Smartphones come with several pre-installed apps, commonly known as bloatware. While some of these apps are useful, many take up valuable storage space and run in the background, consuming system resources. If your phone constantly reminds you of low storage, managing these apps can help free up space and improve performance. Here’s how to do it effectively:
1. Identify Unnecessary Pre-installed Apps
Pre-installed apps vary by brand, and some might be essential for system functions. However, many apps—especially third-party ones—can be removed or disabled.
On Samsung, Tecno, Infinix, Itel, Vivo, Oppo, and Redmi phones, look for apps that you never use or those that duplicate the functions of other apps.
Check Settings > Apps to see a list of installed applications and how much space they consume.
2. Disable Apps You Can’t Uninstall
Some pre-installed apps cannot be deleted but can be disabled. Disabling prevents them from running in the background and consuming resources.
Steps to Disable an App:
Open Settings on your phone.
Go to Apps & Notifications (or simply Apps).
Select the app you want to disable.
Tap Disable and confirm.
Disabling an app removes it from the home screen and stops it from using storage for updates and cache.
3. Uninstall Unnecessary Pre-installed Apps
If the phone allows it, you can completely uninstall unwanted apps.
How to Uninstall Pre-installed Apps:
Go to Settings > Apps.
Select the app you want to remove.
Tap Uninstall (if available) and confirm.
Alternatively, you can try long-pressing the app icon on your home screen and selecting Uninstall from the menu.
4. Use a Third-Party App Manager
Some system apps may not have an uninstall or disable option. In such cases, third-party app managers like SD Maid or Package Disabler (for Samsung users) can help remove hidden bloatware.
Caution: Ensure you’re not deleting system-critical apps that may affect phone functionality.
5. Clear Cache & Data for System Apps
Some apps, even if not removable, store a lot of data. Clearing this can help recover storage.
How to Clear Cache & Data:
Go to Settings > Apps.
Select an app (like Facebook or YouTube, which store lots of data).
Tap Storage & Cache.
Select Clear Cache or Clear Storage to free up space.
6. Use Lite Versions of Apps
Many brands, including Samsung, Infinix, and Tecno, pre-install full versions of social media apps like Facebook and Messenger, which take up a lot of space. You can switch to Facebook Lite, Messenger Lite, and YouTube Go for a smoother experience.
7. Disable Auto Updates for Unwanted Apps
Some pre-installed apps will automatically update, consuming storage and data.
How to Stop Auto-Updates:
Open Google Play Store.
Tap on your profile picture and go to Manage apps & device.
Select Manage and tap on the app.
Tap the three-dot menu and disable Auto-update.
8. Move Apps to External Storage
For phones that support expandable storage, moving apps to an SD card can free up internal space.
How to Move Apps to an SD Card:
Go to Settings > Apps.
Select the app you want to move.
Tap Storage > Change > SD Card (if supported by the app).
Not all apps support this feature, but many do, especially on Android devices with microSD slots.
9. Regularly Update Your Software
Keeping your phone updated can help optimize storage use. Updates often improve app efficiency and remove redundant files, freeing up space.
How to Check for Updates:
Go to Settings > Software Update.
Tap Download and Install to check for updates.
Final Thoughts
Managing pre-installed apps is one of the easiest ways to free up space and boost performance on your smartphone. Whether you’re using a Samsung, Tecno, Itel, Infinix, Oppo, Vivo, or Redmi, these steps will help you take control of your storage. Need more help, visit the website.
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