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To remove an app from a Samsung Galaxy phone or tablet, open the Apps screen, touch and hold the app, tap Uninstall, and confirm. If Uninstall is not offered, check the app’s page under Settings > Apps: some preinstalled apps can only be disabled, while others are essential and cannot be removed. To clear an icon without changing the app itself, hide it instead.
Choose the right action for the app
Uninstalling, disabling, and hiding are different actions. The option Samsung makes available depends on the app, device model, software version, and sometimes the region or product variant.
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| Action | What changes | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Uninstall | Removes an eligible app from the device and frees storage. | You no longer want the app and its app files removed. |
| Disable | Leaves a preloaded app installed, but stops everyday use and removes it from the Apps screen. | The app cannot be uninstalled, but Samsung offers Disable. |
| Hide | Removes the app from the Home and Apps screens without uninstalling it. | You want a less cluttered screen but want to keep the app installed. |
How to uninstall an app
Try the Apps screen first. If the app has an Uninstall option, select it and confirm. Samsung also documents two other routes; labels and availability can differ across devices and software releases.
- From the Apps screen: Open Apps, touch and hold the app, tap Uninstall, then confirm.
- From Settings: Open Settings > Apps, select the app, tap Uninstall, and confirm if prompted.
- For an app installed through Google Play: Open Play Store > profile > Manage apps and device > Manage, select the app, tap Uninstall, and confirm.
Samsung says uninstalling an eligible downloaded app removes it from the Galaxy device and frees storage. If Uninstall does not appear, the app may be preinstalled or otherwise restricted; use the action shown on its app information screen rather than assuming it can be removed.
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- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
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- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
What to do when Uninstall is missing
Some preinstalled apps can be deleted, some can only be disabled, and some essential apps cannot be deleted. Samsung UK lists Phone, Messages, Contacts, Gallery, and My Files as examples of essential apps required for basic device functions. Samsung also cautions that not every preinstalled app can be disabled.
Disable an app when the option is available
- Open Settings > Apps.
- Select the app you want to stop using.
- Tap Disable and confirm.
A disabled app remains installed, but Samsung says it is removed from the Apps screen and prevented from everyday use. Disabling is not the same as uninstalling, so do not count on it to free the app’s installed storage.
Rank #2
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
Enable it again if needed
To restore a disabled app, go to Settings > Apps, select the disabled app, and tap Enable. The exact list or controls may vary by device and software version.
How to hide an app without deleting it
Use hiding when the aim is a cleaner Home or Apps screen, not removal. Samsung’s UK instructions give this route:
Rank #3
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
- Open the Apps screen and tap More.
- Tap Settings > Hide apps on Home and Apps screens.
- Select the app, then tap Done.
To show the app again, return to the same menu, remove it from the hidden-app selection, and tap Done. Hiding affects visibility only; the app remains installed.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why the menus or available actions may differ
Samsung warns that menu names, paths, and layouts can vary with the device model and software or app version. Regional guidance also notes that settings may differ by location and purchased product variant. If a route above does not match your screen, open that app’s information page in Settings and use the action it actually offers. For model-specific guidance, consult Samsung support for your local region.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
- FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
- IMMENSELY IMMERSIVE: No matter where you are or what you’re watching, your favorite videos and more come to life with the vibrant display on Galaxy S26
- FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment
Rank #4
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
- Uninstall is available: remove the app if you want it gone and its storage reclaimed.
- Only Disable is available: stop its everyday use, but understand that it remains installed.
- You only want to remove the icon: hide the app, if your device offers that setting.
- Neither Uninstall nor Disable is available: the app may be required or restricted on your device; do not treat hiding as deletion.
Samsung support references
- Samsung UK: How to delete pre-installed apps on your Samsung Galaxy device (updated 26 May 2026).
- Samsung Canada: Manage apps on your Samsung Galaxy (updated 10 June 2026).
- Samsung India: How to uninstall or disable apps on Galaxy Smartphones (updated 15 November 2023).
- Samsung US: Manage apps on your Galaxy phone or tablet.
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