How to Uninstall Pre-Installed Apps Like Facebook on Your Phone

The age-old question about 'bloatware' often hits when users want to remove pre-installed applications like Facebook that come with new smartphones. Many reputable manufacturers include these apps as 'default system apps,' which makes them difficult to uninstall through regular settings. However, there are methods to either disable or remove these apps effectively. Let's explore the options.

Bloatware and Its Impact

On most Android devices, pre-installed apps, often referred to as bloatware, cannot be fully uninstalled. These apps, such as Facebook, can sometimes cause problems. For instance, a user mentioned that three pre-installed apps on their iTel phone started disrupting mobile voice calls. Disabling the app helped, but it occasionally still caused issues. This highlights the importance of managing these apps to maintain device performance and security.

Disabling or Uninstalling Pre-Installed Apps

When you want to remove or disable pre-installed apps, there are a couple of methods. The most common approach is to disable the app, making it inactive until you re-enable it. This method is straightforward and affects the app's functionality but not its underlying code, which remains on the device.

How to Disable a Pre-Installed App

Disabling a pre-installed app is a simpler process than uninstalling one. You can do this with just a few steps:

Go to your device's Settings app. Navigate to the Apps or Application settings. Scroll through the list of installed apps to find the one you want to disable, such as Facebook. Tap on the app and select Show system apps if the option is available and needed. Select the Disable option.

Once the app is disabled, it won't show up in your home screen or app drawer, and it will not run in the background. This is almost like uninstalling it, but the app still exists on your device.

Uninstalling Pre-Installed Apps (Rooting Your Phone)

To fully remove pre-installed apps, you need to root your phone. Rooting grants you full access to the phone's operating system and allows you to modify app settings and remove system apps. Here’s how you can do it:

How to Root Your Device

Backup All Data: Rooting your phone will void its warranty and might cause data loss. Make sure to back up your important data first. Use Recovery Mode: Boot your phone into recovery mode to install a custom recovery system like TWRP. Flash Custom Recovery: Follow online tutorials to flash TWRP using a computer and a file manager app on your phone. Install Rooting Software: Use software like Magisk to install a custom ROM or modify existing apps. Reboot: Reboot your phone in normal mode and ensure everything is working correctly.

Once rooted, you can use specialized apps from the Play Store to remove system apps, including pre-installed ones like Facebook. Remember, rooting is completely legal but voids your warranty.

Conclusion

Managing pre-installed apps on your phone involves either disabling them or rooting your device to fully uninstall them. By understanding these methods, you can keep your phone running smoothly and free from unnecessary bloatware. Just make sure to follow the steps carefully to avoid any issues with your device.

For in-depth guides and tutorials, you can watch YouTube videos or explore forums dedicated to phone rooting. Always be cautious and make informed decisions to protect your device.