Cleaning up a Samsung: where do you start?
Your Samsung is crashing. Again. That app notification is flashing again. You want to clean up, but where do you start? Samsung installs dozens of apps by default that you never use. Google adds a whole bunch more. And then you've downloaded all sorts of things yourself.
But here's the problem: delete the wrong app, and your phone will stop working. Yet, the fear of removing system apps is often unfounded . Most pre-installed junk can be deleted without any problems. In fact, it'll make your phone faster.
Just as the right accessories help you get more out of your device, smart app management can give your Samsung a second life. Whether you're freeing up space for music on your AirPods or simply want a faster phone, the trick is knowing what to keep and what to go.
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Which Samsung apps can you safely delete?
Most Samsung phones come with a ton of pre-installed apps you probably never use. Samsung Music, Samsung Health, AR Zone—the list is endless. The good news: you can simply uninstall many of these apps without causing any problems to your phone. The bad news: some apps seem harmless but are crucial to the system.
Pre-installed apps fall broadly into three categories. First, there's the bloatware—apps like Samsung Free, Galaxy Store games, and various Samsung alternatives to Google services. These can usually be removed without any issues. Then there are the useful-but-non-essential apps like Samsung Notes or Samsung Internet. You can uninstall these if you prefer Google Chrome or OneNote. Finally, there are the system-critical apps. You really should leave these alone.
Apps you can delete without any problems
Start by cleaning up these apps:
- Samsung Free (formerly Samsung Daily)
- AR Zone and AR Doodle
- Bixby and all Bixby-related apps
- Samsung Global Goals
- Samsung Kids
- Samsung Tips
- Game Launcher and Game Tools
- Samsung Max
- Dual apps (such as two browsers or two email apps)
These apps just take up space. Removing them makes your phone faster and gives you more storage for photos, music, or new apps you actually use.
Apps to be careful with
Some apps seem unnecessary but have a function you might not think of:
- Samsung Health - useful for pedometer and heart rate sensor
- Samsung Pay - when you pay contactless with your phone
- Smart Switch - essential when switching to a new phone
- Secure Folder - for securing private files
- Samsung Members - for warranty and support
Think carefully before deleting these apps. You can always reinstall them through the Galaxy Store, but that takes time and data.
System apps you should leave alone
There are apps your phone needs to function. Uninstalling them can cause your phone to freeze, crash, or even stop working altogether. Avoid these apps in particular:
- One UI Home (the launcher)
- Samsung Keyboard
- Phone, Messages and Contacts
- Settings
- Google Play Services
- Android System WebView
- Samsung Device Care
- SIM Toolkit
You usually can't even remove these apps through normal means. If you do see them in your app list, only use the "disable" option, not the "uninstall" option.
Step-by-step guide to app removal
There are several ways to delete apps from your Samsung. The easiest method works like this:
Method 1: From the Home Screen
Touch and hold the app you want to remove. A menu will appear. Select "Remove" or "Uninstall." Confirm your choice. You're done.
Method 2: Via Settings
Go to Settings > Apps. You'll now see a list of all installed apps. Tap the app you want to remove. Choose "Uninstall" or "Disable." For some apps, you'll only see "Disable"—that means it's a system app.
Method 3: Via the Play Store
Open the Play Store. Tap your profile picture in the top right corner. Select "Manage apps & device." Go to the "Manage" tab. Check the apps you want to remove. Tap the trash can icon.
Disabling vs. Uninstalling Apps
Many pre-installed Samsung apps don't offer an option to uninstall, only to disable them. What's the difference? Disabled apps disappear from your app list and no longer use system resources. They still take up storage space, but much less than when they're active. For most users, disabling them is just as effective as uninstalling them.
Tips for smart app management
Want to get your Samsung running at its best? Here are some practical tips:
Regularly check your app usage. Go to Settings > Device Care > Battery > Battery Usage. Here you'll see which apps are using the most battery. It's best to delete apps that use a lot of battery but that you rarely open.
Use the "Put apps to sleep" feature. You can find this under Settings > Device Care > Battery > Limit background usage. Apps you rarely use will automatically be put to sleep. This way, they won't use battery or data in the background.
Use app folders. Instead of twenty separate apps on your home screen, group them into folders. Simply drag one app icon over another, and a folder is automatically created. This keeps your screen clutter-free without having to delete apps.
Free up space without deleting apps
Sometimes the problem isn't the number of apps, but the data they collect. WhatsApp can hold gigabytes of photos and videos. Spotify stores music locally. Before deleting apps, try this:
- Clear app cache via Settings > Device Care > Storage > Apps
- Delete old WhatsApp media through the app itself
- Transfer photos and videos to the cloud
- Use 'Lite' versions of apps like Facebook Lite
This approach allows you to retain functionality while reclaiming space. Perfect for when your phone is full but you can't afford to miss any apps.
Conclusion: tidying up without worries
Cleaning up your Samsung doesn't have to be a complicated task. Start with the obvious bloatware like Bixby and AR Zone , check which apps you actually use, and leave system apps alone. You can safely remove or disable most pre-installed junk—it'll only make your phone faster.
Unsure about an app? Disable it first instead of uninstalling it immediately. This way, you can test if everything still works without making any definitive decisions. With regular maintenance and smart app management, your Samsung will continue to run smoothly, even after years of use.
