How to Delete Android Apps That Won’t Uninstall

You’re not alone in this struggle. This is a situation we all face sooner or later. We are busy clearing up some room in our device but then, that damn Android apps still won’t leave. 

Clicking on “Uninstall” does not yield anything and sometimes, we cannot even find this option! Frustrating?

according to businessofapps.com, There were over 2.6 million apps available on the store in 2023

But don’t panic; we’ve got your back! This article provides many techniques through which we can get rid of such annoying applications from an Android phone.

Why Some Apps Won’t Uninstall

Before we get into the solutions, let’s understand why this happens in the first place. There are several reasons why an app might resist uninstallation:

1. Pre-installed apps: Some applications are installed already on our device and they form part of the system. Normally they are included in our device by manufacturers or carriers, with the aim of not being removed.
2. Admin privileges: Certain applications—particularly safety- or administrative-related ones—may have administrator rights that make their removal difficult.
3. Corrupted app data: Occasionally, the application data may be corrupted and this can lead to problems during the time of uninstalling the same.
4. Malware: In rare cases, malicious apps might block uninstallation to stay on our device.
   

Now that we know the “why,” let’s get to the “how” of removing these stubborn apps.

Method 1: The Standard Uninstall Process

Let’s start with the basics. Sometimes, apps that seem impossible to remove just need a little coaxing:

• Go to our Android device’s Settings.
• Tap on “Apps” or “Application Manager.”
• Find the app we want to uninstall and tap on it.
• If we see an “Uninstall” button, tap it.
• Confirm the action when prompted.

If this doesn’t work, don’t lose hope. We’ve got plenty more tricks up our sleeve.

Method 2: Disable Pre-installed Apps

When it comes to the annoying pre-installed apps that never seem to go away, disabling them is sometimes the only solution:

• Go to Settings > Apps.
• Find the app we want to remove.
• If there’s no “Uninstall” option, look for “Disable.”
• Tap “Disable” and confirm our choice.

This won’t completely remove the app, but it’ll stop it from running and hide it from our app drawer. It’s like putting the app in timeout!

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Method 3: Removing Administrator Privileges

If our application has administrative rights, we cannot manually delete it. This will guide us in removing these permissions:

• Go to Settings: Again, open our phone’s Settings app.
• Security & Privacy: Scroll down to find “Security & Privacy” (this might be under a different name depending on our phone model).
• Device Administrators: Within Security & Privacy, look for an option called “Device Administrators” or “Device Admin Apps.”
• Find the App: Here, we’ll see a list of apps with admin privileges. If the app we want to uninstall is listed, uncheck it.
• Confirm: We’ll likely be asked to confirm that we want to remove the app’s admin privileges. Do so.
• Uninstall the App: Now, go back to the app in our settings and try uninstalling it again.

Method 4: Safe Mode

Sometimes we can remove applications in Safe Mode that couldn’t be used ordinarily. In this mode, all third-party apps are deactivated, making some difficult uninstalling possible.

• Reboot into Safe Mode: The method to enter Safe Mode varies by device, but generally, we can press and hold the power button until the power options appear. Then, press and hold the “Power Off” option until we see the Safe Mode prompt. Confirm to reboot into Safe Mode.
• Uninstall the App: Once our phone is in Safe Mode, head back to Settings > Apps and try uninstalling the app again.
• Restart Our Phone: After we’ve uninstalled the app, restart our phone to exit Safe Mode.

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Method 5: Rooting Our Phone

This nuclear option should only be used if we’re comfortable with it. Rooting our phone gives superuser access, meaning we can remove any app, including system apps.

However, it comes with risks, including voiding our warranty and possibly bricking our device.

• Research: Attempt to research our specific device before rooting it. Each model has a different process, and some smartphones are easier to root than others or even among them.
• Backup Our Data: Rooting can erase all our data, so make sure we back up everything important.
• Follow a Guide: Follow a step-by-step guide for our specific phone model. There are plenty of resources online.
• Install a Root File Manager: When we have rooted our device, we can install an app that will enable us to delete any application even the ones that are difficult to remove.
• Uninstall the App: Use the file manager to navigate to the system app directory and delete the app.
• Reboot Our Phone: After uninstalling, reboot our phone. The app should be gone.
  

Method 6: Factory Reset

If we have tried all possible ways out and the application is still there, a factory reset could be considered as the ultimate alternative. 

Since this will remove every piece of information from our device; ensure that we create a backup for all files beforehand.

• Go to Settings: Open the Settings app.
• System: Scroll down to find “System” and tap on it.
• Reset Options: Tap “Reset Options” or similar (the exact wording might differ based on our device).
• Erase All Data (Factory Reset): Select the option to erase all data and confirm. our phone will reset to its original factory state.
• Set Up Our Phone: Once the reset is complete, we’ll need to set up our phone from scratch. The app should be gone.

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How to Avoid This in the Future

Now that we’ve finally managed to get rid of that pesky app, let’s talk about how to avoid this situation in the future.

1. Be Careful with App Permissions: These days, apps are designed to collect user data as much as possible. Therefore, always examine the permissions a new app requests during installation. The developer’s request for admin rights should trigger red flags if we have any doubts about their motives.
2. Stick to Trusted Sources: Simply download apps from the Google Play Store or other trustworthy sites. We must stay away from APK files obtained from untrustworthy sites because they may carry viruses.
3. Regularly Review Installed Apps: Take some time now and then to review the apps installed on your phone. Uninstall any that we don’t use regularly.
4. Keep Your System Updated: Ensure that our handset has the latest software updates available. Security updates might stop spyware applications from installing themselves.

Last Words for Android Apps

Uninstalling an app that will not just disappear may be frustrating however it is possible using the correct procedures. 

When faced with any form of software bloat, administration-protected application, or indeed any type of virus there is always an applicable remedy available. 

Ensure that we exercise caution in future application installation so as not to experience similar problems once more.

You’re not alone in dealing with stubborn apps—everyone faces it at some point. The key is to stay patient and work through these solutions methodically. 

By the time we reach the end of this article, that annoying app should be a thing of the past.