How to completely remove standard applications on Android: from blower to system services

Smartphones on Android often go on sale with dozens of pre-installed applications - from useful services Google to unnecessary blaster from the manufacturer. These apps take up memory space, drain battery power, and can monitor your activity. But deleting them is not so easy: most built-in applications are protected by the system and do not have a “Delete” button in the menu.

In this article we will look 5 proven methods get rid of unnecessary standard apps - from safe methods through settings to advanced techniques using ADB and root access. You will learn which applications can be removed without risk to the system, and which ones should not be touched, even if they seem useless. We will separately consider the features for smartphones Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei and other popular brands.

Why you can’t just delete standard applications through the menu

Most built-in apps on Android belong to one of three categories:

• 📱 System services —critical components (for example, Google Play Services or Android System WebView). Deleting them will lead to malfunctions of the smartphone.
• 🛒 Bloater from the manufacturer - unnecessary brand applications (for example, Samsung Knox, Mi Browser or Huawei AppGallery). They can be deactivated or deleted.
• 🔄 Google applications — YouTube, Duo, Google Podcasts and others. Some of them can be deleted, but some (for example, Google Play Store) are not recommended to be touched.

Manufacturers block the removal of such apps for several reasons:

1. Agreements with partners (for example, pre-installed games or services from telecom operators).
2. Dependence of system functions on these applications (for example, Samsung Health can be associated with smartphone sensors).
3. The desire to maintain a proprietary interface (for example, MIUI or One UI lose some functions when key components are removed).

⚠️ Attention: Removing system applications without understanding their purpose can lead to loss of functionality of the camera, mobile network, or even complete inoperability of the device. Always check the name of the app before deleting!

Method 1: Deactivation through Android settings (without root)

The safest method is disable unnecessary applications. This won't free up memory, but it will stop them running in the background and hide them from the menu. Suitable for most smartphones Android 8.0 and newer.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications (on some devices - Settings → All applications).
2. Tap on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Show system ones (or Show all applications).
3. Find an unnecessary application (for example, Google Play Music or Samsung Free) and open its page.
4. Click Disable (or Delete updatesif the button is active).

On some smartphones (for example, Xiaomi) instead of disabling there may be an option HideThis does not remove the app, but removes it from the list of applications.

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (especially c Android 12+) after disabling system applications, functions like Always On Display or navigation gestures may disappear. Before disabling, check whether the application is associated with the options you need.

Method 2: Uninstall via ADB (without root, but from a PC)

ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is a debugging tool that allows you to control your smartphone via a computer. With its help you can remove many standard applications without obtaining root access. The method works on most devices, but requires enabling USB debugging.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Download ADB Tools (official package from Google) and unzip the archive to any folder on your PC.
2. On your smartphone, enable USB debugging:
   • Go to Settings → About phone → Build number and tap on it 7 times until the notification “You have become a developer” appears.
   • Go back to Settings → System → For developers and enable Debug by USB.

adb devices

adb shell

pm uninstall -k --user 0 package.name

pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.apps.tachyon

To find the application package name, use the command:

pm list packages | grep 'keyword'

For example, to search for all applications Samsung:

pm list packages | grep 'samsung'

Important: Command pm uninstall -k --user 0 removes the application only for the current user. After a factory reset or system update, it may return. To remove it completely, you will need root access.

Method 3: Using third-party utilities (with and without root)

If you do not want to work with ADB, you can use specialized apps. They are divided into two categories:

• 🔧 Without root: Utilities like App Inspector or Package Disabler (for Samsung) allow you to disable system applications through a graphical interface. They work on the same principle as ADB, but are easier to use.
• 🛠️ With root: apps like Titanium Backup or System App Remover give full control over system files, including the ability to completely delete and backup.

Examples of popular utilities:

Warnings when using third-party utilities:

• ⚠️ Some apps (especially c Play Market) may contain malicious code. Download only from trusted sources (for example XDA Developers or official sites).
• ⚠️ Utilities from root access can damage the system if you delete critical files. Always make a backup before mass deletion.
• ⚠️ On devices with MIUI or EMUI (Huawei), some utilities may not work due to manufacturer restrictions.

Method 4: Removal using root access (for experienced users)

Receiving root access gives full control over the system, but voids the warranty and may disrupt the operation of some functions (for example, Google Pay or Samsung Pay). If you are willing to take the risk, this method allows uninstall any applications without restrictions.

Steps to remove from root:

1. Get root access using Magisk or SuperSU (instructions depend on the phone model).
2. Install a file manager with root support (for example, Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
3. Go to the folder /system/app or /system/priv-app (system applications are stored here).
4. Find the folder with the name of the unnecessary application (for example, SamsungFree) and delete it or rename it (add at the end .bak).
5. Reboot the device.

An alternative way is to use Terminal Emulator with the commands:

su
mount -o rw,remount /system
rm -rf /system/app/FolderName
mount -o ro,remount /system
reboot

⚠️ Attention: Deleting files from /system may lead to loss of device functionality if you delete dependent libraries or services. Always check that the folder you are deleting belongs to the desired application!

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Complete removal without traces (unlike ADB, where the application can return after an update).
• ✅ Ability to remove even those apps that are blocked at the kernel level.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Risk "bricking" the device (turning into a "brick").
• ❌ Loss of warranty and possible problems with OTA updates.
• ❌ Some applications (for example, Google Play Services) cannot be completely removed - this will disrupt the system.

Method 5: Reset to factory settings with custom firmware

If you need to get rid of the blaster once and for all, you can install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS, Pixel Experience or HavocOS). These firmwares are devoid of unnecessary pre-installed applications and often work faster than standard ones.

Advantages of custom firmware:

• 🚀 Pure Android without blaster.
• 🆕 Regular security updates.
• 🔧 Advanced settings and optimizations.

Cons:

• ⚠️ Requires bootloader unlocking (on some devices this resets data).
• ⚠️ Possible bugs (for example, a non-working camera or NFC).
• ⚠️ Loss of warranty and functions like Samsung DeX or Mi Share.

Installation instructions (briefly):

1. Unlock the bootloader (for Xiaomi — via Mi Unlock Tool, for Samsung — via OEM Unlock in the developer settings).
2. Install custom recovery (TWRP or OrangeFox).
3. Download firmware (for example, from the website) data-i="275">Not all devices support custom firmware. Before installing, check compatibility on the forums LineageOS) And GApps (if Google services are needed).
4. Flash the firmware through recovery, then GApps And Magisk (for root).

⚠️ Attention: Not all devices support custom firmware. Before installing, check compatibility on the forums XDA Developers or 4PDA. Incorrect firmware can turn your phone into a brick!

What applications can be used? which ones cannot be deleted

Not all standard apps are equally safe to delete. Below is a list of categories with recommendations.

How to check whether the application can be deleted:

1. Look for information about it on forums (XDA, 4PDA).
2. See what permissions it asks for in Settings → Applications → Permissions.
3. Disable it for a day and check if there are any glitches.

Absolutely not delete:

• com.android.phone —responsible for the mobile network.
• com.android.settings —system settings.
• com.google.android.gms — Google Play Services (most applications will not work without it).
• android or system in the package name.

What to do if, after deleting the application, the phone begins to work incorrectly

If you uninstalled a critical application and encountered:

• 🔄 Cyclic reboot —the phone turns on, shows the logo and turns off again.
• 📵 Network loss —does not pick up mobile data or Wi-Fi.
• ⚙️ Interface failures —settings do not open, icons disappear.

Here's what you can do:

1. Restoring via backup

If you made a backup via Titanium Backup or TWRP, restore the deleted application:

adb shell
pm install -r /path/to/file.apk

2. Flashing through recovery

If the phone turns on, but is unstable:

1. Boot into TWRP (hold Power + Volume up when turning on).
2. Select Mount → System.
3. Connect your phone to the PC and copy the deleted .apkfile to the folder /system/app or /system/priv-app.
4. Set the correct rights (for example, 644 or 755).
5. Reboot the device.

3. Full reset via Fastboot

If the phone does not turn on:

1. Download the original firmware for your model.
2. Boot into mode Fastboot (hold Power + Volume Down).
3. Flash the firmware using the command:

   fastboot flash system system.img

   (the exact commands depend on the device).

⚠️ Attention: If If you are not sure of your actions, contact the service center. Incorrect firmware can permanently damage the device!

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about deleting standard applications

dumpsys package | grep "keyword"

dumpsys package | grep "always"