How do I get rid of malware and bloatware?

Answered by Cody Janus

To remove bloatware on your Android smartphone, follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings on your smartphone. You can usually find the Settings app in your app drawer or by swiping down from the top of the screen and tapping the gear icon.

2. Scroll through the settings menu and look for the “Apps” or “Applications” submenu. The name may vary depending on your device’s manufacturer or Android version.

3. Tap on “Apps” to access the list of installed applications on your device.

4. In the list of apps, look for the app that you want to remove. Bloatware apps are often pre-installed by the device manufacturer or your mobile carrier and may have their icons displayed differently. You can usually identify them by their unfamiliar or unnecessary names.

5. Once you have found the app you want to remove, tap on it to open its settings.

6. In the app settings, you will see options such as “Uninstall” or “Disable” depending on the app and your device’s settings. If the option to uninstall is available, tap on it to completely remove the app from your device. If the option to disable is available, tap on it to deactivate the app and prevent it from running, but it will still be present on your device.

7. Some system apps or bloatware may not have the option to uninstall or disable. In such cases, you can try to “Force stop” the app to temporarily stop it from running in the background. Keep in mind that force stopping an app may cause it to misbehave or affect the functionality of other apps.

8. Repeat steps 4 to 7 for any other bloatware apps you want to remove from your device.

It’s important to note that removing or disabling certain system apps or bloatware may cause unintended consequences or affect the overall stability of your device. Exercise caution and only remove or disable apps that you are familiar with and confident about their purpose.

If you’re unsure about a particular app, it’s a good idea to research it online or seek advice from other Android users before taking any action. Additionally, be sure to regularly update your device’s software to benefit from security patches and bug fixes that may address any vulnerabilities related to bloatware or malware.