Why and How to Disable Apps on Android (2024 Update)

What Does It Mean to Disable Apps?

Disabling apps on your Android device is a vital part of managing it well. Let's tuck into the technical details and see how this feature can help you.

Meaning of disabling apps on Android

Your Android device lets you deactivate apps without removing them completely from the system. You can think of it as putting apps to sleep - they stay installed but become inactive. This works great with pre-installed system apps that you can't remove normally. A disabled app:

• Won't run in the background
• Can't get updates
• Stays hidden from your app drawer
• Sits quietly on your device

This option is different from uninstalling because the app's simple files remain on your device, though completely inactive. You can always turn the app back on without reinstalling it.

How disabling apps can benefit for devices

Your Android device will work better when you disable apps you don't need. Here's what you get:

Performance improvements

• Less RAM usage
• Device runs faster
• Fewer background processes
• Battery lasts longer

Better security and privacy

• Fewer background apps running
• Less data collection
• Lower risks from unwanted app activities

Your device also stays more organized because disabled apps don't fill up your app drawer. Finding and using your favorite apps becomes easier. Users with limited storage space can save room because disabled apps stop updating and storing cache data.

How to Disable Apps on Android

Knowing how to disable apps instead of uninstalling them gives you a backup plan. Let's look at three proven methods to disable apps on your Android device. Each method has its own advantages, and you can pick one that works best for you.

Through the Settings app

The Settings app is the quickest way to disable apps on your Android device:

Step 1. Open your device's Settings app. Go to "Apps" or "Applications"

Step 2. Find the app you want to disable and tap on the app name

Step 3. Select the "Disable" button (if available). Confirm your choice when prompted

Use the App Drawer

You can disable apps directly from your App Drawer:

Step 1. Open your App Drawer by swiping up from the home screen

Step 2. Press and hold the app icon you want to disable. Tap "App Info" or the (i) icon

Step 3. Select "Disable" from the options. Confirm your decision

Employ third party app - KidsGuard Pro

Whether you're a parent aiming to limit your child’s access to specific apps or an individual trying to declutter and optimize your phone, KidsGuard Pro offers a comprehensive solution. This professional parental control app not only helps you monitor device activity but also allows you to disable apps remotely, providing unparalleled control and flexibility:

Key Features of KidsGuard Pro:

• App Usage Monitoring: Track how much time is spent on each app to identify which ones need to be restricted.

• App Management: Prevent access to apps with inappropriate or distracting content with a single click.

• Remote App Control: Disable apps directly from the KidsGuard Pro dashboard without physical access to the target Android device.

• App Library: Enable you to see the installed and uninstalled apps on the target device.

Step 1. Download and install KidsGuard Pro. Create an account and sign in

Sign Up Now Free Demo

Step 2. Connect your Android device and go to the online dashboard

Step 3. Go to the "App Library" section. Select "App Limit" to disable certain apps on the target Android device

What Happens After You Disable an App?

Your Android device undergoes several system-level changes right after you disable an app. These changes affect your device's behavior and performance in various ways. Let me explain what you can expect.

Immediate system changes

The system makes these modifications as soon as you disable an app:

• Your app drawer no longer shows the app icon
• The app shortcuts vanish from your home screen
• The app stops all background processes
• You won't get any notifications from the app
• All system integration features stop working

Storage and performance impact

Disabling an app brings noticeable improvements to your device's storage and performance. The app's base files stay on your device, but you'll see these positive changes:

Data handling and recovery

The system keeps the app's data safe instead of deleting it right away. The data stays in a suspended state. This means you can get everything back to normal if you decide to turn the app on again later.

System integration

The disabled app's system connections stop working completely. To name just one example, see what happens with a keyboard app - your device switches to the default keyboard automatically. The same goes for launcher apps, which switch back to your system's default launcher.

Re-enabling Possibilities

The Settings menu lets you turn the app back on anytime. After re-enabling, the app will:

1. Show up in your app drawer again

2. Start getting updates

3. Get back its previous features and connections

4. Use system resources like before

Note that turning off some system apps might affect other apps that depend on them. Keep an eye on your device after disabling apps and turn them back on if you notice any unexpected problems with related features.

Issues You Might Encounter When Disabling Apps

Disabling apps can improve your Android device's performance, but you might face some technical hurdles along the way. You should know about these potential problems to direct your way through them and keep your device stable.

Common Technical Challenges

Your device might resist when you try to disable certain apps because of system dependencies. Here's what you might run into:

• System apps with a grayed-out "Disable" button
• Unexpected force close dialogs
• Battery draining even with disabled apps
• Apps turning back on after system updates
• Changes in device performance after disabling

Critical warning signs

These signs tell you it's time to turn an app back on:

• Sudden system crashes or freezes
• Essential features stop working
• Other apps show error messages
• Camera or audio becomes unstable
• Network connection problems

Bonus: What Apps Should You Disable?

Want to make your Android device run better? Let's look at which apps you can safely disable to boost performance without losing important features.

Conclusion

Your Android device performs better when you manage its apps well. Knowing how to disable apps safely helps you control device resources and optimize functionality. This guide provides several ways to disable apps on Android. If you need to remotely disable your or someone’s Android, take a look at KidsGuard Pro by checking out its free demo below.

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