El bloatware It is the set of applications and software that manufacturers or operators install on the Android smartphone or tablet over the operating system itself. This software, although sometimes useful, usually always has an almost certain consequence, and that is slows down your smartphone or tablet. However, the truth is that the bloatware problem it is a problem with an easy solution.
Can bloatware be useful?
I admit that I don't like bloatware, as is the case with almost all advanced users who use Android smartphones or tablets. For me, it's practically useless. I prefer to install my own apps. However, it must also be acknowledged that bloatware can be useful in certain cases. For example, this is the case for those users who they do not have advanced knowledge about Android and aren't familiar with a large number of apps, or aren't able to bring themselves to install all of them. For them, the fact that the smartphone comes pre-loaded with a large number of apps is a positive thing.
In addition, there are mobile phones that include operator's or manufacturer's tools to manage services, support, or backups, which can serve as a starting point. If you're not interested in that approach, you can always opt for methods to uninstall or disable these apps.
Bloatware can be useless too
However, it also has two major drawbacks. One of them is that takes up memory spaceIf we buy a smartphone with 8 GB of internal memory, and end up only having 6 GB due to the large amount of bloatware installed by manufacturers or carriers, then bloatware becomes a negative. Hence, we wonder if manufacturers install too much bloatware on smartphones and tablets. Added to this is a second factor that makes bloatware useless: since it takes up a large amount of space, it also slows down the smartphone, and makes performance much worse; learn how Increase performance.
In addition, when it comes to additional software to Google, it also makes the performance worse, since in most cases the smartphone or tablet optimization is zero. That's why many prefer platforms like Android One and that the Android smartphone or tablet you buy does not have any type of bloatware.
A technical nuance should be taken into account: many pre-installed apps reside on the system partition, so Uninstalling them for the user does not always free up much space. What you do gain is that they won't start, they won't update and They will stop consuming RAM, CPU and battery, and they will also disappear from the app drawer; to remove them without root you can use ADB.
What is the solution?
Some users believe that the solution to the bloatware problem is simple, that the manufacturers don't include bloatware, but the truth is that this isn't always possible, or at least, we can say it's not feasible, because manufacturers want to install their software, their apps, or those of partner companies. Therefore, we'll never get manufacturers to stop installing bloatware. Furthermore, there are users who don't want to buy a smartphone on which they have to install all the apps, because it's much more complicated for them.
The solution may be much simpler than the bloatware can be uninstalled or disabledSome manufacturers already allow it. For uninstall bloatware You just have to go to applications, select the application you want to uninstall and uninstall it. The problem is that most manufacturers do not allow uninstall bloatware on Android, and the only way to uninstall the applications is by rooting the smartphone or tablet, which also leads to losing its warranty.
If you can't uninstall, there is usually an option available Disable, which hides the app, stops it from running and prevents updates; and if it doesn't even appear, you can resort to Force stop as a temporary measure. In apps with device administrator privileges, you must first revoke those permissions in Security before attempting to remove them.
How to remove pre-installed apps: uninstall, disable, and force stop
- Uninstall directly: Long press the icon and choose Uninstall, or go to Settings > Apps > See all > select the app > Uninstall. Some Google apps and manufacturer-promoted apps allow this option.
- Disable: If it can't be uninstalled, open Settings > Apps, tap the menu to Show system if necessary, select the app and tap Disable. The app will be hidden and does not consume resourcesYou can enable it again whenever you want.
- Force stop: There's a Force Stop button on the app's tab. This is useful for checking if the system is working properly without that app, or for stopping background processes. You can automate this with tools like Greenify, which schedules stops without root.
- Apps with administrator permissions: If an app won't let you uninstall it, go to Settings > Security > Device administrators and uncheck the app to withdraw permission. Then try again.
Remove bloatware with ADB without root
For apps that do not allow uninstalling or disabling, you can use ADB from a computer. The process safely and reversibly removes the app for the active user.
- Activate developer options repeatedly tapping Build Number and enabling USB Debugging.
- Connect your mobile to your PC and accept the debug footprint when prompted.
- Identify the package with the ADB command:
adb shell pm list packagesand locate the app package name. - Disable by user with:
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 NOMBRE_DEL_PAQUETE. - Uninstall for the user with:
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 NOMBRE_DEL_PAQUETEThe app is no longer available to the user, even if its APK remains in the system.
If you prefer a graphical interface, Universal Android Debloater automates these commands. Its strengths include safe lists by device, multi-user support, export and import selection and share registration, in addition to restore easily whatever you've removed. Key recommendations: back up your files, read the description of each package, and avoid touching critical system components.
Remove essential packages This can cause boot failures. Some devices recover after several attempts and may force you to perform a factory reset, resulting in data loss if there's no backup.
Shizuku and Package Manager: PC-Free Alternative
- Install Shizuku and pair with Wireless Debugging from developer options.
- Install the app Package manager from F-Droid.
- Open Package Manager and accept the integration with Shizuku's API.
- Search the app that you want to remove and use the Uninstall or Disable button if applicable.
This method does not require root and takes advantage of permissions temporarily granted by Shizuku. Use it with caution and be well informed about each package before acting.
Uninstall with root for complete removal
The above methods remove apps from the list, prevent them from running, and free up their data, but the system APK usually remains on the system partition. The only way to remove completely system apps is with rootTools like App Remover, Root Uninstaller, or EXA System App Remover allow for complete uninstallation. Be extra careful, because anything you delete with root It is not trivial to recover it, and touching essential components can leave the phone unstable.
Even if you delete the APK from the system, the free space recovered on the user data partition may be limited; the real benefit is in removing updates, data and cache, in addition to reducing attack surface and background consumption.
Good practices and important notes
- Make a backup before disabling or uninstalling system packages.
- Review the role of the app and look for references by device model and package name on Android forums before touching it.
- Keep in mind the updatesSome pre-installed apps may reappear after a system update. With UAD, save your selection to repeat the process in seconds.
- Activate only what is necessary in developer options. USB debugging, and if you're using Shizuku or ADB, disable them when you're done.
With the right approach, you can keep only the apps that truly add value, gain fluidity, improve autonomy, and have greater control over privacy and notifications, without giving up the ability to restore what you need if you change your mind.
