Technology
Uninstall System Apps on iOS/Android Without Rooting: A Comprehensive Guide
Uninstall System Apps on iOS/Android Without Rooting: A Comprehensive Guide
Many users find pre-installed apps, known as system apps, on their phones annoying and want to get rid of them. However, they often wonder if they need to root their devices to do so. Fortunately, there are methods that allow you to uninstall these apps without rooting. This guide will walk you through the process for both Android devices using ADB, and highlight an alternative app for iOS devices.
Uninstalling System Apps on Android Devices
Using ADB (Android Debug Bridge)
If you are comfortable with command-line operations, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB) to uninstall system apps. ADB requires some initial setup, but it's a powerful tool that gives you more control over your device.
Step 1: Enable USB Debugging on Your Android Device
First, you need to turn on USB Debugging in Developer Options:
Go to Settings About phone. Tap the MIUI Version more than seven times to enable Developer mode (or Build Number for other devices). Go to Developer Options and turn on USB Debugging.When USB Debugging is enabled, you will receive a pop-up asking you to allow USB debugging. Click Always allow and then tap Allow.
Step 2: Install ADB on Your PC
Download ADB Platform Tools for Windows from Google's official page. Extract the files and open the command prompt in the extracted folder. You can type cmd in the address bar to open the command prompt.
adb devices
Connect your Android device to your PC via USB, and you should see your device serial number in the command prompt. If not, ensure your device is set to developer mode.
Step 3: Uninstall System Apps Using ADB
To find and uninstall a system app, you need to know the package name. Here’s how:
Download and install App Inspector from the Google Play Store. Open App Inspector and search for the app you want to uninstall. The package name will be displayed under the app name. Open the command prompt and type:adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 package_name
Replace package_name with the actual package name of the app you want to uninstall.
Alternative for iOS Devices
Using Package Disabler Pro
For iOS devices, there is another method using the Package Disabler Pro app, which requires ADB on your PC for granting permissions:
Download and install Package Disabler Pro from the App Store. Connect your iPhone to your PC via USB and ensure USB Debugging is enabled. On your PC, navigate to the folder where ADB tools are installed and run:adb devices
Allow the USB connection on your iPhone and type:
adb disable-app package_name
Again, replace package_name with the actual package name of the app you want to disable.
Conclusion
While rooting your device can provide more flexibility, using ADB or tools like Package Disabler Pro allows you to manage pre-installed apps without the need for root access, making your device more personalized and efficient. Whether you're an Android user or an iOS user looking to manage your device's system apps, you now have more control over your device.