How to completely remove standard applications on Android: safe and radical methods

Built-in applications on Android are like annoying neighbors: they take up space, slow down the system and constantly remind you of themselves with unnecessary notifications. Manufacturers of smartphones Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei and other brands install dozens of pre-loaded apps that cannot be removed using standard methods. But there are workarounds - from safe shutdown to complete removal using ADB or root access.

In this article we will analyze all the current methods, including hidden manufacturer settings, commands for ADB, as well as risks that are important to consider before removing system components. Let us separately dwell on the features of popular firmwares - MIUI, One UI, EMUI i ColorOS. If you're tired of Bixby, Mi Browser or duplicate services Googleread on.

Why you can't just remove standard applications

Android is built on the principle of modularity, where system applications are tightly integrated with the firmware. Manufacturers block their removal for several reasons:

• 🔗 System dependencies: some applications (for example, com.android.phone) are responsible for calls or SMS. Removing them will result in the phone not working.
• 📦 License Agreements: brands enter into contracts with Google, Facebook or Microsoft for pre-installation of software (for example, Duo or LinkedIn).
• 🛡️ Security: Removing system components may open holes for malware or disrupt operation Google Play Protect.

Even if you managed to remove the application through Settings → Applications, it may be restored after updating the firmware. This is due to the mechanism OTA updatesthat checks the integrity of system components. files.

⚠️ Attention: on devices with Android 12+ and newer versions, some methods (for example, disabling via ADB) may require additional permissions or not work due to policy Scoped Storage.

Method 1: Disabling standard applications without deleting

The safest method is not to delete, but disable unnecessary apps. This will free up RAM and stop background processes, but the application files will remain in the device's memory.

Instructions for most firmware:

1. Open Settings → Applications.
2. Tap on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Show system.
3. Find the desired application (for example, Google Play Music or Samsung Free).
4. Click Disable (on some devices - Delete updates, then Disable).

On firmware MIUI (for Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco) the path may differ:

Settings → Applications → Manage applications → [Select an application] → Disable

Back up important data

Check if the application is critical for the system

Write down the name of the package (useful for ADB)

Reboot the phone after disconnecting -->

Disabled applications will disappear from the menu, but will remain in the list Settings → Applications labeled "Disabled". They can be returned at any time.

Method 2: Uninstall via ADB (without root access)

Tool Android Debug Bridge (ADB) allows you to remove system applications without obtaining root access. The method works on most devices, but requires connection to a computer.

Steps to remove:

1. Enable Developer mode (tap on Build number 7 times in Settings → About phone).
2. Activate USB debugging in the developer settings.
3. Connect the phone to the PC, install ADB drivers and open the command line in the folder with platform-tools.
4. Enter the command to check the connection:

   adb devices

   The device serial number should appear.

5. Uninstall the application with the command (replace package.name with a real package):

   adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 package.name

Examples of popular application packages:

To find the package name of the desired application, use the command:

adb shell pm list packages | grep"keyword"

For example, to search for all applications Google:

adb shell pm list packages | grep"google"

⚠️ Attention: removing packages like com.android.vending (Google Play Store) or com.google.android.gsf (Google Services Framework) may disrupt the operation of the device. Before experimenting, check the list of packages that are safe to remove for your model.

Stock Android (Pixel, Motorola)

One UI (Samsung)

MIUI (Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco)

EMUI (Huawei/Honor)

ColorOS (Oppo/Realme)

Other-->

Method 3: Uninstalling using root access

Getting full control over the system, including the ability to remove any applications. However, this method has serious disadvantages: root access gives complete control over the system, including the ability to delete any applications. However, this method has serious drawbacks:

• 🔓 Breach of warranty: most manufacturers will void the warranty if root is detected.
• 🛡️ Security risks: access to system files is opened for malware.
• 🔄 Problems with OTA updates: many firmware refuse to install on rooted devices.

If you are ready for risks, follow the instructions:

1. Unlock bootloader (instructions differ for each brand).
2. Install custom recovery (TWRP).
3. Flash Magisk to get root access.
4. Use a file manager with root support (for example, Root Explorer) or application Titanium Backup to remove system packages.

For devices Samsung with Knox root will trigger the flag Knox 0x1which will essentially block some functions (for example, Samsung Pay or Secure Folder).

Method 4: Using custom firmware

Installing custom firmware (for example, LineageOS, Pixel Experience or HavocOS) allows you to get rid of the manufacturer's built-in software. Advantages of the method:

• 🧹 Clean Android no blockware.
• 🔄 Regular updates. security.
• ⚡ Possibility of fine-tuning the interface.

Disadvantages:

• 🔧 Difficulty of installation for beginners.
• 📱 Loss of some proprietary functions (for example, Always On Display on Samsung or IR blaster on Xiaomi).
• 🔋 Possible problems with autonomy.

Popular firmware for different brands:

Before installation, check support for your model on the forum XDA Developers or 4PDA. Please note that for some devices (for example, Huawei with processors Kirin), custom firmware may not be available.

Method 5: Hiding applications through the launcher

If deleting or disabling applications is scary, you can easy hide from the eyes. Most modern launchers support this function:

• 📱 Nova Launcher: long press on the application → Hide.
• 🔍 Microsoft Launcher: Settings → Hidden applications.
• 🌈 Apex Launcher: Settings → Hide applications.

On firmware MIUI i ColorOS there is a built-in hiding function:

Settings → Applications → Hide applications

Hidden applications will not be displayed in the menu, but will remain in the system and can consume resources in background. This method is suitable if you are annoyed by visual clutter, but not by the very presence of unnecessary software.

What to do if, after deleting, the phone stops working

If, after manipulating system applications, the device is stuck on the logo, does not turn on or malfunctions, try the following steps:

1. Hard reset: hold down the combination of buttons (usually Power + Volume Up) to enter Recovery Mode and select Wipe Data/Factory Reset.
2. Flashing: if the reset did not help, flash the original firmware via Odine (Samsung), Fastboot (Google/Pixel) or SP Flash Tool (Mediatek).
3. Recovery via ADB: if the phone turns on but is buggy, try returning the deleted application with the command:

   adb shell cmd package install-existing package.name

For devices Samsung s Knox you may need to use the utility SamFirm to download the official firmware. On Xiaomi will help Mi Flash Tool.

⚠️ Attention: if you deleted the application associated with DRM keys (for example, com.widevine), after flashing the services may stop working. Netflix or Disney+ in HD quality.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about deleting standard applications

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.bixby.agent

adb shell cmd package install-existing package.name