How to Remove Bloatware on Android Without Root Using Universal Android Debloater

There is a wide range of mid-range and entry-level Android phones that come pre-loaded with bloatware apps. These unwanted apps are prevalent regardless of the price range. While flagship Android devices usually offer the option to uninstall these apps, most other phones do not. If you're looking to remove bloatware apps from your Android phone, Universal Android Debloater (UAD) is here to help.

What Is Universal Android Debloater?

Universal Android Debloater (UAD) is an open-source tool that allows you to effectively remove all the bloatware installed on your Android phone. Traditionally, you would use ADB from the terminal to run commands and install or remove app packages. However, UAD simplifies the process by providing a user-friendly GUI interface. This makes it easier to identify and remove unwanted apps without the need for rooting your phone. Here are some key features of UAD:

  • You can remove, restore, enable, and disable system packages.
  • UAD supports multi-user and can connect with multiple Android devices, making it convenient for removing bloatware from multiple phones.
  • It supports popular OEMs like Xiaomi, OnePlus, Samsung, Oppo, and more, as well as carrier-specific Android phones from providers like T-Mobile and Verizon in the US. You can find the complete list of supported devices and carriers on its official GitHub page.
  • UAD keeps a log of all the changes you make to your Android phone, allowing you to easily track and review the tweaks you've made.

Things to Remember Before Using Universal Android Debloater

Before using Universal Android Debloater, there are a few important points to keep in mind:

  1. Backup your phone using the Settings app to ensure you can revert to your existing phone configuration and personal files if something goes wrong during the process. Save the backup file to an external storage drive or your computer.
  2. Removing bloatware from your Android phone is not permanent. Whenever you download and install a major phone update, OEMs may auto-install the removed bloatware apps. Therefore, you may need to use UAD again to remove these apps after an update.
  3. Avoid removing every system app, as this may result in removing packages that are necessary for the Android OS to function properly. Removing essential packages can cause your phone to enter an endless boot loop, requiring a factory reset to fix.

Using Universal Android Debloater to Uninstall Bloatware

Removing bloatware from your Android phone using Universal Android Debloater is a three-step process. First, you need to enable USB debugging on your phone. Then, you'll need to install ADB on your computer. Finally, you can download and use the Universal Android Debloater app to remove unnecessary packages. Here's a brief overview of each step:

1. Enable USB Debugging on Your Android Phone

To enable USB debugging on your Android phone, follow these steps:

  1. Connect your phone to a Windows PC using a USB cable.
  2. Open the Settings app on your phone and tap on the About option.
  3. Tap on the MIUI version option seven times to enable Developer options for a Xiaomi phone. The option to enable Developer options may vary slightly depending on your phone's manufacturer. For Samsung phones, tap on Build Number.
  4. Tap on the back button and then tap on the search bar. Type “developer” in the search bar and tap on the Developer options search result.
  5. Scroll down and find the Debugging section. Toggle the USB debugging option to enable it.
  6. You will see a warning message. Agree to the terms and tap on the OK button.

2. Download and Install ADB on Your Computer

After enabling USB debugging, you need to download and install ADB on your Windows PC. Here's how:

  1. Open any web browser and go to the XDA download page of ADB for Windows.
  2. Download version 1.4.3 and run the file to begin the installation.
  3. A terminal window will pop up. Type “Y” in the terminal and press Enter.
  4. Type “Y” again and press Enter.
  5. Type “Y” and press Enter to install USB drivers.
  6. Follow the on-screen instructions and install the drivers on your system.
  7. Right-click on the Start button and select the Terminal option from the list.
  8. In the Terminal app window, type the command “adb” and press Enter to check if ADB is working.
  9. Type the command “adb devices” and press Enter. A prompt will appear on your phone, asking for permission to connect.
  10. After granting permission, type the command “adb devices” again. The command will display a list of attached devices.

3. Remove Bloatware Using Universal Android Debloater

With USB debugging and ADB set up, you can now remove bloatware from your Android phone using Universal Android Debloater. Here's how:

  1. Visit the official GitHub page of Universal Android Debloater and download the Windows version of the tool.
  2. Double-click on the downloaded file to launch the tool directly. There is no need to install the application.
  3. Your phone's name will appear on the top bar of the tool. The tool will list all the packages installed on your system. Click on the All Packages drop-down and select the Enabled option.
  4. Scroll down to locate the package you want to remove or use the search bar to find a specific package.
  5. Click on the Uninstall button to remove the selected app from your phone.
  6. To uninstall multiple apps at once, select the checkbox in front of each app and click on the Uninstall selection button.
  7. Check your phone's app drawer, and the selected apps will no longer be visible. If you want to restore an app, click on the Uninstalled option to view the list and click on the Restore button to reinstall the package.

Removing Bloatware on Android

Universal Android Debloater is an effective tool for uninstalling the bloatware that OEMs bundle with their phones. However, it's important to only remove apps that you don't need and stick to the recommended section. It is advisable to create a backup of your phone before proceeding and avoid venturing into the Expert or Unsafe sections unless you have a thorough understanding of which packages are useful or non-useful. Additionally, remember that after installing an Android or phone OS update, you may need to use UAD again to remove the bloatware apps that are automatically installed.