Clearing the clutter on your Android device

Posted on Monday March 27, 2023

If you've just bought a new Android device, there's a good chance that it came pre-installed with some apps that you don't want or need. Find out how to clear the clutter from your Android device and get rid of those unwanted apps.

What is bloatware?

Bloatware is software that comes pre-installed on computers and other digital devices, such as mobile phones. It's intended to increase the value of the device for customers, but in reality, bloatware does nothing but slow down performance by taking up valuable processing power and memory. It can come in the form of trial versions of applications, advertisements, or unnecessary installations that lack real usefulness. Ultimately, bloatware drains your device’s resources, keeping it from running at peak performance.

Why does bloatware get a bad rep?

Though bloatware is not inherently harmful and despite some users finding value in these preinstalled apps, many Android users take issue with the fact that they weren’t given a choice as to whether to install these applications.

Is there a way to remove bloatware?

Unfortunately, removing bloatware isn't always possible. Some bloatware can be uninstalled but there are others with no delete option. Despite this situation, there's no need to worry. Here are two viable alternatives you can explore.

1. Disable bloatware on your device On newer Android phones, you can disable bloatware by following a few simple steps.

1. Select Apps from your device's Settings menu.
2. Select the app you want to disable from the list.
3. Depending on the available option, proceed to press Uninstall or Disable.
4. Once you confirm the action, you will no longer be able to access the selected app from your device's home screen and the app shouldn't run in the background anymore.

2. Purchase devices without bloatware Purchasing from a carrier typically requires agreeing to the installation of certain apps, but this can mean a lower cost for the device. However, if cost is not an issue, you may want to consider getting your device from big-box stores or retailers. These stores often offer a wider selection of devices and usually ensure you have control over what apps come with your device.

It’s also best practice to ask for more details from a salesperson or read online reviews if you're still unsure whether or not your preferred device comes with bloatware.

With the right tools and knowledge, cleaning up your Android device and managing bloatware has never been simpler. If you need help tackling this task, don't hesitate to contact our tech experts for more information.