Remove Bloatware: This Is How You Delete Annoying Apps From Your Smartphone

2023 Author: Sheila Hailey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-08-25 04:29

If you unpack a new smartphone, but there are unwanted or useless apps preinstalled at the factory, this is called bloatware (= bloated software). Smartphone manufacturers then often enter into contracts with these app developers to make more money. If the bloatware comes from the smartphone manufacturer itself - for example its own mail, calendar or music apps - it tries to draw customers into its own ecosystem. Once the user has got used to the apps, he would like to continue to use them on a new smartphone. Manufacturers also use the apps to generate customer information that can be sold for advertising purposes.

Disadvantages of bloatware:

Apps consume storage space

Apps consume battery

Apps generate user information for advertising purposes

Bloatware can be hacked and pose a security risk

For the users, these pre-installed apps are mostly only useless and annoying: They occupy storage space and often still consume valuable battery energy because they run continuously in the background. Bloatware is often programmed half-heartedly and is prone to errors. This can pose a security risk if the apps can be easily hacked by attackers. Therefore, it makes sense to remove bloatware from smartphones if possible.

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Android: Remove Bloatware

Experienced Android users can root their smartphone and quickly uninstall unwanted apps. Because with root rights you have full access to your device and can completely uninstall everything you don't like. Laypeople should not dare to do this, as important system apps can be deleted quickly, without which the smartphone no longer works. Root rights are usually obtained by executing a specific script that then makes you a "super user" by exploiting a security vulnerability. Note, however, that many manufacturers will then void the smartphone's warranty.

Sometimes apps can also be deactivated without root using the settings:

1. Opens the " Settings ".
2. Tap on " Apps & Notifications " or a similar menu item.
3. You will be shown all installed apps.
4. Tap on the desired app and on the " Uninstall " or " Deactivate " button.
5. If the buttons are grayed out, you need root rights to switch the apps off or delete them.
6. If the app can be uninstalled / deactivated, it is no longer active in the background and no longer uses as much storage space.

iOS: Remove Bloatware

Since iOS version 10, you can also deactivate apps on Apple iPhones. You can remove apps like FaceTime or iBooks from the homescreen. This does not delete the apps, but at least the homescreen looks tidier.

1. Hold your finger on the respective app longer until it wiggles.
2. Tap on the small cross and select "Remove".
3. Finally press the home button.

What name will Google choose for Android 10.0 "Q"?

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