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You can uninstall a preinstalled Android app only if your phone allows it. If there is no Uninstall option, check whether you can Disable it instead; hiding an app only removes its icon from view. The available choices vary by app, phone model and software version.
Uninstall, disable or hide: what’s the difference?
| Option | What it does | When it’s available |
|---|---|---|
| Uninstall | Removes the app when the device permits it. | Some preinstalled apps are removable; system apps may be protected. Google says some preinstalled system apps cannot be deleted. Google’s Android help covers app removal, and Samsung says some preinstalled Galaxy apps can be uninstalled. |
| Disable | Turns off an app when the phone provides that control. It is not the same as uninstalling. | Pixel guidance says most system apps can be disabled; Samsung says the option is available for some preinstalled apps. Pixel instructions. |
| Hide | Removes an app from the Home or Apps screen, but does not uninstall it. | Samsung documents hiding preinstalled apps separately from disabling them; its guide says hiding is available for all preinstalled apps. |
How to check whether you can remove a preinstalled app
- Open Settings and go to Apps. On some phones, first tap All apps.
- Select the app you want to remove.
- Tap Uninstall if it is available. If not, look for Disable. Use the control your phone offers; menu names and paths can differ.
Google’s general Android guidance notes that some system apps cannot be deleted and refers users to their phone manufacturer for instructions on disabling apps. If the options or path differ, look up support for your exact model and software version.
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Pixel: disable a preinstalled system app
Google’s Pixel instructions are: Settings > Apps > All apps > select the app > Disable. Google says most system apps can be disabled, though some preinstalled apps cannot be deleted. Removing an app from the Home screen is a separate action and does not uninstall it.
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Samsung Ireland’s guide, last updated May 26, 2026, says some preinstalled Galaxy apps can be deleted. It names Phone, Messages, Contacts, Gallery and My Files as examples of essential apps that cannot be deleted.
#1 Best Overall
- 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 an app when the option is available
Touch and hold the app, then tap Uninstall.
Disable and re-enable an app
- To disable it, open Settings > Apps, select the app, tap Disable, then tap Disable app.
- To turn it back on, return to Settings > Apps, select the disabled app and tap Enable.
Hide an app without disabling it
On the Apps screen, open More > Settings > Hide apps on Home and Apps screens. This changes what appears on those screens; it does not uninstall the app. Samsung notes that hiding is available for all preinstalled apps, while disabling is limited to some.
Samsung warns that menu names, paths and layouts can vary by model, software version and app version. If these steps do not match your phone, check Samsung’s support instructions for your exact device.
Rank #2
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. Tracfone plan required, activating is easy, just 3 steps.
- DISPLAY: Immersive viewing on a 6.7-inch super-bright 120Hz display with powerful stereo speakers and Bass Boost for cinematic entertainment.
- CAMERA SYSTEM: Advanced 50MP Quad Pixel camera captures sharp, detailed photos and videos in any lighting condition
- PERFORMANCE: Lightning-fast 5G connectivity paired with a powerful processor and RAM Boost for smooth multitasking.
- BATTERY LIFE: Long-lasting 5000mAh battery with TurboPower charging technology delivers hours of power in minutes.
Should you use ADB to remove an app?
ADB is an advanced, computer-based option—not the first choice for ordinary app cleanup. Android Developers documents package-manager commands to uninstall, disable and enable apps. Its uninstall command can be scoped to a user with --user; without that option, the documented command applies to all users on the device. Those commands do not establish that any particular system package is safe to remove, so do not run commands against packages you have not identified.
The documented USB workflow requires connecting the phone to a computer and enabling USB debugging in Developer options. On Android 4.2.2 and later, the phone asks you to approve an RSA authorization prompt. See the Android Developers ADB documentation for setup and command details. A Settings-based uninstall or disable does not require connecting a computer.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. Activating is easy, just 3 steps.
- ACTIVATION Promotion: Includes 1500 min, 1500 texts & 1500 MB Data + add more as you need it
- CAMERA SYSTEM: 50MP Quad Pixel camera. Capture sharper, more vibrant photos day or night with 4x the light sensitivity.
- PERFORMANCE: Blazing-fast Qualcomm performance. Get the speed you need for great entertainment with a Snapdragon 680 processor and 4GB of RAM.
- 64GB built-in storage. Get plenty of room for photos, movies, songs, and apps. Made for US
Rank #4
- 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
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- 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
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.
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