to remove specific software from the operator communications. Such applications often cannot be disabled using standard means, and they continue to hang in processes, consuming resources. Physical removal is the only way to completely get rid of them.
Comparison of cleaning methods: pros and cons
The choice of removal method depends on your skills, availability of root access and the desired result. Each method has its own characteristics that should be taken into account before starting the procedure. Below is a table to help you decide on the best option for your case.
| Method | Root required | Risk to the system | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADB (without Root) | No | Low | High (hides the application) |
| System settings | No | None | Low (disable only) |
| Root + File manager | Yes | High | Maximum (physical removal) |
| Third-party uninstallers | Desirable | Medium | High |
As can be seen from the table, the ADB method is the “golden mean”. It does not require hacking the system, but gives a result close to complete removal. The Root method is suitable for experienced users who want to squeeze maximum performance out of the device and free up every byte of memory.
Using the stock settings of Android 7 only allows you to “freeze” the application. It stops updating and appears in the menu, but its files continue to take up space in the /systemsection. For modern smartphones with 64 GB of memory or more, this may not be critical, but for budget models with 8-16 GB this is a significant loss.
It is also worth considering that after updating the firmware, all applications deleted via ADB can return, since the system partition is restored to its factory state. When using Root-removal, applications will disappear forever, until the next flashing.
Restoring deleted components and troubleshooting
If, after deleting a system application, you notice strange behavior of the smartphone - the sound disappeared, the network stopped working, or the interface began to freeze - you need to return the deleted components. In the case of using ADB, restoration occurs with a simple reinstall command. To do this, you will need the original APK file of the application or use the command:
adb shell cmd package install-existing package_nameThis command is available in Android 7 and higher and allows you to return the system application if its files have not been physically destroyed. If you deleted files via Root access, you will need the original firmware or a backup copy of the system partition. That is why creating a backup before any manipulation is a critically important rule.
A frequent problem is getting into a cyclic reboot. If the phone does not boot beyond the manufacturer's logo, try entering the Recovery mode (usually by holding the volume up and power button) and execute Wipe Cache Partition. This will not delete personal data, but it may resolve cache errors that occurred after uninstalling system components.
Save the list of removed packages to a text file on your computer or in the cloud. This will allow you to quickly restore the system if necessary, without guessing which component was removed.
In some cases, a full reset to factory settings may be required (Hard Reset). This will return all system applications to their original places, but will delete all user data. Therefore, if you are planning a large-scale cleanup, make sure you have an up-to-date copy of all important photos and documents.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it safe to delete Google Play Services?
No, delete Google Play Services strongly not recommended. This component is responsible for the operation of most applications, synchronization, push notifications and geolocation. Removing it will lead to the inoperability of most installed apps and system instability.
Will deleted applications return after updating Android?
Yes, if you used the ADB method or a simple shutdown. Updating the operating system often overwrites the system partition, restoring the factory set of applications. When deleting via Root with physical erasing of files from /system applications may not return, but the update may fail.
Is it possible to remove the standard browser and keyboard?
Technically this is possible, but extremely risky. If you remove the only keyboard, you will not be able to enter text on the system. If you delete your browser, you will not be able to download files. Before deleting, be sure to install alternatives (for example, Gboard and Chrome) and make sure that they work correctly.
Why is the "Delete" button inactive for some applications?
This means that the application has system status and is protected by the operating system from being deleted by normal methods. To uninstall it, you need to use ADB commands or gain superuser rights (Root), which removes access restrictions.
Will the phone slow down the removal of system applications?
On the contrary, removing unnecessary background software usually speeds up the device, frees up RAM and increases battery life. However, deleting critical system libraries can lead to crashes and freezes, which is subjectively perceived as slowdown.