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On a Samsung Galaxy phone or tablet, the right way to remove an unwanted app depends on the options available for that app. Uninstall it to remove it from the device; disable an eligible preloaded app to stop it and remove it from the Apps screen; or hide it if you only want its icon out of sight. Not every pre-installed app can be uninstalled or disabled.
Choose between uninstalling, disabling, and hiding
These actions have different results. Check the app’s menu before proceeding: the available choices depend on the app and your Galaxy device.
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| Option | What happens | When it fits |
|---|---|---|
| Uninstall | Removes the app from the device and may free storage. | You no longer want an app that can be removed, commonly one you downloaded. |
| Disable | Stops an eligible preloaded app and removes it from the Apps screen, but leaves it installed. | You want to stop using a preloaded app that does not offer Uninstall. |
| Hide | Removes the app icon from the Home and Apps screens without uninstalling the app. | You want a less cluttered screen but do not want to remove or disable the app. |
How to uninstall an app
For an app that supports removal, use the Apps screen:
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- Touch and hold the app’s icon.
- Tap Uninstall, then confirm if prompted.
Samsung documents this approach for eligible pre-installed apps and downloaded apps. If you do not see Uninstall, that app may not be removable on your device.
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How to disable a preloaded app
Disabling is an option for some preloaded apps that cannot be uninstalled. Samsung explains that certain preloaded apps are integrated with Galaxy features and services, which is why disabling may be offered instead of removal.
- Open Settings > Apps.
- Select the app.
- Tap Disable and confirm if prompted.
On some devices, Disable may also appear in the menu after you touch and hold the app on the Apps screen. If neither route offers that choice, the app may not support disabling on your device.
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How to hide an app without removing it
Hiding removes an app’s icon from the Home and Apps screens, but does not uninstall it. Samsung’s documented route is:
- Open the Apps screen and tap More options.
- Tap Settings > Hide apps on Home and Apps screens.
- Select the apps to hide and tap Done.
On some Galaxy devices, you can reach the hide-apps control by pressing an empty area of the Home screen and opening its settings.
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Restore a hidden or disabled app
Unhide an app
Return to the Hide apps on Home and Apps screens setting, remove the app from the hidden list, and tap Done.
Enable a disabled app
Open Settings > Apps, select the disabled app, and tap Enable. The app will be available again.
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- 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.
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Why an app may not offer removal
Some pre-installed apps can be uninstalled, while others may only be disabled or may offer neither option. Samsung UK lists Phone, Messages, Contacts, Gallery, and My Files as examples of essential apps that cannot be deleted. That list is not a guarantee for every Galaxy model or regional version.
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If an app is built into device features or services, Samsung may provide Disable rather than Uninstall. Do not assume that every preloaded app is removable, or that a particular option will appear on every device.
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If the menu or instructions do not match your Galaxy
- Look for the app under Settings > Apps, or use Settings search for the app name or “Apps.”
- Check whether the app’s menu offers Uninstall, Disable, or neither; those options determine what you can do.
- Consult the Samsung support page for your specific device and region if labels or navigation differ.
Samsung notes that names, paths, and layouts can vary with the model, software and app versions, and—in the US—carrier or provider. The steps above are therefore common routes, not a universal menu path.
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Samsung support references
- Samsung UK: How to delete pre-installed apps on your Samsung Galaxy device
- Samsung US: Manage apps on your Galaxy phone or tablet
- Samsung Canada: Manage apps on your Samsung Galaxy
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