How to remove apps you never use (or at least hide them) – The Star

In our increasingly digital world, it’s easy for our devices to become cluttered with apps we rarely, if ever, use. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of identifying, removing, or cleverly hiding those digital dust collectors, helping you reclaim precious storage space, improve device performance, and reduce digital distractions.

What You’ll Need

• Your smartphone (Android or iOS), tablet, or computer (Windows or macOS).
• A few minutes of your time, potentially more if you have a lot of apps.
• An internet connection (optional, but helpful for re-downloading apps if needed).
• A willingness to be a little ruthless with your digital possessions.

Steps

General Considerations Before You Start

Before you dive into the specifics of each platform, it’s wise to take a moment to prepare and understand the nuances of app management. This initial thought process will save you time and potential headaches later on.

• Identify Unused Apps: Take a mental (or even physical) inventory. Scroll through your app drawers, home screens, and application folders. Which apps haven’t you opened in weeks, months, or even years? Pay attention to games you finished, social media apps you no longer use, or utility apps that seemed useful but never quite clicked. Many devices have “Digital Wellbeing” or “Screen Time” features that can show you app usage statistics, making this step much easier.
• Understand the Differences: It’s crucial to know the distinction between uninstalling/deleting, disabling, and offloading/hiding apps, as these options vary by platform and have different impacts:
  • Uninstall/Delete: Completely removes the app and all its associated data from your device, freeing up the maximum amount of space. You’ll need to re-download it from an app store if you want it back.
  • Disable (Android): Stops a pre-installed app from running, updating, or appearing in your app drawer. It frees up some space (updates are removed), but the core app files remain on your device. It can be re-enabled easily.
  • Offload (iOS): Removes the app itself to free up storage, but keeps its icon and all your personal data and documents associated with it. When you tap the icon, the app will re-download from the App Store and be ready to use with all your settings intact.
  • Hide: Makes the app icon invisible from your main view (e.g., home screen, app drawer) but the app remains installed and functional. This is great for apps you use occasionally but don’t want cluttering your primary interface.
• Backup Important Data: If an app contains unique data (e.g., game saves not synced to the cloud, notes, specific configurations) that you might want later, ensure it’s backed up before uninstalling. Most modern apps sync data to the cloud, but it’s always good to double-check.

Step 1: On Android Devices

Android offers flexible ways to manage your apps, from full uninstalls to disabling pre-installed system apps.

Uninstalling Apps on Android

This is the most effective way to free up storage space and remove an app entirely.

1. From the Home Screen or App Drawer:
   • Long-press on the app icon you wish to remove.
   • A small menu will usually pop up. Look for an option like “Uninstall,” a trash can icon, or an “i” icon (for App info).
   • Tap “Uninstall” and confirm your choice.
2. From Settings:
   • Open your device’s “Settings” app.
   • Scroll down and tap on “Apps” or “Apps & notifications” (wording may vary slightly by Android version and manufacturer).
   • Tap “See all apps” or “App info” to view a list of all installed applications.
   • Find and tap on the app you want to uninstall.
   • On the App Info screen, tap the “Uninstall” button. Confirm when prompted.

Disabling Apps on Android (for pre-installed/system apps)

Some apps come pre-installed by your phone manufacturer or carrier and cannot be fully uninstalled. For these, you often have the option to “disable” them.

1. Access App Info:
   • Go to “Settings” > “Apps” > “See all apps” (as described above).
   • Find the pre-installed app you want to manage.
   • Tap on the app to open its App Info screen.
2. Disable the App:
   • If an app cannot be uninstalled, you’ll see a “Disable” button instead of “Uninstall.”
   • Tap “Disable.” You might be prompted to confirm and warned that disabling a system app could affect other functions. For most non-essential apps (like carrier bloatware or specific pre-installed games), this is usually safe.
   • Disabling an app will stop it from running in the background, updating, and appearing in your app drawer, saving battery and data, and reclaiming some storage space (by removing updates).
3. Re-enabling a Disabled App:
   • Return to the App Info screen for that app.
   • You’ll now see an “Enable” button. Tap it to bring the app back.

Hiding Apps on Android

If you don’t want to uninstall or disable an app but just want it out of sight, you have a few options:

1. Using App Drawer Features (OEM Dependent):
   • Some Android launchers (especially those from Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus, etc.) have built-in features to hide apps from the app drawer. Check your launcher’s settings (often accessed by pinching the home screen or long-pressing an empty space). Look for options like “Hide apps,” “App lock,” or “Hidden Space.”
2. Using Third-Party Launchers:
   • Install a custom launcher like Nova Launcher, Lawnchair, or Action Launcher from the Google Play Store. These launchers offer extensive customization, including the ability to hide apps from the app drawer without uninstalling them.
   • Once installed, go into the launcher’s settings and look for “App drawer settings” or “Hide apps.”
3. Placing Apps in Folders:
   • A simple way to reduce clutter is to group less-used apps into a folder on your home screen or in your app drawer. Long-press an app icon and drag it over another app icon to create a folder. Then, drag other related apps into it.

Step 2: On iOS Devices (iPhone/iPad)

Apple’s iOS offers a streamlined approach to app management, with options to delete, offload, or simply remove apps from your Home Screen while keeping them in the App Library.

Deleting Apps on iOS

This completely removes the app and its data, freeing up the most space.

1. From the Home Screen (iOS 14 and later):
   • Long-press any app icon on your Home Screen until all icons start to jiggle.
   • Tap the minus (-) icon in the upper-left corner of the app you want to remove.
   • Select “Delete App” from the menu that appears.
   • Confirm by tapping “Delete.”
2. From the App Library (iOS 14 and later):
   • Swipe left on your Home Screen until you reach the App Library (the last page).
   • Find the app you want to delete (you can use the search bar at the top).
   • Long-press on the app icon.
   • Select “Delete App” from the context menu.
   • Confirm by tapping “Delete.”
3. From Settings (for a detailed overview):
   • Open the “Settings” app.
   • Go to “General” > “iPhone Storage” (or “iPad Storage”).
   • Wait for the list of apps and their storage usage to load.
   • Tap on the app you want to delete.
   • Tap “Delete App” and confirm your choice.

Offloading Apps on iOS

Offloading is a unique iOS feature that frees up storage by removing the app itself but keeps its data and icon. This is perfect for apps you use infrequently but want to keep your settings for.

1. Automatic Offloading:
   • Go to “Settings” > “App Store.”
   • Scroll down and toggle on “Offload Unused Apps.” Your device will automatically offload apps you haven’t used in a while when storage runs low.
2. Manual Offloading:
   • Open “Settings” > “General” > “iPhone Storage.”
   • Find the app you want to offload and tap on it.
   • Tap “Offload App.” Confirm when prompted.
   • The app icon will remain on your Home Screen with a small cloud icon next to its name, indicating it’s offloaded.
3. Re-downloading an Offloaded App:
   • Simply tap the app’s icon on your Home Screen. It will automatically re-download from the App Store, and your data will be restored.

Hiding Apps on iOS

If you just want to get an app icon out of sight without deleting it, iOS offers several ways:

1. Removing from Home Screen (keeping in App Library):
   • Long-press on the app icon until it jiggles.
   • Tap the minus (-) icon.
   • Choose “Remove from Home Screen.” The app will no longer appear on your Home Screen pages but will still be accessible and fully functional from the App Library.
2. Using App Library:
   • Since iOS 14, all apps are automatically categorized and stored in the App Library. You can simply remove apps from your Home Screen and rely on the App Library for access.
3. Placing in Folders:
   • Create folders on your Home Screen to group less-used apps. Long-press an app, drag it over another app to create a folder, and then drag additional apps into it. You can even drag apps to a second or third page within a folder to make them less visible.
4. Hiding Entire Home Screen Pages:
   • If you have a page full of apps you rarely use, you can hide the entire page.
   • Long-press an empty area on your Home Screen until the icons jiggle.
   • Tap the row of dots at the bottom of the screen (representing your Home Screen pages).
   • Uncheck the pages you want to hide. The apps on those pages will still be in your App Library.

Step 3: On Windows PCs

Windows PCs can accumulate many programs over time, impacting performance and storage. Cleaning them up is straightforward.

Uninstalling Apps on Windows

This is the primary method to remove programs and free up disk space.

1. From the Start Menu (Windows 10/11):
   • Click the “Start” button.
   • Find the app you want to uninstall in the “All apps” list.
   • Right-click on the app icon.
   • Select “Uninstall” from the context menu. This will usually take you to the “Apps & features” section in Settings.
   • Confirm the uninstall.
2. From Settings (Windows 10/11 – recommended):
   • Open “Settings” (Windows key + I).
   • Click on “Apps” then “Apps & features.”
   • Scroll through the list or use the search bar to find the program you want to remove.
   • Click on the app, then click the “Uninstall” button.
   • Follow any on-screen prompts from the uninstaller. Some programs have their own uninstallation wizards.
3. From Control Panel (for older programs or stubborn apps):
   • Search for “Control Panel” in the Windows search bar and open it.
   • Under “Programs,” click “Uninstall a program.”
   • Find the program in the list, right-click it, and select “Uninstall/Change.”
   • Follow the uninstallation wizard.
4. Dealing with Pre-installed Microsoft Apps:
   • Many pre-installed apps (like Weather, Mail, Calendar, Groove Music) can be uninstalled directly from the Start Menu or Settings.
   • Some core system apps cannot be uninstalled, but you can usually disable their background activity in their individual app settings.

Hiding Apps or Shortcuts on Windows

Windows doesn’t have a direct “hide app” feature like mobile OSes. Instead, you manage visibility by removing shortcuts and organizing your Start Menu.

1. Deleting Desktop Shortcuts:
   • If an app has a shortcut on your desktop, you can simply right-click it and select “Delete.” This only removes the shortcut, not the program itself.
2. Unpinning from Start/Taskbar:
   • If an app is pinned to your Start Menu or Taskbar, right-click it and select “Unpin from Start” or “Unpin from Taskbar.” The app remains installed but is less prominently displayed.
3. Organizing Start Menu Folders:
   • You can create folders in your Start Menu (by dragging tiles onto each other) to group less-used apps, making your primary view cleaner.

Step 4: On macOS

macOS offers a simple drag-and-drop method for uninstalling most applications, but some require a bit more attention to remove all associated files.

Uninstalling Apps on macOS

The standard way to remove apps on a Mac.

1. From the Applications Folder (most common):
   • Open “Finder.”
   • In the sidebar, click “Applications.”
   • Find the app you want to uninstall.
   • Drag the app icon to the “Trash” in your Dock.
   • Right-click the “Trash” icon and select “Empty Trash.”
   • Important Note: This method usually leaves behind preference files, caches, and other associated data. For a truly clean uninstall, consider step 3 below.
2. From Launchpad:
   • Open “Launchpad” (either from the Dock, by pinching with four fingers on the trackpad, or via Spotlight search).
   • Long-press any app icon until they all start to jiggle (like on iOS).
   • Click the “X” icon that appears in the corner of the app you want to delete. This option is primarily for apps downloaded from the Mac App Store.
   • Confirm by clicking “Delete.”
3. Using Third-Party Uninstallers (for thorough removal):
   • For apps not downloaded from the App Store, dragging to Trash often leaves behind various support files. Tools like AppCleaner, CleanMyMac X, or Onyx can help you find and remove all associated files (preferences, caches, application support files) for a complete uninstall.
   • Download and install a reputable uninstaller.
   • Drag the app you want to uninstall into the uninstaller’s window.
   • The tool will list all associated files. Review them and confirm deletion.

Hiding Apps or Icons on macOS

macOS doesn’t have a dedicated “hide app” feature, but you can manage visibility by removing icons from the Dock and organizing your Applications folder.

1. Removing from the Dock:
   • If an app is in your Dock, right-click its icon.
   • Go to “Options” and select “Remove from Dock.” The app remains installed and accessible from the Applications folder or Launchpad.
2. Organizing Applications Folder:
   • While you can’t truly “hide” an app from the Applications folder, you can organize it into subfolders for better management. Create a new folder (e.g., “Less Used Apps”) and drag infrequently used app icons into it.

Step 5: Review and Maintain

Digital decluttering isn’t a one-time event; it’s an ongoing process. To keep your devices running smoothly and your digital life organized, make app review a regular habit.

1. Schedule Regular Check-ups: Set a reminder for yourself every month or quarter to review your apps. A quick 15-minute scan can prevent significant clutter buildup.
2. Consider App Alternatives: Sometimes you keep an app because you need its function, but you dislike the app itself. Explore alternatives that might be lighter, more privacy-focused, or simply better suited to your needs.
3. Embrace Digital Minimalism: Challenge yourself to only keep apps that truly add value to your life. For every new app you install, consider if there’s an old one you can remove.
4. Reboot Your Device: After a major app clean-up, especially on computers, a reboot can help clear out temporary files and refresh your system.
5. Organize Remaining Apps: Take the time to arrange your remaining apps logically. Use folders, group by category (e.g., “Productivity,” “Entertainment,” “Utilities”), or by frequency of use. A well-organized home screen or app drawer can significantly improve your daily interaction with your device.

Tips and Common Mistakes

Tips for Effective App Management

• Utilize Digital Wellbeing/Screen Time: Most modern smartphones have built-in features that track your app usage. Use these to identify which apps you genuinely use and which are just taking up space.
• Be Ruthless, But Cautious: Don’t be afraid to uninstall apps you haven’t touched in months. However, be careful with system apps, especially on Android, as disabling critical ones can impact device stability.
• Consider Web Versions: Many services (social media, news, email) have excellent web interfaces. If you only use an app occasionally, consider deleting it and using the web version through your browser instead. This saves space and often reduces background activity.
• Clear Cache and Data: Before uninstalling, especially on Android, you might want to clear an app’s cache and data (in App Info settings). This ensures all associated files are truly gone.
• Backup Before Deleting (if critical): For apps containing unique, unsynced data (e.g., a niche drawing app with local files), back up your work before deleting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Deleting Apps You Actually Need: Double-check before confirming an uninstall. If you’re unsure, try hiding or offloading first.
• Confusing Uninstall with Disabling/Offloading: Understand what each action does. Uninstalling is permanent (until re-downloaded), while disabling or offloading keeps some remnants or data.
• Ignoring Associated Data Files (especially on computers): Simply dragging an app to the trash on macOS or uninstalling via Settings on Windows might leave behind gigabytes of old data. Use dedicated uninstallers for a cleaner sweep.
• Forgetting to Check Multiple Locations: Apps can be hiding in your app drawer, settings, or even specific manufacturer folders. Be thorough in your search.
• Not Considering Cloud Sync: Assuming an app’s data is automatically backed up to the cloud when it might not be. Always verify for critical information.

Final Thoughts

A clean digital environment mirrors a clean physical one: it reduces stress, improves efficiency, and makes room for what truly matters. By taking the time to remove or hide unused apps, you’re not just freeing up storage; you’re optimizing your device’s performance, extending its battery life, and creating a more focused and intentional digital experience for yourself.

Think of this as an ongoing journey towards digital wellness. Regularly tending to your app garden will ensure it remains a productive and pleasant space, rather than an overgrown jungle of forgotten software. Enjoy your newly decluttered digital life!