Samsung Galaxy phones still ship with preinstalled apps, but many can be removed
Samsung Galaxy smartphones still come with preinstalled apps that many users don't need, even in 2026. Several can be uninstalled, disabled or hidden in a few taps.
Samsung's Galaxy smartphones continue to ship with many preinstalled apps, commonly called bloatware: software the user didn't choose, which takes up storage and sometimes sends notifications. The tech site Engadget reports that its writer recently switched from a Google Pixel to a Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, priced at about $1,400, and noticed a longer list of apps he had no interest in.
What may come preinstalled
The exact set of apps depends on the Galaxy model, region and carrier. Samsung's own optional extras include Samsung Shop, Samsung TV Plus and Samsung Global Goals. Depending on where the phone is bought, third-party apps can include Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, OneDrive and Spotify. Some may be useful; OneDrive, for example, makes sense for people who already use Microsoft's cloud storage.
The complaint is not new. As far back as 2013, the Galaxy S4 was criticized for limited usable storage. Its 16GB version reportedly left buyers with about 9.5GB, mainly because of Android, Samsung's system software and bundled apps.
Samsung is still adding apps. In July 2026 it agreed with Amazon to preinstall Amazon Music on certain Galaxy phones and tablets, without specifying which models. Eligible new subscribers can get a three-month free trial of Amazon Music Unlimited, which renews automatically at the paid rate unless cancelled.
How to get rid of unwanted apps
An app can be removed by swiping up on the home screen, pressing and holding the app and choosing Uninstall, or through Settings > Apps. This also frees the storage it used.
If uninstalling isn't offered, open the app's page in Settings > Apps and choose Disable. The app stops running and its icon disappears, but its files stay on the phone. Tapping Enable reverses this.
Icons can also be hidden: touch and hold an empty area of the Home screen, tap Settings and select Hide apps. Hidden apps stay installed and can still send notifications, which can be switched off under Settings > Notifications > App notifications by disabling Allow notifications. Hiding does not free storage or revoke permissions.
Samsung notes that menu options may vary by device and software version. Unfamiliar system services should not be disabled, and core apps such as Phone, Messages, Contacts, Gallery and My Files cannot be deleted.
