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You can remove some preinstalled apps from a Samsung Galaxy phone, disable others, or simply choose which app opens by default. There is no universal list of five duplicate Google apps to remove: the controls available depend on the app, phone model, carrier, and software version. And Samsung’s and Google’s support instructions explain how to manage apps, not whether doing so makes a phone faster or improves battery life.
First, check what the duplicate app is doing
Two apps may appear to serve the same purpose, but that does not necessarily mean one is safe or useful to remove. Decide whether you still need the app’s features or related integrations, and whether your goal is to remove it, stop it from running, get its icon out of the way, or make a different app the default.
Samsung says some preinstalled apps can be deleted, while others can only be disabled or hidden. Google also notes that some preinstalled system apps cannot be deleted, although some devices let you turn them off. Check the controls shown for each app on your own phone rather than assuming every Google app has the same options.
Choose the right action
| What you want | Action | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Remove an app that offers removal | Uninstall | Deletes the app where the device permits it. Reinstalling may be possible if the app is available to you again. |
| Stop an eligible preloaded app without deleting it | Disable | Stops the app and removes it from app screens, but leaves it installed. Samsung says you can re-enable a disabled app in Settings. |
| Keep the app but remove its icon from view | Hide | Removes the icon from Home and Apps screens; it does not remove the app from the device. |
| Keep both apps but use your preferred one automatically | Change the default | Selects which app handles a category, such as browsing, without deleting either app. |
Uninstall an app when that option is available
- On the Home or Apps screen, touch and hold the app’s icon.
- Tap Uninstall, then confirm if prompted.
If Uninstall is not offered, the app may not be removable through this method on your device. Check its page in Settings > Apps for other available controls.
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- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
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- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
Disable an eligible preinstalled app
- Open Settings > Apps.
- Select the app you want to manage.
- Tap Disable and confirm.
To turn it back on, return to Settings > Apps, select the disabled app, and tap Enable. The exact labels and screens can differ across Galaxy models and software versions.
Hide an app if you cannot uninstall or disable it
- Open the Apps screen and tap More (the three-dot menu).
- Choose Settings, then Hide apps on Home and Apps screens.
- Select the app and apply the change.
Hiding is only a way to clear the icon from view. The app remains on the phone.
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- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Change the default instead of removing an app
- Open Settings > Apps > Choose default apps.
- Select the category you want to change, such as Browser app.
- Choose the app you want to use by default.
This is often the simplest option when two apps can remain installed but you prefer one to open links or handle a particular category.
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Samsung’s UK guidance, updated May 26, 2026, warns that menu names, paths, and layouts vary by device model, software version, and app version. Samsung’s US guidance also notes variation by wireless provider. Follow the labels on your phone if they differ from these steps; not every Galaxy exposes the same controls.
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- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
- FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
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Samsung announced the One UI 8 rollout on September 15, 2025, beginning with the Galaxy S25 series and extending to selected eligible devices. That announcement does not establish which software version is installed on your particular phone, so use your device’s current menus rather than assuming a rollout announcement describes your setup.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What app cleanup can—and cannot—tell you about performance
Removing or disabling an app changes what is installed or active on your device, but the official support guidance cited here does not measure resulting changes in speed, battery life, or storage. It does not establish that removing duplicate apps will make a Galaxy phone run better, nor does it identify a standard set of five Google apps to remove.
Rank #4
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
If a phone still feels slow after you have managed unwanted apps, these app controls alone do not identify the cause. Treat any improvement after cleanup as an observation about your own device, not a result guaranteed for other Galaxy phones.
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- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
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