How to delete built-in applications on Android 10: 5 proven methods

Built-in applications on Android 10 occupy precious memory space, consume resources in the background and often remain unnecessary. Smartphone manufacturers (Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei and others) install dozens of pre-integrated services - from duplicate browsers to branded utilities that cannot be removed using standard means. But there is a way out: even without rights root you can disable or completely uninstall system apps.

In this article we will analyze 5 working methods from simple disabling through settings to deleting via ADB (Android Debug Bridge). We will pay special attention to security: incorrect actions can lead to system failures. All instructions have been tested on bare Android 10 and shells MIUI 12, One UI 2.5, EMUI 10. If your smartphone runs on a newer version of the OS, check the compatibility of the methods in the official documentation.

Why can't you just remove built-in applications?

System applications are protected at the level superuser permissions. Even if you see a "Delete" button in the application menu, it often only leads to disabling (function disable), rather than completely deleting files. Here are the key reasons:

• 🔒 Protecting system integrity. Removing critical components (for example, Google Play Services) may cause errors or "eternal loading" (bootloop).
• 📦 Package interdependence. Some applications are linked to system libraries. Removing one may break the other.
• 📱 Manufacturers' policies. Companies like Samsung or Xiaomi block the removal of their proprietary utilities (for example, com.sec.android.app.launcher or com.miui.home).

However, there are workarounds. For example, On Android 10, you can delete up to 80% of built-in applications via ADB without root access, if they are not critical for the operation of the OS. The main thing is to know which packages can be touched and which ones cannot.

⚠️ Attention: Before any manipulations, create a backup copy of your data. Removing system applications can lead to loss of functionality (for example, the camera will disappear or gestures will stop working). On some devices (for example, Huawei c EMUI), after removing system packages, protection may work eRecovery, restoring them upon reboot.

Method 1: Disabling built-in applications through settings

The safest way is disable unnecessary apps. This will not free up memory completely, but will stop background processes and hide applications from the menu. Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications.
2. Tap on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Show system ones (on some firmware this item may be called All applications).
3. Find an unnecessary application (for example, Duo or Google Play Music).
4. Click Disable (or Delete updatesif button is active).

Disadvantages of the method:

• 📉 Does not free up space on the internal storage - files remain in the system.
• 🔄 After resetting the settings or updating the OS, applications may reactivate.
• 🚫 Some system utilities (for example, Android System WebView) cannot be disabled.

Disable duplicate browsers (for example, Samsung Internet, if you use Chrome)

Remove unnecessary instant messengers (for example, Google Messages, if you are in WhatsApp)

Disable the manufacturer's proprietary utilities (for example, Mi Video or Bixby)

Hide games from Google (Play Games if you are not a gamer)-->

On some firmware (for example, ColorOS from Oppo) disabled applications may still appear in search results. To completely hide them, you will need to use ADB or third-party launchers like Nova Launcher.

Method 2: Uninstall via ADB (without root access)

ADB (Android Debug Bridge) - an official tool from Google, which allows you to control the device via the command line. It can be used to completely remove built-in applications, even if there is no such option in the interface. Important: the method only works for non-critical packages.

What you will need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
• 📱 USB cable (preferably original).
• 🔧 Installed drivers for your device (for example Samsung USB Driver for smartphones Samsung).
• 📦 Platform Tools from Google (includes adb).

Step-by-step guide:

1. Enable USB debugging:
   1. Go in Settings → About phone.
   2. Tap 7 times on the item Build numberto activate Developer mode.
   3. Go back to Settings → System → Developer Mode and enable USB Debugging.
2. Connect your smartphone to the PC and confirm trust in the computer on the device screen.
3. Open the command line (cmd on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux) in the folder with platform-tools.
4. Check the connection with the command:

   adb devices

   The serial number of your device should appear.

5. Get a list of all packages:

   adb shell pm list packages -f

   Copy the name of an unnecessary package (for example, com.android.chrome).

6. Uninstall the application with the command:

   adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 package_name

   Flag -k saves data and cache, and --user 0 indicates the current user.

Examples of packages that are safe to remove (checked for Android 10):

⚠️ Attention: Do not delete packages with names containing android, google.android.gsf, mediaserver or systemui. This may lead to bootloop (a loading loop) or loss of functionality (for example, the notification bar will disappear).

Method 3: Using third-party utilities (with root access)

If you have root accessthe process of removing built-in applications is simplified. Popular tools: Root access system folders (

• 🛠️ Titanium Backup — allows you to freeze or completely remove system packages, including their data and cache.
• 🧹 System App Remover — a specialized utility for uninstalling built-in applications with backup capabilities.
• 🔍 Root Explorer - file manager with access to system folders (/system/app, /system/priv-app).

Instructions for Titanium Backup:

1. Open the application and provide root access.
2. Go to the tab Backups.
3. Find an unnecessary system application (they are marked green).
4. Tap on it and select Delete!.
5. Confirm the action and reboot the device.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Possibility delete any packages, including protected ones.
• ✅ Backup before deletion.
• ✅ Restore deleted applications in one click.

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Risk of damaging the system when removing critical components.
• 🔒 root access is required, which voids the warranty and may compromise security (for example, Samsung Knox stops working).
• 🔄 After updating the OS, system applications may recover.

Yes, I actively use

Yes, but then I deleted root

No, but I plan

No and I don’t plan-->

Method 4: Freezing applications (alternative deletion)

If you are not sure about the safety of deletion, freezing is a compromise option. The application remains on the system, but stops working completely without consuming resources. Freezing methods:

• 🧊 Via Titanium Backup (root required).
• ❄️ Via Greenify (without root, but with restrictions).
• 🔌 Via ADB command:

  adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 package_name

Advantages of freezing:

• 🔄 Easy to cancel (by command adb shell pm enable package_name).
• 🛡️ Less risk to the system than complete removal.
• 📱 Works even on devices without root.

Example: to freeze Google Play Movies, do:

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.google.android.videos

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Xiaomi s MIUI) frozen applications can be unfrozen after updating the firmware. Also, freezing does not release them. space on the internal drive - this requires complete removal.

Method 5: Flashing with deleted applications (for experienced)

The radical method is to install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), in which unnecessary packages have already been removed. This method is suitable only for experienced users, as it requires:

• 🔓 Unlocking the bootloader (bootloader).
• 📥 Installing custom recovery (TWRP).
• 🛠️ Operating skills with fastboot i ADB.

Advantages:

• 🧹 Complete removal of all unnecessary applications at the firmware level.
• 🚀 Increased performance due to an optimized system.
• 🔄 Regular updates from the community (as opposed to abandoned firmware from manufacturers).

Risks:

• ⚠️ Loss of warranty.
• 🔌 Possible problems with hardware (for example, the camera or NFC will stop working).
• 🔒 Some functions (for example, Samsung Pay or Google Pay) may not work due to changed bootloader.

Examples of firmware without bloat (pre-installed unnecessary applications):

• LineageOS —pure Android without unnecessary services.
• Pixel Experience - firmware with functionality Google Pixel.
• Havoc-OS - customized firmware with a minimum set of applications.

What should I do if the system does not work correctly after deleting the application?

If problems arise after manipulating system packages (for example, bootlooperrors when launching applications or loss of functions), use these tips:

• 🔄 Restore the deleted application via ADB:

  adb shell cmd package install-existing package_name

• 📱 Reset settings to factory settings (Settings → System → ResetThis will return all system applications, but delete user data.
• 🔧 Reflash the device via Odine (for Samsung), Fastboot or SP Flash Tool (for Mediatek).
• 🛠️ Install stock firmware via custom recovery (TWRP).

If the smartphone does not turn on:

1. Hold down the combination of buttons to enter Recovery Mode (usually Power + Volume Up).
2. Select Wipe data/factory reset (reset to factory settings).
3. If this does not help, connect the device to the PC and flash the stock firmware via fastboot or Odine.

⚠️ Attention: On devices Huawei and Honor s EMUI after incorrect removal of system packages, a mechanism may work eRecoverythat will automatically restore firmware when connected to Wi-Fi. This may lead to data loss.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about deleting built-in applications

com.android.chrome       — Google Chrome
com.google.android.music - Google Play Music
com.google.android.videos - Google Play Movies
com.google.android.apps.tachyon — Google Duo
com.sec.android.app.launcher - Samsung Launcher (if you use another launcher)
com.miui.weather2 - Weather (Xiaomi)
com.facebook.appmanager - Manager Facebook (if you don't use Facebook)
com.android.browser - Standard browser (if there is an alternative)