Android is the world’s most widely used mobile operating system, but like any other technology, it’s not without its quirks. One such quirk is the occasional stubborn app that simply refuses to uninstall. If you’re grappling with the question, “How to uninstall apps on Android that won’t uninstall?”, you’re in the right place. This comprehensive guide will navigate you through the process, ensuring that pesky, unyielding app is gone for good.
Table of Contents
Why Some Apps Won’t Uninstall
Before delving into the steps on how to uninstall apps on Android that won’t uninstall, let’s understand why this happens. Some common reasons include:
- System Apps: Android phones come preloaded with some apps that are integral to the system’s functionality. Often, these cannot be removed.
- Active App Admins: Some apps have administrator privileges which prevent them from being uninstalled.
- Corrupted Files: An app’s files can sometimes get corrupted, making them difficult to remove.
Steps on How to Uninstall Apps on Android That Won’t Uninstall
- Try The Traditional Method Again:
- Go to your phone’s ‘Settings’.
- Navigate to ‘Apps’ or ‘Application Manager’.
- Scroll through the list to find the app you want to uninstall. Tap on it.
- If the ‘Uninstall’ button is visible, tap on it. If it’s not, or if this method fails, proceed to the next steps.
- Disable the App:
- If you’re wondering how to uninstall apps on Android that won’t uninstall, especially system apps, sometimes the best course of action is to disable them.
- In ‘Settings’ > ‘Apps’, select the problematic app.
- Tap ‘Disable’. This will prevent the app from running and hide it from your app drawer.
- Revoke App Admin Permissions:
- Navigate to ‘Settings’ > ‘Security’ > ‘Device Administrators’.
- Here, you’ll see a list of apps with admin permissions. Uncheck the box next to the app you want to remove.
- Now, go back to ‘Apps’ in ‘Settings’ and try uninstalling it.
- Use Safe Mode:
- If you’re still stuck on how to uninstall apps on Android that won’t uninstall, booting your device into safe mode can be the solution. Safe mode loads only system apps, allowing you to uninstall third-party apps that might be causing issues.
- To access safe mode, hold the power button until the power options menu appears. Then, long-press the ‘Power Off’ option.
- You’ll be prompted to reboot into safe mode. Once in safe mode, go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Apps’ and attempt to uninstall the problematic app.
- Third-Party Uninstallers:
- If you’re wondering how to uninstall apps on Android that won’t uninstall despite trying all previous methods, consider using a third-party app.
- App uninstallers like ‘Easy Uninstaller’ or ‘System App Remover’ can be found on the Google Play Store. They can often help remove stubborn apps.
- Factory Reset:
- This is the nuclear option and should only be used as a last resort. It will erase all data and apps on your device, restoring it to its original factory state.
- Before proceeding, ensure you backup all essential data.
- Navigate to ‘Settings’ > ‘System’ > ‘Reset’ > ‘Factory data reset’.
Preventative Measures
To avoid asking “How to uninstall apps on Android that won’t uninstall?” in the future, consider these preventative steps:
- Research Before Downloading: Before installing an app, read its reviews, and ensure it’s from a trusted developer.
- Regular Backups: Regularly back up your device. This ensures that if issues arise, you can restore your phone without significant data loss.
- Stay Updated: Ensure your device’s software and all apps are regularly updated.
Conclusion
The frustration of not being able to remove an app can be immense, but with this guide, you now have the tools and knowledge on how to uninstall apps on Android that won’t uninstall. Remember, while most of these methods are safe, always ensure you back up your data to prevent any potential loss. With patience and persistence, you can ensure that your Android device remains free of unwanted apps.
