How do I delete an app on my Android smartphone?

Below, you'll find a simple step-by-step guide for beginners, as well as some more advanced tips for experienced users. This will help you make sure that an app is properly uninstalled — even if it has administrator privileges.

For Beginners

1. Uninstalling an app via the home screen or app drawer (quick method)

• Tap and hold the app icon
  Go to your home screen or app drawer and locate the icon of the app you want to delete.
  Tap and hold the app icon.
• Select the uninstall option
  A pop-up menu or a “drag here to uninstall” area may appear.
  Either tap Uninstall if it appears in a menu, or drag the icon to the Uninstall or trash bin area.
• Confirm
  When prompted, confirm that you want to remove the app.

Note: Not all Android interfaces support this quick method. If you don’t see an uninstall option, please use the method via Settings described below.

2. Removing an app via Settings

1. Open Settings
   Look for the gear icon labeled Settings on your smartphone’s home screen or app drawer.
2. Manage apps
   Scroll down and tap Apps (or Applications, App Management, etc., as it may vary by device).
   Find the desired app in the list and tap it.
3. Uninstall
   Tap Uninstall.
   Confirm that you want to delete the app.

Special Case: Apps with Administrator Rights

Some apps (e.g., security, parental control, or VPN apps) have so-called device administrator rights. As long as these rights are active, you cannot uninstall the app. First, you must disable these administrator privileges:

1. Disable administrator rights
   Open Settings and go to Security or Security & Privacy (the exact name may vary depending on your device manufacturer).
   Look for Device Administration, Device Admin Apps, or Device Administrator.
   Disable the affected app’s administrator rights (uncheck it or tap Deactivate).
2. Uninstall the app as usual
   Go back to Settings → Apps.
   Find the app and tap Uninstall.
   Confirm to remove the app.

For Advanced Users and Experts

1. Uninstall via the Google Play Store

Open the Google Play Store app.
Tap your profile picture in the top-right corner and select My apps & games or Manage apps & device.
Go to the Installed tab.
Locate the app you want to remove and tap Uninstall.
Confirm to delete the app.

2. Removing or disabling system apps (use caution!)

Many preinstalled apps provided by the device manufacturer cannot be removed using the regular uninstall methods. You can usually only disable them, which still helps save resources.
Settings → Apps → select the preinstalled app → Disable (if available).
To completely remove certain system apps, you generally need root access or advanced tools (e.g., ADB commands from a computer). However, this can lead to instability or void your warranty, so it’s only recommended for very experienced users.

3. Using ADB (Android Debug Bridge)

• ADB is a tool that allows you to control your smartphone from a computer via command line.
  Once ADB is set up, you can enter commands like:
  adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.example.app
• This can remove or uninstall (for the current user) built-in apps (often called bloatware).
  Be cautious: removing the wrong system app can lead to errors or unexpected behavior.

Frequently Asked Questions & Tips

• “I can’t find the app in my Settings.”
  Use the search function in Settings (try searching for “Apps”).
  Check if you’re logged into the correct user profile or Google account.
   
• “The uninstallation is being blocked.”
  Ensure the app does not still have administrator rights (see the special case above).
  Check if it is a system app that can only be disabled.
• “I can’t remove the app even after revoking administrator rights.”
  The app may have additional security features (e.g., a work profile or device profile). Check if a company or school profile is active under Settings.
• “Can I uninstall multiple apps at once?”
  Some smartphone manufacturers allow multi-selection for apps. On stock Android and other interfaces, you may need to uninstall apps one by one or use the Play Store.
   

Summary

• Standard apps are usually easy to uninstall by tapping and holding the app icon, or by going to Settings → Apps → Uninstall.
• Apps with administrator rights must have those rights revoked before they can be removed.
• System or manufacturer apps can often only be disabled or require advanced methods (such as ADB or root access) to remove completely.

Following these steps will help you keep your Android smartphone organized and free of unwanted apps. For stubborn or system-critical apps, proceed with caution or consult your device manufacturer’s support for further guidance.

For more detailed information please read our blog at https://www.protectstar.com/en/blog/deleting-android-apps-uninstallation-securely-removing-bloatware