Samsung continues to include a wide selection of preinstalled applications on its Galaxy phones, including software that some owners may never use. The exact lineup varies by model, region and carrier, so the number of unwanted apps can differ significantly between devices.
This software is commonly described as bloatware. It can take up storage, clutter the app drawer and sometimes send notifications. Samsung has made it possible to remove or disable many preinstalled apps, but the issue remains familiar to Galaxy users. Earlier Galaxy models faced similar criticism, including the 16GB Galaxy S4, whose available storage was substantially reduced by Android, Samsung software and bundled applications.
Optional Samsung apps may include Samsung Shop, Samsung TV Plus and Samsung Global Goals. Carrier or regional versions can also include third-party services such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, OneDrive and Spotify. Some may be useful depending on a user's preferences—for example, OneDrive could be worthwhile for someone who already uses Microsoft's cloud storage—while others may be unnecessary.
Samsung also agreed in July 2026 to preinstall Amazon Music on certain Galaxy phones and tablets, although the company did not identify the models covered. Eligible new subscribers can receive a three-month trial of Amazon Music Unlimited, after which the subscription renews at the paid rate if it is not canceled.
To uninstall an unwanted app, swipe up from the home screen, press and hold its icon and choose Uninstall when that option is available. The same process can be accessed through Settings > Apps by selecting the application and choosing Uninstall.
Some preinstalled applications cannot be deleted. In those cases, open Settings > Apps, select the app and tap Disable. This stops the app from running and hides its icon, although its files remain on the device. The app can be restored from the same menu by selecting Enable.
If neither option is available, an app can be hidden instead. Press and hold an empty area of the Home screen, open Settings and select Hide apps, or Hide apps on Home and Apps screens. Choose the applications to hide and tap Done. Hiding only removes their icons from view; the apps remain installed and may continue sending notifications.
Notifications from hidden apps can be turned off through Settings > Notifications > App notifications. Select the relevant app and disable Allow notifications. Hiding an application or blocking its notifications does not free storage or remove its permissions, and menu names may vary depending on the device and software version. Core applications such as Phone, Messages, Contacts, Gallery and My Files cannot be deleted, and unfamiliar system services should not be disabled.
Sources: Engadget.