Uninstall apps

If you have an Android device, it is very easy to replace your apps with new and better ones. Every now and then, we find new apps with better functionalities to help us out with what we need to do, or even just for fun and entertainment. Sometimes you just get bored and want to uninstall applications that you don’t use anymore. Or you might have some problems with your Android device, and need to clean it up a little to free some space in its memory. (I think we’ve all been there, done that).

So, as we’ve talked in other posts about how to install various apps on Android devices, today I’ll tell you how to make room for other new things. You can either disable an app, or uninstall it entirely.

Uninstall applications that you installed

The first simple way to uninstall apps on Android is to go to the application manager in your device. In the “Downloads” tab, you can find all the apps that are installed on your device. Find the one you want to remove. Then, tap to see the menu, and choose “Uninstall”. Next, when you get a prompt to confirm or cancel, choose “Confirm”. If you only see the options “Uninstall updates” or “Disable”, this means that the app you chose is pre-installed in your device. Even these system apps can will show in the Downloads tab, but they can’t be removed the normal way. If you just want to hide the app, you can simply choose the “Disable” option instead of “Uninstall”; its icon will not appear on your home screen anymore, but the app will still be taking up memory.

Uninstall applications that came with your Android

You can delete apps on your device using the method above, but it’s not possible for system apps. The only way to remove these preloaded apps is by rooting your device and uninstalling them using the command prompt. Android system apps, standard Google apps and carrier apps all require rooting to be removed.

This could be the hardest part of the process, because each Android model has a different way for rooting, and the carrier may affect the rooting of the device. So you may find that some devices are so easy to root, and that rooting others is impossible. But rooting is necessary to remove the pre-installed apps in your device. Use extreme caution if you are considering rooting; it can completely ruin your device. Also, make sure you do a full backup before starting the process.

Notes on uninstalling apps

If you decide to delete an app that you have purchased, you can re-install it later with no charges. You simply need to go to the Play Store app on your Android, and, of course, be logged into the Google account that you used to purchase the app. Go to “Menu”, “My Apps”; then, find the app and download it directly.

Pay close attention when you remove applications from the ADB terminal. There are certain apps that are necessary for the device’s operation and functionality, and deleting such apps will certainly affect its functionality, and it might not work properly anymore. So make sure to be well informed about the apps you are willing to remove to avoid any issues. Repairing them would be somewhat difficult. Save yourself a major headache and only mess with apps that you are 100% certain won’t affect the device.

When you remove an app, you are actually removing all the information associated with it on the Android device as well, and this could include some important information or data. That’s why it’s recommended to back up or export any important information and save it to another place before removing the app.

Sometimes, you may download some apps and never use them again. Or you just might not like them anymore, and they are taking up a considerable part of your iOS device’s memory. What do you do to make room for new stuff? In this post, I’ll tell you how to uninstall applications from your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch.

The iOS operating system that Apple uses to run its devices, like iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, is known to be different from other operating systems such as Android and Windows. Dealing with an iOS device needs some patience at first and some getting used to, especially for those who are used to Android devices and switched to iOS.

Apps for iOS devices can only be downloaded from the App Store, directly on the device or using iTunes. The App Store automatically downloads the latest versions of the apps to your device. And once you make updates to the OS or to an app, it can’t be undone easily.

Downloading apps from other sources than the official App Store is not possible unless you jailbreak your device. Jailbroken devices are able to download apps from Cydia. But I have to warn you that this could seriously damage your device, so this should be done with extreme caution.

How to uninstall applications on iPhone and iPad

There are several ways to uninstall applications on your iOS device:

You can delete apps directly from the home screen of your device. On the springboard, tap and hold the app you want to delete. Your screen will start to wiggle and shake in a few seconds, and you’ll find an “X” on the corner of the apps you’ve installed via the App Store. Tap the “X” on the app you want to delete; you will be asked to select “Delete” or “Cancel”. Choose delete.

If you have signed in to your iTunes account from this device, and used it to download these apps, they will be listed in your iTunes Applications as well. This means they will be re-installed the next time you sync your device unless you remove them from your account. Otherwise, you can set iTunes not to allow automatic syncing of applications, and keep the app in your iTunes account.

What to do if there is no “X” on the app when it’s wiggling? Some apps aren’t removable from iOS devices. These apps are pre-installed on the device, like system apps on an Android. Go to “Settings”, “General”, “Restrictions”. You’ll be required to enter your security code. Then, turn off the app that you want to delete; you’ll find that it doesn’t exist on your home screen anymore.

You can also uninstall applications from the settings menu. Go to “Settings” on your iOS device, find “General”, and then “Usage”. Select “Show all Apps” to see all the Apps on your device. Now, tap on the one you want to uninstall; then, choose the “Delete App” option.

Notes on uninstalling apps on iOS

Deleting an app’s update: In iOS, it isn’t possible to directly downgrade apps to a previous version. You can only do this by deleting the app and reinstalling the older version from a download center other than App Store. If updates bother you, you can stop automatic updates by going to “Settings”, “App Store”, “Turn automatic updates off”. But remember, if the device’s operating system was updated, older versions of apps may not run properly and you may need to update them.

Deleting paid apps: If you delete a purchased app that you paid for, you can install it again without paying any extra costs. You just have to use the same account you used for purchasing this app. And of course, the username and password of the account are always required.