Bloatware on Android is a pain. Android phones often come loaded with pre-installed apps (music players, app stores, bloatware like Netflix, etc.). These apps occupy your phone’s storage, memory, and other resources when running. While some can be disabled, many can’t be removed—that’s where Shizuku comes in. Combined with an app remover, Shizuku lets you uninstall any bloatware or system app without root. I’ll tell you how.
What is Shizuku?
Shizuku is an Android app that allows other apps to access system-level permissions they wouldn’t normally have, even on unrooted devices. It provides a bridge for these apps to perform actions that usually require root access, but in a controlled and safer way.
For instance, removing bloatware from Android earlier usually involved connecting your phone to a PC and using ADB (Android Debug Bridge) commands or tools like the Universal Android Debloater. Shizuku simplifies this process. It uses Android’s “wireless debugging” feature, eliminating the need for a computer.
Several types of apps benefit from Shizuku’s functionality. These include:
- App Managers: Apps like SD Maid can use Shizuku to perform advanced cleaning tasks (cache, junk files, etc.) without needing root access.
- System Customization Apps: Apps like Repainter, which allow for dynamic theming and other system-level customizations, can leverage Shizuku for enhanced functionality.
- Advanced File Managers: File managers that need access to restricted areas of the file system can use Shizuku to gain the necessary permissions.
GitHub has a comprehensive list of apps that support or utilize Shizuku for customization and tweaking on Android. However, in this context, we’ll primarily focus on its use for app management, specifically removing or uninstalling bloatware or system apps from your phone.
How to Remove Bloatware Using Shizuku + Canta App
Now that you’re familiar with the Shizuku app and its capabilities, I’ll walk you through the steps to uninstall apps on your phone using it. However, Shizuku alone isn’t enough; you’ll need additional tools. Let’s discuss what those are.
Requirements: What You’ll Need
- An Android phone (root access is not required).
- Shizuku app (available on the Google Play Store).
- Canta (or another app designed to remove system apps). Shizuku itself cannot remove system apps; it acts as a bridge, granting elevated permissions to other apps. A separate app specifically designed for system app removal is necessary.
Turn On Developer Options
- On your Android phone, go to Settings > About device (or About phone).
- Tap on Build number seven times to enable developer options.
- You’ll see a ‘You are now a developer’ message. After that, close the settings.
Setting Up Shizuku
1. Open the Shizuku app. Tap on Pairing > Notification Options.
2. Turn on the toggle for All Shizuku notifications.
3. Then, return to Shizuku and tap Developer Options.
4. In Developer options, choose Wireless Debugging. Toggle on Use wireless debugging and tap Allow.
5. Next, tap Pair device with pairing code.
6. Shizuku will automatically pop up. Tap the notification and enter the pairing code shown on your screen.
7. Hit the Send button after entering the pairing code.
8. Finally, head back to Shizuku and tap Start.
Uninstalling Bloatware Using Canta App
- Open Canta app on your phone.
- Select all the system apps or bloatware you want to remove.
- Press the Trash button on the bottom right.
- Tap Allow all the time when prompted with “Allow Canta to access Shizuku?.”
- Canta will delete the app from your phone.
Reinstalling Deleted Apps
Deleted something accidentally, or something that should have stayed? No worries. If you want to reinstall the app you deleted, the APK file is stored as a precaution.
Canta also offers helpful information about each app, telling you what it does and whether it is recommended or unsafe to remove. Just tap the app name to see all the info. I’d suggest only removing the apps you know are pure bloatware and do not affect your phone’s regular functioning, such as the Dictionary app.
A quick web search on “Is <app name> safe to remove on <phone name>” will also give you plenty of insights from users on the web. Just remember, it’s better to remove fewer apps than to break things on your phone. But then again, you can always recover the app in one click, so that’s fine too.
What bloatware are you itching to get rid of? Tell us in the comments!
