Key Takeaways
- Uninstall bloatware apps from your Samsung Galaxy smartphone for better performance and usability.
- Remove unwanted apps such as Samsung Global Goals, Bixby, Smart Tutor, Samsung Kids, AR Emoji Sticker, Google Play Games, Link to Windows, Samsung Members, etc.
- Keep only essential apps and apps that add value to the user experience.
Samsung Galaxy smartphones are famous for having great performance and the latest features, but they are also notorious for having bloatware that clutters the screen and affects the user experience (that is, you). One reason for this is that they contain both Google and Samsung apps that often have the same functionality, but most users tend to have a preference for one or the other and use the one they choose.
We know that every app has its uses, and many of the apps listed here have their fans who think they are great. But we still think you are better off using alternatives that offer better performance, better usability, and are easier to download. Here are 8 apps that you can uninstall from your Samsung Galaxy smartphone.
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1 Samsung Global Goals
Donation app
Samsung / Pocket-lint
Samsung Global Goals is one of those apps that has lofty aims but fails to execute. It claims to be dedicated to improving the world by enlisting collaboration towards goals like zero hunger, zero poverty, quality education, etc. According to Samsung, all of these problems can be easily solved with money, and the only reason the app exists is to solicit donations with the option to compete with your friends to see how much you can donate.
Samsung Global Goals is one of those apps that has noble intentions but fails in execution.
After using the app once, it will ask you if you want to change your lock screen to a sign encouraging you to subscribe or donate every time you use your phone. You can manually disable this feature, but you’re better off uninstalling the app and making a difference by donating to your chosen charity elsewhere.
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2 Bixby
Redundant AI with better options
Samsung / Pocket-lint
Samsung’s Bixby voice assistant has never caught on with buyers, sitting in the background of Galaxy phones waiting for something to happen. Google Assistant, Siri, and Alexa are all more accurate, support more devices, and are better options without the need for Bixby and its dedicated buttons, routines, and voice activation.
Removing Bixby isn’t easy – you’ll need to manually remove various features in the advanced settings menu, and we also recommend changing the side button’s functionality to the power off menu to avoid accidentally launching the app.
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3 Smart Tutor
Underused support systems
Samsung / Pocket-lint
Smart Tutor is useful in answering queries and resolving phone issues if it is faster and more user-friendly. The app links you to Samsung’s remote support, but you need to contact the call centre to get an access code. Entering the code into the app unlocks the service and allows support staff to take control of your phone and address issues remotely.
Most people won’t need Smart Tutor’s remote help, but if you do need remote support, you can always download it again later.
Buyers are hesitant to give strangers full access to their phone when a quick internet search can solve most issues. It also takes up valuable time, having to wait on the phone with an agent. When we tested the app, it took a service agent just over 14 minutes to remove Bixby. It felt a bit long, but it saved us the trouble of having to remove it ourselves. Most people won’t need Smart Tutor’s remote help, but you can always download it again later if you need remote assistance.
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4 Samsung Kids
Only needed for kids’ phones
Samsung / Pocket-lint
Samsung Kids might be worth installing on Galaxy phones that are just for kids and not for adults to enjoy. The app transforms the standard Android interface into a kid-friendly one with animated backgrounds and cute animal icons. It keeps sensitive data away from kids and requires the use of an unlock code or fingerprint to get back to the adult profile.
Samsung Kids might be worth it for Galaxy smartphones that are just for kids and not for adults to enjoy.
Using Samsung Kids for the first time is tricky as its features don’t work right away. You have to download the browser, gallery, etc. separately to get them to work. Also, you can’t access emails or WhatsApp messages while using the app. You have to unlock the phone and switch profiles if there’s a possibility of an urgent notification coming.
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5 AR Emoji Stickers
Emoji Maker Exclusive
Samsung / Pocket-lint
AR Emoji Sticker is a niche app for people who spend hours dressing and styling their anime emoji characters with custom clothes and hairstyles. Its amazing customization system offers countless hairstyles and facial hair styles, and also lets you design clothes and mix and match with a variety of free and paid options.
Removing these is easy and will reduce clutter and make more space for the useful apps you actually need.
While AR Emoji Sticker and its sister apps AR Doodle, Emoji Studio and Emoji Camera are fun for their intended audience, they are unappealing to most users and have no place on most people’s Samsung Galaxy phones. Removing them is easy, reducing clutter and freeing up space for the useful apps you actually want.
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6 Google Play Games
Other platforms are better
Samsung / Pocket-lint
We all love choices, but only the most dedicated players need a full range of gaming apps on their Samsung Galaxy smartphone. The brand’s Gaming Hub is perfect for streaming fun titles without having to download them to your phone, making it a better option than Google Play Games.
Google Play Games is an alternative to the Play Store that tracks statistics for games installed on your phone. You can download most Android titles from it, but the bland interface and uninspiring built-in games make it not worth the hassle, so you’re better off using the Play Store instead.
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7 Link to Windows
A clunky desktop experience, especially for Mac users
Samsung / Pocket-lint
The Link to Windows app connects your phone to your laptop or desktop so you can take calls, access apps, and do other things. It sounds good in theory, and while the calling feature isn’t bad, the app’s performance can be choppy and slow. Because Link to Windows mirrors apps from your phone, they run slowly and there’s no way to maximize them to fit your laptop’s display.
This app is irrelevant for Mac users and should be one of the first to be removed. It’s a useful tool for Windows users who want to maximize their productivity by having a phone interface on their laptop, but many users won’t bother because it’s distracting with notifications arriving on two devices instead of one.
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8 Samsung Member
I don’t want to be a member
Samsung / Pocket-lint
Samsung Members is marketed as a support app that solves problems and offers tips, but it’s actually a promotional tool for the company to promote more of its products. As soon as you open the interface, you’ll see a banner showcasing the different payment methods in the Samsung Store, offering deals and tips on repairing a broken screen.
It is actually a promotional tool for companies to promote more products.
Scrolling through the app doesn’t help matters, as you’re greeted with a barrage of articles about Samsung products and links to stores to buy more. The Support tab has some common sense FAQs on how to fix common issues, and a diagnostics tool that lets you feel the phone vibrate and listen to the speaker to see if it’s working properly. Most people don’t need another app trying to sell them products, and can do without the little bit of support that Samsung Members offers.
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FAQ
Q: Can I reinstall an app that I uninstalled?
You can easily download the uninstalled apps from Samsung Store or Google Play. These apps usually have the latest updates to work best.
Q: Will I lose any user data if I uninstall a Samsung app?
Most apps delete temporary files and saved user data when they are uninstalled, so before you begin the process it’s a good idea to back up any files you think you’ll need later.
