“Bloatware” refers to unnecessary software and services bundled with a device. Bloatware is a manufacturer or carrier-installed software that slows down a device, uses more storage space, or uses more system resources than necessary. Android bloatware includes carrier apps, device-maker software, games, and pre-installed third-party apps. Some users may benefit from these applications. However, some may never open them and would benefit from removing them to free up storage and improve performance.
Rooting: The Biggest Challenge for Debloating
Bloatware can’t be removed without rooting the device, which may void the warranty and jeopardize security. Rooting is necessary to delete or disable several Android system apps and services. This process is making debloating difficult. Some unwanted system programs and services can drain resources, and slow down your device. Some might even threaten your privacy and security without root access. Rooting a device requires a user to understand some internal workings of the device. Therefore, the process has become a tough thing to do for novice users.
In recent years, some device manufacturers have started to reduce the amount of bloatware pre-installed on their devices. Some are even allowing users to easily uninstall unwanted apps. Google has also introduced features in Android, such as “Play Protect,” that help to detect and remove potentially harmful apps. However, the existence of bloatware is still there. It has even become a marketing strategy for Google’s Stock Android to reach the masses.
Universal Android Debloater: That’s all you need!
The Universal Android Debloater is a popular debloating tool available on GitHub. It allows you to remove unwanted system apps and services from your Android device. The tool is open source, meaning that anyone can access and modify the source code. One of the main advantages of this software is that it is easily understandable and anyone can use it without in-depth knowledge. Above all, this can remove bloatware without seeking root permissions. How cool is that?
Universal Android Debloater: How it Works?
The Universal Android Debloater can remove system apps that are normally protected by the Android operating system and cannot be uninstalled or disabled through regular means. The tool works by connecting your device to a computer and using the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) to gain root access and remove the selected system apps easily.
Currently, Universal Android Debloater resides as an open-source project on GitHub. It is a complete rewrite in Rust of the UAD project, which aims to improve privacy and battery performance by removing unnecessary and obscure system apps.
How to Use?
- Download the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) Platform tools on your computer. ADB is a command-line tool that allows you to communicate with your Android device from your computer.
- Enable USB debugging on your Android device. To do this, go to Settings > About phone (or About device) and tap on the “Build number” seven times. This will enable Developer options. Then go to Settings > Developer options and enable USB debugging.
- Next, open Terminal (CMD for Windows and Terminal for macOS). Input “adb devices”. It works if it returns the serial number of your device like this.
- Download the Universal Android Debloater. Click on “Assets” and download the EXE file for Windows. If you are on macOS, download the tar.gz file.
- Move the UAD file to the platform tools you’ve downloaded in the first step. Then open it.
- Connect your Android device to your computer with a USB cable. The software will automatically detect your mobile device.
- Once the device is detected, the software will show you a set of options to go for. Make sure “Recommended” is selected under the top drop-down menu.
- Universal Android Debloater lists safe bloatware based on your device ROM. UAD lists all major smartphone manufacturers’ removable bloatware.
- Remove the software which you use rarely or do not need. Enjoy your debloated Android.
Here are some fair words to consider before trying this software.
- Rooting and using third-party tools like the Universal Android Debloater can risk your device’s security and stability. So, these tools should only be used to delete apps that aren’t essential to your device’s operation.
- Additionally, the Universal Android Debloater may not work on all devices, and the list of apps that can be removed may vary depending on the device and Android version.
- Last, it is advised you do a full backup of your data before trying this software.
