How to Delete and Completely Uninstall Apps on Android

Trying to completely delete and uninstall an app on Android isn't always as simple as tapping Uninstall. Instead, files are left behind, cluttering up your system, but there are ways to get rid of them.

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Manually clean up before uninstalling apps on Android

Reduce the amount of data left after uninstalling by clearing data. This isn't always perfect, but it's a good solution if you don't want to install additional apps to do so. It's important to note that this is done before uninstalling the app.

Go to your device's Settings . Select Apps . (This may also be Apps & notifications or Application Manager , depending on your device). Select the app you want to uninstall. If you don't see a list of apps, select App info first .

Tap Storage . Select Clear data and Clear cache to clear both. If you see a Manage data option , tap it to clear any additional data. This will remove any additional data the app installed, which can make uninstalling easier.

Delete leftover folders after uninstallation

When you try to completely remove an app on Android, you may notice some leftover folders in your file manager app. Here is another manual way to completely uninstall an app on Android.

Use a file manager app if you're only cleaning up after one or two apps. The apps that come pre-installed on Android devices work fine in most cases.

My Files is the default app. Whichever app you use, use the search feature to find the name of the app you want to delete. Even just a single word will help.

Only delete files and folders that you are sure are associated with the app you want to delete. Back up your device before doing this, just in case.

Connect to computer for deeper cleaning

If you're trying to clean up your Android device thoroughly, using a file manager can be tedious. After all, there are probably dozens of folders and files left over from the various apps you've installed and uninstalled over the course of a year or more.

One of the easiest ways to remove an app from Android, along with all traces, is to first uninstall the app from Settings, then use a PC to delete any leftover files from your phone.

Connect your device to your computer using a USB cable. It's best to use the cable that came with your device. Tap Other USB Options . Alternatively, you can swipe down from the top to open the notification tray and select USB charging . Select Allow to let your computer access your device.

Change the default charging option to File transfer or Transferring Files . Depending on the Android version, it may also say Transferring Files / Android Auto .

If you frequently connect your device to access files, select Always to confirm your choice or Just once to allow access only once.

Use your computer to browse the files on your Android device, deleting folders and files you don't need. Your Android device appears as the device name.

Make sure to only delete folders and files that you absolutely no longer need. Some files may go to the Recycle Bin, but others are gone forever.

Use Revo Uninstaller to Completely Uninstall Apps on Android

Before using a third-party app to help uninstall leftover apps, back up your device.

Revo Uninstaller is a free, ad-supported app that uninstalls and removes leftover files at the same time. The premium version removes ads, lets you back up your device, and previews files before and after the app runs. But the free version is all you really need.

Install the app. Tap the trash icon next to the app you want to uninstall and let the app do its thing.

Use CCleaner to delete leftover files

CCleaner is a popular app available on multiple platforms. For example, it's a quick way to clean up a cluttered Windows registry. For Android, it helps remove temporary files, leftovers, hidden caches, and more. The hidden cache option is behind a paywall, but everything else you need is free.

After installing the app, follow the prompts to let it scan your device for the first time, then select See results . Nothing will be deleted unless you check it. Review everything first, then select Finish Cleaning .

See also:

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