What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
On a Samsung Galaxy phone or tablet, an unwanted app can usually be uninstalled, disabled, or hidden—but the available choice depends on the app and your device. Uninstall a removable app to remove it from the device; disable an eligible preloaded app to stop it while keeping it installed; or hide it if you only want its icon out of sight.
Uninstall, disable, or hide: which option does what?
| Option | What happens | Best for | Can you reverse it? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uninstall | Removes the app from the device and may free storage. | Apps you no longer want, when Uninstall is available. | Install it again if it is available to download. |
| Disable | Stops an eligible preloaded app from running and removes it from the Apps screen, but leaves it installed. | A preloaded app that cannot be uninstalled but can be disabled. | Yes. Select the app under Settings > Apps and tap Enable. |
| Hide | Removes the app icon from the Home and Apps screens without uninstalling the app. | An app you want to keep but no longer see in the app list. | Yes. Remove it from the hide-apps selection. |
Samsung notes that some preloaded apps are integrated with device features and services, and some apps cannot be uninstalled or disabled. As Samsung Canada puts it, “Certain preloaded apps can only be disabled because they are integrated with features and services available on your Samsung Galaxy.” (Samsung Canada support)
How to uninstall an app
Use this for a downloaded app or a pre-installed app that offers Uninstall:
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minute- Open the Apps screen.
- Touch and hold the app icon.
- Tap Uninstall, then confirm if prompted.
If Uninstall is not offered, the app may not be removable on your model. Samsung UK lists Phone, Messages, Contacts, Gallery, and My Files as examples of essential apps that cannot be deleted on the devices covered by that guidance. Availability can differ across regional versions and models, so do not assume the same list applies to every Galaxy device. (Samsung UK support)
#1 Best Overall
- 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
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- 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
How to disable a preloaded app
- Open Settings > Apps.
- Select the app you want to stop.
- Tap Disable and confirm if prompted.
On some devices, Disable may also appear in the menu after you touch and hold the app on the Apps screen. If you do not see Disable in either place, the app may not support disabling on that device. Disabling is not the same as uninstalling: the app remains installed.
How to hide an app without removing it
To clear an icon from your app lists while keeping the app installed:
Rank #2
- 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.
- Open the Apps screen and tap More options (often shown as three dots).
- Open Settings, then tap Hide apps on Home and Apps screens.
- Select the apps to hide and tap Done.
Some Galaxy versions also provide the hide-apps setting by touching and holding an empty area of the Home screen, then opening Settings. Hiding changes visibility only; it does not stop or remove the app.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
How to restore a hidden or disabled app
Unhide an app
Return to Hide apps on Home and Apps screens, remove the app from the selected hidden apps, and tap Done. The precise route to this setting can vary by software version.
Rank #3
- 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.
Enable a disabled app
Open Settings > Apps, select the disabled app, and tap Enable. It can then appear in the Apps screen again.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.If the instructions do not match your screen
Menu names and paths can vary by Galaxy model, software and app version, and—in Samsung’s US guidance—carrier or provider. Try searching Settings for the app name or for “Apps.” If the relevant option still does not appear, check Samsung’s support instructions for your device and region. A missing Uninstall or Disable control means that choice may not be available for that app on your device.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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
- IMMENSELY IMMERSIVE: No matter where you are or what you’re watching, your favorite videos and more come to life with the vibrant display on Galaxy S26
- FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment
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.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →
