Have you ever noticed an app on your mobile phone that you never installed? Or perhaps you’ve woken up in the morning to find new apps automatically installed on your device without your consent? This phenomenon is called Bloatware, a monumental problem for numerous smartphone users. So, What is Bloatware? In this blog, we will talk about Bloatware meaning, why it exists, how it behaves with your gadget, and how to remove bloatware take control and uninstall such apps.
Table of Contents
What is Bloatware?
Bloatware, also commonly referred to as “junkware” or “crapware,” consists of pre-installed software on fresh devices settled in by the manufacturer or carrier. These may run from trial versions to promotional to entire full-application software. While some bloatware may be beneficial, the majority of it is unwanted and occupies precious storage space.
The Impact of Bloatware on Users
- Storage: One of the most direct effects of bloatware is storage space. This may be particularly annoying for devices that have limited storage capacity.
- Performance: Bloatware is likely to impact a device’s performance by getting in the way of something that could improve it, as these apps run in the background continuously, taking up RAM space and processing power.
- Battery Life: Pre-installed apps running in the background can drain the battery faster, thereby, reducing its overall life.
- User Experience: Bloatware can clutter the device’s interface, making it difficult for users to find the applications they really need and use.
Why Companies add Bloatware?
Bloatware is included for many reasons by manufacturers and carriers.
- Revenue Generation: Financial arrangements exist between the companies and the app owners for pre-installing the apps, which provides extra revenue.
- Promotion: The manufacturers rely on pre-installed apps to create a promotional platform for introducing users to either their own or third-party services.
- Partnerships: Many bloatware apps enter the pre-installed market as a result of partnerships between the device manufacturers and the software developers.
Which Companies add Bloatware and Which Devices Have It?
Several companies are known for adding bloatware to their devices. Some notable ones include:
- Samsung: Includes apps like Samsung Pay, Samsung Health, and various Samsung-specific services on their Galaxy devices.
- Xiaomi: Often pre-installs apps like Mi Browser, Mi Remote, and several other Xiaomi-specific apps on their devices.
- Huawei: Includes apps like Huawei AppGallery, Huawei Health, and more on their devices.
- LG: Adds apps like LG Health, LG SmartWorld, and other LG-specific services to their smartphones.
Most Android devices from major manufacturers come with some form of bloatware, especially those sold through carriers. iOS devices generally have less bloatware, but they do come with several pre-installed Apple apps that users might not want.
How to Identify Bloatware in Mobiles?
Recognizing bloatware can be simple when you are familiar with what to check for. These pointers will guide you through the identification of bloatware from your mobile device:
- Pre-installed Apps: Go through the pre-installed apps with scrutiny and caution. Usually, bloatware is the type of software that has already been installed on your device, hasn’t originated from you, and doesn’t ring any bells.
- Keep an Eye on Unusual Activity: Be observant of applications that use excessive amounts of your resources (including battery, data, and storage) but do not actually provide any particular value.
- Read App Reviews: Search about the specific pre-installed applications and see what other users say about them being bloatware or otherwise.
How to Remove Bloatware in Mobiles
- Uninstalling: On some devices, removing bloatware works like uninstalling any other app. Go to your device settings, find the app and tap Uninstall.
- Disabling: If you cannot uninstall the app, you can disable it. This prevents the app from running and hiding it from the apps drawer but will still take space.
- Using Third-Party Instruments: Several third-party applications exist to assist in removing bloatware. CCleaner or Debloater can help with cleaning up your device.
- Rooting/Jailbreaking: For advanced users, rooting (for Android) or jailbreaking (for iOS) will provide complete access to remove any type of unwanted app. However, such methods can void the warranty of the phone and leave it facing vulnerabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of Bloatware?
Bloatware also known as “junkware” or “crapware” is software that’s pre-installed by a device’s maker or carrier. Usually unwanted and taking up precious disk space.
Which devices typically have Bloatware?
Generally, most Android operating systems from top-rated makers, often sold through carriers, contain some sort of bloatware. iOS devices, in general, contain less in the way of bloatware but still come bundled with some pre-installed Apple apps.
How can I identify Bloatware on my mobile device?
Bloatware can be recognized from the list of pre-installed applications, resource-hogging apps that do nothing meaningful, or by reading app reviews to find out if other users have considered it bloatware.
How to remove Bloatware from my mobile device?
Removal of bloatware can be performed through uninstallation via the setting on the device, disable it where uninstallation isn’t available, use apps like CCleaner and Debloater, or a rooted/jailbroken device allows you full power over your phone (note: this may void your warranty and expose you to security risks).
What are no bloatware phones or phones without bloatware?
The phones with minimum or no bloatware include Google Pixel series with Stock Android, OnePlus devices, and Android One devices under brands Nokia and Motorola. They keep pre-installed apps to a bare minimum while giving you the cleanest, efficient user experience possible.
Are there anti-Bloatware tools available?
There are indeed quite a few tools like Debloater and CCleaner that help users identify and automatically uninstall unwanted pre-installed applications from their devices.
How can I proactively avoid Bloatware?
For one, to avoid bloatware, you may consider buying unlocked devices, or buying a manufacturer-certified device under programs like Android One, or using custom ROMs, in particular LineageOS, for a bloatware-free experience (doing this requires advanced technical skills).
