How to delete standard applications on Android: 5 proven methods

• Download Platform Tools from the official website Android.
• Unzip the archive to any folder (for example, C:\platform-tools).
• Open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and go to the folder with ADB:

  cd C:\platform-tools

• Check the device connection:

  adb devices

  If the smartphone is connected correctly, you will see its serial number. If not, install the drivers for your model.

• Delete. unnecessary application: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 package name command:

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

  For example, to delete Google Play Cinema:

  adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.videos

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

adb shell pm list packages | grep "name"

For example, to search for all applications with the word samsung:

adb shell pm list packages | grep "samsung"

Removing via ADB does not erase the application completely - it remains in the system partition, but becomes inaccessible for the current user. This allows you to restore it at any time with the same command, replacing uninstall with install-existing.

4. root access

If your device has rootrights (for example, through Magisk or SuperSU), you can remove system applications completelyby freeing up space in the partition /system. This method gives maximum freedom, but also maximum risks.

To work you will need:

• 📱 A device with an unlocked bootloader and root;
• 💻 PC with installed ADB (or a file manager with support root, for example, Root Explorer);
• 🔧 Data backup (in case of failure).

Removal methods:

Method 1: Via ADB with root

adb shell
su
pm uninstall --user 0 package name

For complete removal (along with cache and data):

rm -rf /data/data/package name
rm -rf /system/priv-app/package name
rm -rf /system/app/package name

Method 2: Through the file manager

Use Root Explorer or FX File Explorer:

1. Go to the folder /system/app or /system/priv-app.
2. Find the folder with the name of the application to be removed (for example, com.android.browser).
3. Delete the folder or rename it (add it at the end .bak).
4. Reboot the device.

Examples of packages that are safe to remove (tested on most firmware):

• 🎬 com.google.android.videos (Google Play Movie);
• 📖 com.google.android.apps.books (Google Play Books);
• 🎵 com.google.android.music (Google Play Music);
• 📡 com.android.chrome (if you use another browser).

⚠️ Attention: Removing packages like com.android.phone (Phone), com.android.settings (Settings) or com.google.android.gms (Google Play Services) will lead to total inoperability devices and will require flashing.

adb push package name.apk /system/app/
adb shell chmod 644 /system/app/package name.apk

5. Removing standard applications on devices of specific brands

Smartphone manufacturers often block the removal of their branded applications. Below - specific instructions for popular brands.

Samsung (One UI)

On devices Samsung you can remove most Googleapplications and some branded utilities via ADBFor example:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.sec.android.app.launcher

However, deleting Samsung Knox (com.sec.knox) or Samsung Pay (com.samsung.android.spay) can disrupt the operation of Secure Folder and contactless payments.

Xiaomi (MIUI)

On Xiaomi the deletion blocking is especially strict. To bypass restrictions:

1. Get root via Magisk (requires unlocking the bootloader).
2. Use the module MIUI Debloater for Magiskwhich automatically removes unnecessary applications.

List of packages safe to remove on MIUI:

• 🌐 com.miui.browser (Mi Browser);
• 📦 com.xiaomi.midrop (Mi Drop);
• 🎮 com.xiaomi.glgm (Game Turbo).

Huawei (EMUI/HarmonyOS)

On devices Huawei without Google Mobile Services removing standard applications can block access to AppGallery. It is only recommended to disable unnecessary apps through the settings.

If root received, to remove use:

adb shell
su
mount -o rw,remount /system
rm -rf /system/app/package name
rm -rf /system/priv-app/package name

⚠️ Attention: On Huawei s HarmonyOS (instead of Android) removal methods may not work due to the proprietary architecture of the system.

6. How to restore deleted standard applications

If after deletion you encounter problems (for example, proprietary functions stop working), applications can be restored. Methods depend on the removal method: Google Play Services or proprietary features), applications can be restored. The methods depend on the removal method:

If deleted via ADB (without root)

Use the command:

adb shell cmd package install-existing package name

Example for Google Play Cinema:

adb shell cmd package install-existing com.google.android.videos

If you deleted it from root

You can restore the application:

• 🔄 Via a backup copy (if you made a backup /system);
• 📥 By reinstalling the .apkfile manually (you need to download the original version for your firmware);
• 🔧 Reflashing the device (as a last resort).

To find the original .apk system application:

1. Download the firmware for your model from the manufacturer's official website.
2. Unpack it (usually an archive .zip or .tar).
3. Find the file .apk in the folders system/app or system/priv-app.
4. Transfer it back to the device via ADB:

   adb push package name.apk /system/priv-app/
   adb shell chmod 644 /system/priv-app/package name.apk

If you are not sure of the correct actions, it is easier to do reset to factory settings (but this will delete all custom data!).

7. Alternative methods: debloating without deleting

If deletion seems risky, you can limit the influence of standard applications other methods:

• 🛡️ Freezing through Titanium Backup or App Quarantine: Applications remain in the system, but do not work and are not updated.
• 🔒 Limiting background activity: In the application settings, disable Background activity i Autostart.
• 📵 Blocking via firewall: Applications NetGuard or AFWall+ (requires root) can completely block Internet access for unnecessary apps.
• 🔄 Use of custom firmware: Firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience go without unnecessary stuff bloatware.