As a Samsung user myself, I know firsthand that downloading new apps is tempting. But over time, unused or problematic apps can really slow down your device. The good news is that with a few simple taps, you can delete these apps and reclaim control over your Samsung‘s performance.
In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll share all the insider techniques you need to know for effectively removing apps on your Samsung Galaxy device.
We‘ll be covering:
- Quick deletion methods for individual apps
- Mass deleting multiple apps in bulk
- Removing pesky pre-installed “bloatware” apps
- Deleting hidden and default apps that resist removal
- Simply clearing app cache vs. full deletion
Follow along step-by-step and in no time you‘ll have mastered the key skills for taking charge of apps and storage on your Samsung. Let‘s get started!
An Overview of App Deletion Methods for Samsung
Before diving into the step-by-steps, here is a high-level overview of the main methods we’ll cover for removing apps from your Samsung device:
| Deletion Method | Good For | Downsides |
|---|---|---|
| Via Settings Menu | Apps not on home screen Deleting multiple apps | Takes more taps |
| From Home Screen | Individual apps on home screen | Only one app at a time |
| Bulk Deletion in Play Store | Mass deleting unused apps | Can‘t delete all app types |
| Disabling Bloatware | Unwanted pre-loaded apps | Doesn‘t fully free up space |
| Finding Hidden Apps | Removing frozen/buggy apps | More complex |
As you can see, each deletion method serves a different purpose. As we walk through the specifics of each approach, refer back to this table to decide which one meets your needs.
Now, let‘s start with the fastest options for common app removal needs…
Deleting a Single App Through Your Settings
If an app has disappeared from your home screen or you only need to remove one, using the Settings menu is quick and easy.
Here‘s how it works:
Step 1: Access Your Settings
Tap on the Settings icon on your home screen or pull down the notification panel and select the gear icon. This opens the Settings menu.
[Photo of user accessing Settings app]2: Choose "Apps" or "Application Manager"
Next, select the “Apps” option from the Settings menu. On some Samsung devices this may be labeled “Application Manager.”
[Photo showing user navigating into Apps in Settings]Pro Tip: Create a direct shortcut to this screen by pressing and holding the Apps icon in Settings and dragging it to your home screen for quick access anytime.
Step 3: Locate Your App
Scroll down alphabetically through your full list of apps. Once you spot the one you want to remove, tap it to open details.
[Photo of user scrolling to locate app]Step 4: Tap “Uninstall”
On the app’s details screen, tap the “Uninstall” button at the bottom and confirm your choice to remove the app from your device.
[Photo of user tapping Uninstall in app details screen]And that‘s all there is to it! With just a few taps, you‘ve deleted a single problematic or unused app from your Samsung‘s internal storage.
Up next we‘ll tackle removing visible apps directly from your Home Screen.
Delete Apps Right From Your Home Screen
If the app you want to remove already has an icon on one of your Samsung device‘s home screens, you can uninstall it directly without going into Settings:
Step 1: Long Press the App Icon
Press and hold your finger down on the app icon until you feel a vibration and a pop-up menu appears.
[Photo of user long pressing on app icon]Insider Tip: Waiting to lift your finger until feeling the vibration ensures the uninstall option fully loads in the menu.
Step 2: Tap “Uninstall”
With the app icon selected, simply tap on the “Uninstall” option in the pop-up menu.
[Photo showing Uninstall option]Step 3: Confirm Deletion
You‘ll then receive a confirmation prompt. Tap “OK” or “Uninstall” again to finalize the app removal.
Easy peasy! Now let‘s talk about tackling bulk app removal…
Mass Delete Multiple Apps At Once
Thanks to the Play Store app manager, you can easily mass uninstall apps to quickly free up storage space.
Here‘s how:
Step 1: Access Your Play Store Profile
Open the Play Store app and tap on your profile icon in the top right corner.
[Photo of user tapping profile icon]Step 2: Tap “Manage Apps & Devices”
A menu will expand down. Choose the option reading “Manage apps & devices."
[Image showing Manage apps & devices option]Step 3: Select Apps to Uninstall
You‘ll next see a list of all apps installed from Google Play. Check the box next to apps you want to mass remove.
[Photo of user checking boxes next to apps]Step 4: Tap the Trash Can Icon
With your apps selected, tap the trash can icon in the upper right to complete the mass uninstall.
[Photo of trash icon]After a few seconds, all selected apps will vanish from your Samsung in one fell swoop!
Now onto what to do about pesky pre-loaded apps…
Removing Pre-Installed “Bloatware” Apps
So-called “bloatware" refers to apps that come pre-loaded on your Samsung, usually installed by the device maker or your carrier before purchase. More often than not, these apps are unwanted and safe to remove.
Fortunately, disabling pre-loaded apps is straightforward:
Step 1: Enter Settings and Select “Apps”
As before, open Settings and navigate to the full list of apps.
[Photo of user navigating into Apps list]Step 2: Locate the Bloatware App
Scroll through alphabetically until you spot the pre-loaded app you want gone. Tap it.
[Photo of user locating bloatware app]Step 3: Tap “Disable”
Unlike a normal app, you won‘t see an “Uninstall” option. Instead tap “Disable” to remove it.
[Photo showing Disable button]This prevents the bloatware from running or showing icons, freeing up device resources. Just remember disabling doesn‘t completely delete like standard uninstalling.
Now for the trickiest scenario: removing stubborn hidden apps…
Deleting Troublesome Hidden & Default Apps
Occasionally apps will resist normal deletion methods if set as defaults or if they behave unusually. Getting rid of these well-hidden apps requires gently coaxing them out:
Step 1: Access Apps List in Settings
Open Settings on your device once more and navigate back into the Apps list.
[Photo of user navigating to Apps]Step 2: Use the Search Tool
Tap the search icon at the top right and type in the app‘s title you want to surface.
[Photo of search icon]This reveals even stubborn apps buried deep in your system.
Step 3: Select “Uninstall”
With the problematic app now visible, tap “Uninstall” on its details screen to banish it.
[Photo showing Uninstall button]As you can see, even the most defiant apps are powerless against this removal technique!
But sometimes all an app needs is a good spring cleaning rather than total deletion…
Clear App Cache Instead of Full Deletion
Before completely removing a misbehaving app, try clearing its cached data instead. This often resolves issues without compromising functionality:
Step 1: Access App Info Screen
Head to Settings > Apps once more and select the troubled app.
[Photo of user in Apps screen]Step 2: Tap “Storage”
Select “Storage” on the app’s info page next.
[Photo showing Storage option]Step 3: Tap “Clear Cache” Button
On the Storage screen displayed, tap the “Clear Cache” button shown.
[Photo of Clear Cache button]This wipes the app‘s temporary data while retaining core functions and logins. Quite a fix!
Now I‘ve equipped you with specialized techniques for removing any app scenario imaginable on your Samsung. Refer back whenever you need to reclaim control from mischievous apps!
FAQ
For quick reference, here are answers to some commonly asked questions:
How do I reinstall previously deleted apps?
Open the Play Store > Manage Apps & Devices > Not Installed to locate deleted apps for download again.
Where do I view apps downloaded from the Galaxy Store?
The Galaxy Store app features a My Apps section showing your full install history.
I hope this guide has demystified app management on your Samsung! Let me know if you have any other questions. Happy (un)installing!
