How to Delete Apps on Android

How to Delete Apps on Android

Deleting or uninstalling apps is an essential skill every Android user should know. So if you’re running low on space or want a cleaner look on your phone, we’ve compiled a list of easy ways to delete Android apps.

How to Delete Apps in the App Drawer

The first and the fastest way to delete your apps is to uninstall them in the app drawer (in modern versions of Android, this also works for apps on the homepage). Here’s what you should do:

    1. Go to your app drawer and hold the app you want to delete for a few seconds.
    2. Tap Uninstall.

      Uninstall app on app drawer
      Uninstall the app on the app drawer

    3. A pop-up window will show, asking you to confirm uninstalling the app. Tap OK.

      Tap OK to uninstall
      Tap OK to uninstall

Note: On some Android devices, you can drag and drop the app to an uninstall tab (usually a trash can icon) that shows up on the top or bottom part of the screen. This option will show up when you press and hold the app icon. However, not all Android devices support this feature.

Note: You can also uninstall apps on your home screen using the same steps, but not all Android devices support this.

How to Delete Apps in Settings

Another easy option is to delete apps on your Android is in Settings. Follow the steps below:

  1. Open Settings on your Android device.

    Android menu settings
    Android menu settings

  2. Scroll down and tap Apps.

    Android Settings Apps
    Android Settings Apps

  3. Tap Manage apps.

    Android settings manage apps
    Android settings manage apps.

  4. Tap Uninstall. This will then show all of your apps.

    Manage apps uninstall
    Manage apps uninstall

  5. Look for the app you want to delete and tap on it. Note: you can see which apps you haven’t used in a long time here. You can also search for a specific app.

    Select app to uninstall
    Select app to uninstall

  6. Select Uninstall.

    Tap uninstall
    Tap uninstall

  7. Finally, tap OK. The app will then be deleted from your device.

    Tap OK to uninstall
    Tap OK to uninstall

On some Android devices, you can uninstall two or more apps simultaneously. Just follow the same process and select all the apps you want to delete.

How to Delete Apps using the Google Play Store

Another easy way to uninstall Android apps is directly in the Google Play Store. Follow these steps:

  1. Open “Google Play Store” and tap your profile icon at the top-right corner of the screen.

    Google Play Store
    Google Play Store

  2. Go to Manage apps & device.

    Manage Apps and Devices tab
    Manage Apps and Devices tab

  3. Tap on the Manage section.

    Manage tab
    Manage tab

  4. Select the app you want to uninstall by tapping on the check box next to it.

    Uninstall app
    Uninstall app

  5. Tap the trash can icon on the top-right part of the screen.

    Tap the trash can icon
    Tap the trash can icon

  6. Finally, select Uninstall. The app(s) will now be deleted after a few seconds.

    Tap the uninstall button
    Tap the uninstall button

Note: Just like uninstalling apps on your Android device Settings, you can also delete two or more apps in the Google Play Store using the same steps.

How to Remove App Shortcuts

Use this option to remove app shortcuts from your homepage without uninstalling the app. The app will still be available in your app drawer. To remove app shortcuts, follow these steps:

  1. On the home screen, hold the app shortcut for a few seconds.
  2. Tap Remove.

    Remove shortcut
    Remove shortcut

  3. In many devices, a small pop-up will show up at the bottom of the screen that says “Item removed.” If you change your mind, tap Undo.

    Item removed
    Item removed

Can You Delete Pre-Installed Apps?

Android devices all come with different pre-installed apps such as Email, Google Play Books, Google Play Movies & TV, Google Play Magazines, Hangouts, YouTube, etc. You may also have apps installed by your manufacturer, for example, Samsung or Huawei.

While you cannot delete these apps, you can choose to turn off or disable them. This way, they won’t clutter or slow down your device.

What Happens If You Delete Apps You Purchased?

If you accidentally delete one of your purchased apps, you won’t have to buy that app again. Instead, simply reinstall these apps using Google Play Store.

Phoebe is an HR assistant in her day job, but is also a web blogger that loves writing guides and sharing her experiences. When she is not out with her friends, she enjoys traveling or binge-watching Netflix. She graduated with a BA in Communication and Media Studies from the University of Utah, and is a chief editor at TechObservatory.

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