Enable and disable Android system apps
If you want to activate and deactivate system apps on Android, you can do this with a free tool from the Google Play Store. From Android Ice Cream Sandwich (version 4.0) it is even possible to switch off system apps directly in the settings. You can find out how to do this in this practical tip.
Change system apps: you have to consider that
- To be able to deactivate system apps on your device, you need extended access rights up to Android 4.0 on your smartphone or tablet. Detailed instructions for most Android devices can be found here. Please also note that rooting may void any warranty claims.
- Your system may no longer be stable if you delete a system app. To avoid data loss, you should therefore never switch off necessary functions such as media storage, Android keyboard or Google services.
Freeze system apps with SDMaid
- Download SDMaid from the Google Play Store.
- Open the app and confirm the root request.
- Swipe left until you reach the menu item "Appcontrol".
- Now tap the menu button on your device and select "Settings" and check the box next to "Include system apps?".
- Then search for the desired system app and tap once on the entry.
- In the next window, select "Freeze app". In this way, no data is lost and you can reactivate the application at any time by tapping "Thaw app" in the same menu.
Ice Cream Sandwich - How to disable system apps
As of Android 4.0, Google allows system-internal apps to be switched off without root. That's how it works:
- Open the "Settings" app.
- Scroll down a bit and look for the menu item "Apps".
- Swipe to the "All" point and select a system app.
- Tap "Disable" in the detail.
- To reactivate apps that have been switched off, swipe down at the bottom of the same menu and select "Activate".
