How to Permanently Delete Apps on an Android

Key Points:

• There are multiple ways to uninstall Android apps from a smartphone or tablet. The easiest method is to press/hold.
• Games and apps store files on your device whenever you install them. When uninstalled, the cleanup process can take care of those, but there are often folders and files left behind.
• Only delete folders that you know came from the app you uninstalled or you could end up with another problem on your hands.

The number of available Android apps changes daily, but there are more than 2 million apps to choose from at any given time. If you are wondering how to delete Android apps permanently, you’ll be thrilled to know there is an easy way to do that. Our steps will help you delete any unwanted Android app in minutes, along with any traces it may have left behind in the cloud.

Uninstall and Delete Apps

There are a number of ways you can uninstall Android apps from a smartphone or tablet, but the press/hold method is the easiest for most users.

1. Find the app you want to delete and long press/hold until a sub-menu appears.

2. You should see the option to uninstall the app from here. Once you’ve selected Uninstall, you will be prompted to confirm your choice. You’ll receive a small message telling you the app has been uninstalled once the process is complete.

While the app has technically been deleted from your device, data and other information can be left behind. If you want to clear those out, proceed to the next section.

Cleaning up Additional Files

Games and apps store files on your device whenever you install them. When uninstalled, the cleanup process can take care of those, but there are often folders and files left behind. You may have to delete some things manually for side-loaded apps, but anything installed through an app store you can remove.

If you need to manually find and delete files you can do so through the file manager included on your phone. Third-party apps will also work, but deleting the wrong folder could render apps inoperable. Only delete folders that you know came from the app you uninstalled or you could end up with another problem on your hands.

1. Find the file manager on your phone or download one from the Play Store.

2. Scroll through the file manager to find the files you wish to delete.

3. Select one or multiple files, and then press delete to send them to the recycle bin.

Keep in mind, you still need to clear the trash to completely remove this data and free up space on your Android device. If you’re not sure about a file, you can try looking it up online to see which program it’s associated with.

Removing the App From Your History

If you want to remove all traces of the app from your phone, there is still one more step to take. Uninstalling an app can take care of app data and the app itself, but it’s still listed in your app history until it’s removed.

1. Open the app store, select your profile and go to Manage Apps & Device.

2. Select the Manage tab from this menu and you’ll see a row of options across the top, including Installed, Updates available, Games, and Apps.

3. Touch the Installed option and a drop-down menu will appear along with another selection for Not Installed. From here you can see every app you have downloaded and uninstalled under that account.

4. Scroll through the list and select the box for the apps you want to delete permanently from Android. Select the apps, and then click the Trash Can symbol to remove them from your app history.

Conclusion

As you can see, simply clicking Uninstall will not delete an Android app permanently from your device. So, in order to clear all of the data, you may need to dig a bit deeper. It’s also important to remember that Google keeps track of every app or game you’ve ever downloaded on your Google account. Until you clear that data from the app history, the app or game remains there to be found.  

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