Are you struggling to uninstall apps on your Android device? Sometimes, you come across stubborn apps that just won’t uninstall, leaving you frustrated and wondering what to do next. Whether it’s a pre-installed system app or a third-party app that’s causing trouble, removing these unwanted apps can be a daunting task. But fear not, as we’ve got you covered!
In this article, we will guide you through the process of uninstalling apps on Android that won’t uninstall. We’ll explore different methods and techniques to help you get rid of those stubborn apps and regain precious storage space on your device.
So, grab your Android device, follow our step-by-step instructions, and say goodbye to those apps that refuse to leave. Let’s get started!
Inside This Article
- Method 1: Clear App Cache and Data
- Method 2: Disable App
- Method 3: Use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) Command
- Method 4: Factory Reset your Android Device
- – Check for device administrator status
- – Clear app cache and data
- – Use Safe Mode to uninstall stubborn apps
- – Utilize third-party apps for uninstallation assistance
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Are you frustrated with having apps on your Android device that simply won’t uninstall? It can be incredibly annoying when you’re trying to free up storage space or remove an app that you no longer need, only to find that the uninstall button is grayed out or unresponsive. But fear not, there are several methods you can try to successfully uninstall those stubborn apps. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to uninstall apps on Android that won’t uninstall.
Method 1: Clear App Cache and Data
One of the first steps you can take is to clear the app cache and data. This can often resolve issues and allow you to uninstall the app. To do this, follow these steps:
- Go to the “Settings” menu on your Android device
- Tap on “Apps” or “Applications”
- Scroll through the list and find the app you want to uninstall
- Tap on the app and then select “Storage”
- Click on “Clear Cache” and “Clear Data”
After clearing the app cache and data, try uninstalling the app again. If the uninstall button is now responsive, you can proceed to remove the app from your device.
Method 2: Disable App
If clearing the app cache and data didn’t work, you can try disabling the app instead. Disabling an app essentially renders it inactive, preventing it from running and taking up space on your device. To disable an app, follow these steps:
- Go to the “Settings” menu on your Android device
- Tap on “Apps” or “Applications”
- Scroll through the list and find the app you want to uninstall
- Select the app and then click on “Disable”
By disabling the app, it won’t be visible in your app drawer or take up any resources. While it’s not the same as completely uninstalling the app, it can help free up storage space on your device.
Method 3: Use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) Command
If the previous methods haven’t worked, you can try using the ADB command to uninstall the app. This method requires a bit more technical knowledge, but it can be effective in removing stubborn apps. Follow these steps:
- Enable USB Debugging on your Android device by going to “Settings” > “Developer Options” (if you don’t see Developer Options, go to “About Phone” and tap on “Build Number” seven times to enable it)
- Connect your Android device to your computer via USB
- Open a command prompt or terminal window on your computer
- Type the following command and hit Enter:
adb devices(this will confirm that your device is recognized) - Type the following command to uninstall the app:
adb uninstall [package name](replace [package name] with the actual package name of the app you want to uninstall)
Once the command is executed, the app should be uninstalled from your device.
Method 4: Factory Reset your Android Device
If all else fails and you’re still unable to uninstall the app, you can resort to factory resetting your Android device. However, please note that this will remove all data and settings on your device, so make sure to back up any important information beforehand. To perform a factory reset:
- Go to the “Settings” menu on your Android device
- Tap on “System” or “Advanced” (depending on your device)
- Select “Reset” or “Reset Options”
- Choose “Factory data reset” or “Factory reset”
- Confirm your selection and wait for the process to complete
After the factory reset, your Android device will be restored to its original state, and the stubborn app should be completely removed.
Remember, these methods should be used as a last resort, especially the factory reset option. Always try the less drastic methods first to avoid any potential data loss. Hopefully, one of these methods will help you uninstall those stubborn apps and free up valuable storage space on your Android device.
– Check for device administrator status
If you’re struggling to uninstall an app on your Android device, one of the first things you should check is whether the app has been granted device administrator status. This permission gives the app additional privileges and can prevent it from being uninstalled through the usual methods.
To check for device administrator status, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app on your Android device.
- Scroll down and tap on “Security” or “Lock screen and security,” depending on your device.
- Select “Device administrators” or “Device admin apps.”
- You will see a list of apps with administrative privileges. Tap on the app you want to uninstall and select “Deactivate” or “Remove administrator access.”
After revoking the device administrator status, you should be able to uninstall the app using the regular uninstallation method.
– Clear app cache and data
Another method to uninstall stubborn apps is to clear the app’s cache and data. This procedure essentially resets the app to its default state, which can sometimes alleviate issues that are preventing the app from being uninstalled.
To clear the app cache and data, follow these steps:
- Go to the Settings app on your Android device.
- Navigate to “Apps” or “Application manager.”
- Find the app you want to uninstall and tap on it.
- Tap on “Storage.”
- Select “Clear cache” and “Clear data.”
Once you have cleared the app’s cache and data, try uninstalling the app again. It should now uninstall without any issues.
– Use Safe Mode to uninstall stubborn apps
Sometimes, certain apps may have so much control over your device that they refuse to be uninstalled even after clearing cache and data. In such cases, putting your device into Safe Mode can help.
To boot your Android device into Safe Mode and uninstall the stubborn app, follow these steps:
- Press and hold the Power button on your device.
- In the power options menu, tap and hold on the “Power off” or “Restart” option until you see the “Reboot to safe mode” pop-up.
- Select “OK” to reboot your device into Safe Mode.
- In Safe Mode, go to the Settings app and navigate to “Apps” or “Application manager.”
- Find the app you want to uninstall and select it.
- Tap on “Uninstall” and confirm the action when prompted.
After the uninstallation is complete, exit Safe Mode by restarting your device normally. The stubborn app should now be successfully removed.
– Utilize third-party apps for uninstallation assistance
If all else fails, you can resort to using third-party apps specifically designed for uninstallation assistance. These apps can help you remove stubborn apps that cannot be uninstalled through the regular methods provided by the Android operating system.
Some popular third-party uninstaller apps include:
- CCleaner: This app not only helps in uninstalling problematic apps but also clears junk files and optimizes your device’s performance.
- App Manager: This app offers advanced features such as batch uninstallation, force uninstallation, and app backup.
- Easy Uninstaller: As the name suggests, this app makes uninstalling apps a breeze with its user-friendly interface.
Simply download and install one of these apps from the Google Play Store, follow their respective instructions, and you should be able to uninstall stubborn apps without any hassle.
Remember to exercise caution when using third-party apps and only download them from trusted sources to ensure the security of your device.
Conclusion
Uninstalling apps on Android that refuse to uninstall can be a frustrating experience. However, by following the steps outlined in this article, you can successfully remove stubborn apps from your device.
First, try the traditional method of uninstalling the app through the Settings menu. If that doesn’t work, you can use third-party uninstaller apps that provide more advanced removal options. These apps can help you uninstall apps that are stuck, frozen, or causing other issues on your Android device.
It’s important to note that some apps may be pre-installed or considered system apps, making them harder to uninstall. In these cases, you can try disabling or “uninstalling updates” instead. Remember to exercise caution when uninstalling system apps, as it may affect the functionality of your device.
Lastly, if none of the above methods work, you can consider resetting your device to its factory settings. This will remove all apps and data from your device, but it should resolve any stubborn app uninstallation issues you may be experiencing.
Remember to back up your important data before attempting any of these methods, and always proceed with caution when making changes to your device’s settings or performing a factory reset.
By following these steps and troubleshooting methods, you can successfully uninstall apps on Android that refuse to uninstall, ensuring a smoother and more optimized experience on your device.
FAQs
1. Why won’t some apps uninstall on my Android device?
There can be several reasons why certain apps won’t uninstall on your Android device. One possibility is that the app is a system app, which means it comes pre-installed on your device and cannot be removed without rooting your device. Additionally, some apps might have device administrator privileges or might be running in the background, which can prevent them from being uninstalled easily. Also, if an app is part of a software update, it might not be possible to uninstall it unless you roll back to a previous version of the software.
2. How can I uninstall system apps on Android?
To uninstall system apps on Android, you will need to root your device, which gives you administrative access to your device’s operating system. However, it’s important to note that rooting your device can void your warranty and may have other risks. Once your device is rooted, you can use root-enabled apps or commands to uninstall system apps. It’s recommended to be cautious when uninstalling system apps, as removing critical components can cause issues with your device’s functionality.
3. How do I uninstall apps with device administrator privileges?
If an app has device administrator privileges, it means it has additional control over certain device functions and settings. To uninstall such apps, follow these steps:
- Go to “Settings” on your Android device.
- Select “Security & privacy” or “Lock screen & security,” depending on your device.
- Find and tap on “Device administrators.”
- Select the app you want to uninstall and tap on “Deactivate.”
- Once deactivated, you can go back to the app list and uninstall it like any other app.
4. How can I uninstall apps running in the background?
To uninstall apps running in the background, you can follow these steps:
- Go to “Settings” on your Android device.
- Select “Apps” or “Applications.”
- Find and tap on the app you want to uninstall.
- Tap on “Force Stop” to stop the app from running.
- Once the app has stopped, you can tap on “Uninstall” to remove it from your device.
5. Can I uninstall apps that are part of a software update?
If an app is part of a software update on your Android device, you might not be able to uninstall it unless you roll back to a previous version of the software. However, it’s important to note that rolling back to a previous software version can have its own risks and may not be recommended unless you are facing significant issues with the updated version. If you are experiencing problems with an app that was part of a software update, you can try clearing its cache and data or contacting the app’s developer for assistance.
