Almost every Android phone today comes preloaded with unnecessary apps — also known as bloatware. These apps take up storage, slow down performance, and often can't be removed easily.
In this updated 2025 guide, we’ll show you exactly how to disable or uninstall bloatware without rooting your Android device. This method is safe, doesn’t void warranty, and works on most Android phones — including Samsung, Xiaomi, Realme, Vivo, and others.
What is Bloatware?
Bloatware refers to apps that come pre-installed by manufacturers or carriers. These include trial games, redundant apps (calendar, browser, etc.), or promotional tools. Most of the time:
- You can't uninstall them directly from settings
- They run in the background, draining battery
- They consume RAM and storage
Examples: Facebook App Manager, Samsung Internet, Mi Video, Game Center, etc.
Why Avoid Rooting?
Rooting gives you full control, but it’s risky:
- Voids warranty
- Disables official updates
- Can brick your phone if done incorrectly
- Reduces device security
Fortunately, there’s a safer way — using ADB (Android Debug Bridge).
Method: Uninstall System Apps via ADB (No Root)
Step 1: Prepare Your Phone
- Go to Settings → About phone
- Tap Build number 7 times to enable Developer Options
- Go to Settings → Developer Options
- Enable USB debugging
Step 2: Set Up ADB on PC
- Download ADB platform tools from official Android developer site
- Extract the ZIP to a folder (e.g.,
C:\adb) - Open Command Prompt in that folder (Shift + Right Click → Open Terminal)
Step 3: Connect Phone to PC
- Use a USB cable to connect your phone
- Allow USB debugging when prompted on the phone
Step 4: Run ADB Commands
In Command Prompt, type:
adb devicesThis should return your device ID. Then enter the ADB shell:
adb shellTo uninstall a bloatware package, use:
pm uninstall -k --user 0 Example:
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.facebook.appmanagerNote: This only removes it for your user profile — safe and reversible.
How to Find Package Names
You can use one of these methods to identify app package names:
- Use App Inspector (download from F-Droid)
- Use
adb shell pm list packagesto list all installed apps
What Apps Are Safe to Remove?
Here are common bloatware apps that are usually safe to uninstall:
- Facebook App Manager / Installer
- Mi Browser, Mi Video (Xiaomi)
- Samsung Push Service, Samsung Daily
- Browser alternatives you don’t use
- Pre-installed games or demos
What Not to Remove
Don’t uninstall these unless you know what you're doing:
- System UI
- Google Play Services
- Device Policy Manager
- Phone/Dialer app
Can I Reinstall Uninstalled Apps?
Yes. To reinstall, use this command in ADB:
cmd package install-existing Or reset your phone to restore all system apps.
Alternative: Disable Apps Without PC
If you don’t want to use ADB, you can disable most bloatware manually:
- Go to Settings → Apps
- Select unwanted app
- Tap Disable
This hides the app and prevents it from running, though it still uses storage.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will this method brick my phone?
A: No. The ADB method only removes apps for the current user and is reversible.
Q: Can I do this without a PC?
A: Only app disabling is possible without PC. Full uninstall needs ADB via computer.
Q: Does this work on all Android versions?
A: Yes. ADB method works on Android 7 and above (most effective on Android 9+).
Q: Will I still receive OTA updates?
A: Yes, removing apps via --user 0 doesn’t block system updates.
Conclusion
Removing bloatware improves your phone's speed, battery life, and overall experience — without the risks of rooting. Using simple ADB commands, you can take control of your Android device and get rid of apps you don’t use.
This method is 100% safe, doesn’t require root, and can be done in under 10 minutes with a PC and USB cable.
Want to take things further? Check out our next article: 10 Portable Apps That Run Without Installation (USB-Friendly).
Questions or suggestions? Let us know via our Contact Page.