Smartphones Samsung based Android often come with dozens of pre-installed applications, many of which users never open. These apps take up valuable memory space, drain your battery in the background, and can even collect data about your activity. But not all of them can be removed without consequences: some system services are critical for the stable operation of the device.

In this article we will figure out which applications on Samsung are really not neededhow to uninstall them correctly (including those that cannot be removed using standard methods), and what to do if problems arise after cleaning. You will also learn how to distinguish safe to uninstall apps from those that can disrupt the operation of the phone, and what alternatives to use instead of built-in services Samsung.

Important: before deleting any applications back up your data and make sure you have access to your account Samsung —some functions may require re-authorization. If you use a corporate phone, first check the company policy - some applications may be required for work.

📊 How often do you delete unnecessary applications on your smartphone?
Once a month
Only when you run out memory
Never deleted
I delete all preinstalled ones immediately after purchase

1. Built-in Samsung applications that can be removed without risk

The manufacturer installs many proprietary utilities on its devices, many of which duplicate the functions of standard services Android or Google. Removing them will not disrupt the system, but will free up to 1–3 GB of memory and reduce background activity.

Here is a list of the most "useless" applications Samsungthat can be uninstalled in 99% of cases:

  • 📱 Samsung Free (formerly Samsung Daily) is a news and advertising aggregator that constantly runs in the background and consumes traffic. Alternative: Google Discover or any news application of your choice.
  • 🎵 Samsung Music - a player with limited functions. Replace with YouTube Music, Spotify or VLC.
  • 📷 Samsung Gallery —if you use Google Photos, this duplicate can be removed (but note that some camera functions may depend on it).
  • 📡 Samsung Max —VPN service with limited free traffic. It is better to install ProtonVPN or Windscribe.
  • 💼 Samsung Notes if you do not use a stylus and prefer Google Keep or Evernote.
  • 🎮 Game Launcher a shell for games that duplicates functions Google Play Games and often interferes instead of helping.
  • 📊 Samsung Members —a support service that is only needed to contact the help desk (can be deleted and reinstalled if necessary).
  • 🛒 Samsung Shop —a branded accessory store that is rarely used.

How to remove these applications:

  1. Go to Settings → Applications.
  2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Show system processes.
  3. Find the desired application in the list and click Delete (or Disableif the delete button is inactive).
  4. Confirm the action. Some applications will require you to enter a password or PIN code.
⚠️ Attention: On devices with One UI 5.0 and newer, some system applications cannot be removed using standard means. In this case, use ADB (instructions below) or simply disable em - this will stop background activity.

2. Google applications that can be deactivated

Google also install on Samsung many services, some of which duplicate the functions of proprietary utilities or are simply not used by most users. They cannot be completely removed (this will lead to system errors), but you can disableso that they do not waste resources.

List of unnecessary services Google:

  • 📰 Google News - if you do not read news through this aggregator, disable it. It is constantly updated in the background. Google News (News) is a movie rental service that is almost never used by anyone (alternative: buy e-books in
  • 🎬 Google Play Movies and TV - a movie rental service that almost no one uses (alternative: YouTube Premium or KinoPoisk HD).
  • 📚 Google Play Books - if you do not buy e-books in Google, this service can be deactivated.
  • 📍 Google Maps Go —a “light” version of cards that is installed on budget models. If you have full Google Mapss, this backup is not needed.
  • 🤖 Google Duo — if you use WhatsApp, Telegram or Zoom for video calls, this service can be disabled.
  • 📝 Google Keep — if you take notes in another application (for example, Notion or Evernote).

How to disable these applications:

  1. Open Settings → Applications.
  2. Find the desired application in the list (use search by name).
  3. Click Disable (if the button is inactive, first click Uninstall updates).
  4. Confirm the action. The application will disappear from menu and will stop working in the background.

Important: do not disable Google Play Services, Google Services Framework i Google Play Store - this will lead to the inoperability of most applications and services.

3. data-i="125">In addition to its own utilities,

In addition to our own utilities, Samsung often pre-installs applications from partners: banks, streaming services, games and even antiviruses. These apps not only take up space, but can also collect data about your activity. for targeted advertising.

Typical examples of bloatware on Samsung:

Application What is dangerous/inconvenient Is it possible to delete
🏦 SberBank Online, Tinkoff, VTB Online Take up space, can send notifications even if you are not a bank client Yes, completely
🎵 Yandex Music, ZVOOQ Background playback of advertising, collection of listening data Yes, completely
🎮 Asphalt 9, Call of Duty Mobile (pre-installed) Occupy up to 2 GB of memory, updated frequently without request Yes, completely
🛡️ McAfee Security, Kaspersky Duplicate built-in protection Google Play Protect, may conflict with other antiviruses Yes, completely
📺 OKKO, ivi, Amediateka Require a subscription, show advertising even to unauthorized users Yes, completely

These applications can be removed in the standard way via Settings → Applications. If the delete button is inactive, try:

  1. Go to Settings → Device maintenance → Memory → Unnecessary files and clear the cache.
  2. Use ADB (instructions in the next section).
  3. Install a third-party uninstaller (for example, App Inspector), but be careful - some such apps require root access.
⚠️ Attention: Some partner applications (for example, Netflix or Facebook) can be integrated into system services (for example, for authorization through an account). Removing them may cause errors in other apps. Before uninstalling, check whether the application is used to log into other services.

4. How to remove system applications without root access (via ADB)

If standard methods do not work and the application is in the way (for example, Bixby or Samsung Knox), you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method does not require root access, but will require connecting the phone to the computer.

What you will need:

  • Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
  • Installed drivers Samsung USB (download from the official website).
  • Package ADB Tools (can be downloaded from the website Android Developers).
  • Enabled USB debugging on the phone (Settings → About phone → Build number — press 7 times, then return in Settings → Developer options → USB debugging).

Step-by-step guide:

☑️ Uninstalling applications via ADB

Done: 0 / 5
  1. Connect the phone to the computer and select the mode File transfer.
  2. Open the command line (cmd in Windows or Terminal in macOS/Linux) and go to the folder with ADB.
  3. Enter the command: 
    adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.app.reminder

    (replace com.samsung.android.app.reminder with the batch name of the desired application).

  4. To disable (without deleting) use: 
    adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.sec.android.app.launcher
  5. Restart the phone.

List of package names of popular unnecessary applications Samsung:

  • Bixby: com.samsung.android.bixby.agent, com.samsung.android.bixby.wakeup
  • Samsung Pay: com.samsung.android.spay, com.samsung.android.spayfw
  • AR Emoji: com.samsung.android.aremoji
  • Samsung Health: com.sec.android.app.shealth
  • Knox: com.sec.knox.seandroid (you can only partially delete, complete deletion will violate security)
💡

Before deleting via ADB, make a backup copy list of applications with the command adb shell pm list packages > apps.txt. This will help restore the deleted application if something goes wrong.

5. Applications that seem unnecessary, but are dangerous to delete

Some system services Samsung i Google may seem useless, but deleting or disabling them will lead to critical errors: from the inability to connect to Wi-Fi to the complete inoperability of the phone. Here is a list of “suspicious” but important components:

  • 🔄 Android System WebView - needed to display web content in applications. Removal will lead to the collapse of most apps.
  • 📶 Samsung Connectivity Services - responsible for the operation Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct and Smart Switch.
  • 🔒 Samsung Knox - although it takes up a lot of space, it ensures data protection (deletion will disrupt the operation of Secure Folder and corporate functions).
  • 📱 One UI Home - standard shell Samsung. Deleting will make it impossible to use the phone.
  • 🔋 Device Care — controls the optimization of memory and battery. Disabling it will worsen performance.
  • 📡 Google Play Services —critical for the operation of most applications, including Google Maps and Gmail.

If you accidentally deleted one of these applications, try restoring it:

  1. Go to Settings → Device maintenance → Software update.
  2. Click Reboot —the system can automatically restore deleted components.
  3. If this does not help, reset to factory settings (Settings → General reset).
⚠️ Attention: On some models Samsung (for example, Galaxy S22 Ultra or Galaxy Z Fold 4) deleting Samsung Knox may block access to Samsung Pay i Secure Folder. If you use these functions, do not touch Knox.

6. How to free up memory after deleting unnecessary apps

Deleting applications is only the first step To free up memory as much as possible and speed up your phone, follow these steps. actions:

  1. Clear cache:
    • Go to Settings → Device maintenance → Memory → Clear cache.
    • For individual applications: Settings → Applications → [select application] → Memory → Clear cache.
  2. Delete residual files:
    • Use Files by Google or SD Maid to search for garbage.
    • Check the folders Download, DCIM/.thumbnails and Android/obb - unnecessary files from deleted games often remain there.
  3. Disable automatic updates applications:
    • Open Google Play Store → Settings → Auto-update applications → select Never.
    • Update apps manually to control memory consumption.
  • Transfer files to a memory card or cloud:
    • Use Google Photos to automatically upload photos and videos.
    • Transfer music and documents to SD card (if supported).

    For deep cleaning, you can use specialized utilities:

    • 🧹 SD Maid - finds and deletes residual files, duplicates and garbage.
    • 🗑️ Files by Google —a simple file manager with a cleanup function.
    • 🔍 CCleaner —cleanses cache and temporary files (but be careful with “optimization” functions that can close the necessary processes).
    💡

    Regularly clearing the cache and deleting residual files can free up up to 5–10 GB of memory on devices that have been used for more than a year.

    7. Alternatives to built-in Samsung applications

    Many proprietary utilities Samsung can be replaced with lighter and more functional analogues. Here are the best alternatives:

    Built-in application Alternative Advantages
    Samsung Internet Google Chrome, Firefox, Brave Work faster, better synchronization with other devices
    Samsung Messages Google Messages, Textra SMS RCS support, convenient interface, backup
    Samsung Calendar Google Calendar, Business Calendar 2 Better synchronization with other services Google
    Samsung Email Gmail, BlueMail, Spark Smart sorting of letters, less spam
    Samsung Health Google Fit, Apple Health (for the ecosystem), MyFitnessPal More functions for training and health monitoring

    Before deleting the built-in application, install and configure an alternative so as not to lose important data (for example, calendars or notes).

    To transfer data from standard ones applications Samsung in alternative use:

    • 📅 Calendar: Export events to a file .ics via Settings → Export in Samsung Calendar, then import into Google Calendar.
    • 📝 Notes: B Samsung Notes select Export → PDF or Text file, then import to Google Keep or Evernote.
    • 📧 Contacts: Synchronize with account Google (Settings → Accounts and archiving → Account management).

    8. What to do if after deleting applications the phone is unstable

    If after cleaning you notice slowdowns, errors or the inability to use some functions, follow these steps:

    1. Check the error log:
      • Go in Settings → Device maintenance → Battery → Battery usage and see which applications consume the most resources.
      • If you see type errors "com.android.systemui has stopped"A critical system application has probably been deleted.
    2. Restore the deleted application:
      • If deleted via ADB, install the application again from Galaxy Store or APKMirror.
      • For system components, perform a factory reset (Settings → General reset → Reset settings).
    3. Check the integrity of the system:
      • Update the software to the latest version (Settings → Software update).
      • Run diagnostics: dial in the telephone dialer #0# and check the display/sensors.
  • Contact support:
    • If there is a problem is not resolved, contact Samsung Members (Settings → Samsung Members → Support).
    • Indicate the phone model and the list of removed applications - this will help specialists quickly diagnose the problem.

      • If the phone stops turning on or only boots into Safe Mode, try:

      1. Press Power button + Volume Down for 10 seconds to force a reboot.
      2. If that doesn't help, reset via Recovery Mode:
        • Turn off phone.
        • Hold Power button + Volume up + Bixby (on new models - Power button + Volume up).
        • In the recovery menu, select Wipe data/factory reset (volume button control, confirmation - power button).
    ⚠️ Attention: On some models Samsung (for example, Galaxy A-series or Galaxy M) reset via Recovery Mode may lead to blocking FRP (Factory Reset Protection). To unlock the phone after a reset, you will need to enter the account information Googlethat was linked to the device.
    What is FRP and how to avoid it?

    FRP (Factory Reset Protection) is a factory reset protection function that is activated if a Google account has been linked to the phone. After the reset, the system will require you to enter the login and password for this account. To avoid blocking, before resetting, unlink your account in Settings → Accounts and archiving → Account management → delete all Google accounts. On some models you also need to disable Settings → Biometrics and security → Find my mobile (Find My Mobile).

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about deleting applications on Samsung

    Is it possible to remove Bixby completely?

    Yes, but not all components. Through ADB you can delete:

    • com.samsung.android.bixby.agent (voice assistant),
    • com.samsung.android.bixby.wakeup (voice activation),
    • com.samsung.android.bixby.service (background processes).

    However, the button Bixby on the phone case will become inactive - it can be reassigned via BxActions or Button Mapper.

    Why did the battery drain faster after deleting applications?

    Probable reasons:

    • The system re-indexes the files after cleaning (temporary increase in consumption).
    • The remote application blocked the background activity of other apps (check Settings → Battery → Battery usage).
    • Residual processes (use Greenify to force stop background tasks).

    Solution: calibrate the battery (discharge the phone to 0%, then charge to 100% without interruption) or reset the battery settings (Settings → Device Maintenance → Battery → Three dots → Auto Optimization).

    How to find out which application takes up the most memory?

    Checking methods:

    1. Settings → Device maintenance → Memory → Memory analysis (shows the distribution by category).
    2. Settings → Applications → Three dots → Sorting by size.
    3. Utility side: DiskUsage, Storage Analyzer.

    Pay attention not only to the size of the application, but also to cache and data (for example, Facebook the application itself and another 2 GB cache can take up 500 MB).

    Is it possible to remove Samsung Knox?

    Partially. Removing the main components com.sec.knox.* will lead to:

    • Inability to use Secure Folder.
    • Errors in Samsung Pay and corporate applications (if the phone was issued by the company).
    • Problems with updates security.

    Recommendation: if you do not use Secure Folder i Samsung Pay, you can disable Knox auto-update (Settings → Applications → Three dots → Show system → Knox → Uninstall updates → Disable).

    How to return a deleted system application?

    Recovery options:

    1. Via Galaxy Store: find the application by name and install it again.
    2. Via ADB: use the command: 
      adb shell cmd package install-existing com.samsung.android.app.notes

      (replace com.samsung.android.app.notes with the batch name of the desired application).

    3. Via reset