How to Disable Apps on Android? [2023 Updated]

If you use an Android phone, you may wish to disable apps that cause problems. It’s pretty common - you buy a new Android phone, only to find that it comes loaded with many apps you’ll never use.

The question is, what can you do about it? To prevent your device from taking up excessive space or consuming your battery, it’s recommended that you can disable unwanted apps. This article will walk you through the steps for disabling apps on an Android device.

Part 1: How to Disable Apps on Android?

As mentioned, it is often recommended to disable unwanted apps as they might be draining the battery or using excessive data connection. Luckily, there are a few ways to disable pre-installed apps. You can either use a third-party app or do it manually. We’ll show you how to do both below.

1In Settings

Android users can quickly disable unwanted apps right from device settings. This way, the app’s functioning will be turned off and won’t appear on the home screen.

1. Open Android device settings.
2. Scroll down and click on Apps.



3. From the list of applications, choose the one you wish to disable.
4. Tap on the app then hit the Disable button.

A warning will signal that the application may cause other apps to stop working correctly if you disable it. Tap on Disable again to confirm.

2By App Drawer

The latest Android devices offer added features that allow you to disable apps instantly from the app drawer without opening any further applications.

1. Swipe up to launch the app drawer.
2. Press and hold any application you wish to disable.
3. Select Disable.

The application is now disabled, and you can select as many apps as you want to disable by following the same method.

3AirDroid Parental Control

Suppose you are looking for a quick and easy way to disable unwanted apps on your Android device. You don't have to look any further than AirDroid Parental Control! With AirDroid, you can easily control and disable Android apps from any connected device. From there, you can also manage and take down any app from your kid's device with just a few clicks.

Step 1. Download the AirDroid Parental Control app. Once you're logged in, you'll be able to access all of the app's features.

Step 2. Launch AirDroid Parental Control on your smartphone. You will see a sign-up page. Create an account and log in.

Step 3. To manage or disable apps on your child's devices, you should download AirDroid Kids on their phone. After installation, launch AirDroid Kids and enter the pairing code to bind the device. You will then need to configure some necessary settings.

Part 2: How to Enable Disabled Apps on Android?

When you disable an application, there is no permanent consequence; Android users can enable and use it again whenever they want. In terms of procedure, it’s surprisingly easy and pretty similar to disabling the app.

1In Settings

As we mentioned earlier, enabling applications to require the same steps as disabling them.

As soon as the application is enabled, make sure it appears on the home screen and open it to check if it needs an update.

2By App Drawer

Android users can also enable applications that have been disabled right from the app drawer.

Part 3: How to Uninstall Apps on Android?

You probably have a lot of apps on your Android phone that you never use. Users often download apps in a moment of excitement and then never open them again. Or you don’t even remember what some of them are for. Whatever the reason, it’s common to end up with apps you don’t need or want.

So how do you get rid of them? We’ll also show you how to uninstall or delete apps that you’ve downloaded from the Google Play Store.

1. In Google Play Store

You can instantly remove unwanted apps through the Google Play Store. Open the play store and find the app by following the steps below.

Step 1: From your Android smartphone, open Google Play Store. Hit on the profile icon.

Step 2: Now select Manage apps & device.

Step 3: From there, you can select apps you wish to delete/uninstall.

Step 4: In case you can’t find the app, search for them. Then select Uninstall.

2. In Settings

You can uninstall an application through the settings menu on almost all Android devices. Users can uninstall/delete, clear cache, or clear storage of apps using the device settings regardless of which brand they use.

Step 1: Open Android device settings.

Step 2: Scroll down and click on Apps.

Step 3: Now select the application you want to uninstall or delete.

Step 4: Tap on Uninstall.

3. By App Drawer or Home Screen

It is also possible to uninstall an application through the app drawer or from the home screen if a shortcut is present. To uninstall unwanted apps from the home screen, all it takes is a few clicks without having to open any additional applications.

Step 1: Swipe up to see the app drawer.

Step 2: Search for the application you wish to delete.

Step 3: Just long-press on the app you want to delete > Uninstall. And a pop-up will appear asking if you’re sure you want to uninstall it.

Step 4: Select Uninstall. Once you confirm, the app will be uninstalled from your device.

Part 4: How to Optimize Android Phone?

To enhance the performance of an Android device, users should optimize their Android phone and remove unwanted files. It will free up valuable system resources and keep your device running smoothly.

You can do a few basic things to optimize your Android phone and keep it running smoothly. For starters, here are some tips:

1. Uninstall Unused Apps

When your Android device experiences lag or glitches, it is probably due to unused applications running on your device that are consuming storage space. It is important to uninstall any third-party applications you no longer require as a first step.

The quickest way to eliminate unused apps is to long-press the application in the app drawer. To remove, select uninstall from the menu that appears.

2. Delete Temporary Files and Photos

If you ever notice that your Android device starts to slow down after a while, it starts to fill up with junk files.

It is no secret we all want to keep our Android devices clean and tidy. One way to do that is by deleting temporary files and photos. It will help to optimize your device and keep it running smoothly.

Step 1: Navigate to the “Settings” of your Android device.

Step 2: Look for “Applications and Notifications” and click on the app whose cache you want to clear.

Step 3: Now select “Storage and Cache”> “Clear cache.”

Step 4: Follow the same steps to clear your cache memory for as many apps as you want.

3. Revoke App Permissions

Most apps do not require a lot of permissions to access all features on your phone. You can quickly modify these settings by following the steps below.

Step 1: Open Android device settings.

Step 2: Scroll down until you see “Applications and Notifications,” and click on the apps list.

Step 3: Now select “Permissions” and choose the access you wish to give certain apps.

Step 4: Follow the same steps to revoke app permission for as many apps as you want.

Bonus: How to Hide Apps on Android without Disabling?

If you’d like more privacy on your Android device, wish to hide sensitive information from prying eyes, or want to declutter your home screen, there are a few different ways to hide apps on Android.

In some Android devices, such as Samsung, you can hide certain apps, and the hidden apps won’t appear on the home screen or app drawer until you allow them. If the option isn’t available on your device, there is still no need to disable any applications since you can still download third-party applications to hide apps.

Part 6: FAQs about Disabling Apps on Android

1. Can You Disable an App without Deleting It?

Elsa

Yes, it is possible to disable an application without uninstalling or deleting it.

2. Why Can I Not Disable Apps on Android?

Elsa

There might be another name for this option. Check for the “Force Stop” option in settings > apps to disable an application.

3. What Happens When You Disable an App on Android?

Elsa

Android devices delete all data from memory and cache memory when you disable an app. Only the original version remains on the device.

4. Is There Any Way to Disable an Android Application without Deleting Its Data?

Elsa

Users can hide an application since the app is hidden; it won’t appear in the app list or on the home screen. However, the app data will remain intact.

5. How to Find Disabled Apps on Android?

Elsa

Step 1: From your Android smartphone, open Google Play Store.

Step 2: Hit on the profile icon.

Step 3: Now select Manage apps & devices.

Step 4: From there, you can find disabled apps.

Step 5: In case you can’t find the app, search for them in the “Not Installed” section.

6. How to Disable App Purchases on Android?

Elsa

Open the Play Store and hit the menu. Tap Settings and select “Require authentication for purchases.” Tap “For all app purchases” through Google Play.