Disable Android system packages without root

This method allows you to have more control over what packages are active. Packages are not really removed but instead 'uninstalled' for user '0'.

More info:

• https://technastic.com/freeze-uninstall-system-apps-android/

Steps:

1. Download the latest Android SDK Platform-tools and extract the zip. You don't need to install.
   • https://developer.android.com/studio/releases/platform-tools
2. You might need to install USB drivers for access to your device. For example:
   • https://www.samsung.com/us/business/support/owners/product/galaxy-tab-s-10-5-wi-fi/
3. Open your device Settings and turn on USB debugging from Developer options.
4. Increase the device Screen Timeout duration.
5. Now connect your Android device to the computer via USB.
6. DOS Command prompt:
   • cd /d d:\platform-tools\
   • adb devices
7. allow on device

Adb commands

#adb command prompt
adb shell

#list 3rd party packages
adb shell "pm list packages -3" > output.txt

#list system packages
adb shell "pm list packages -s" > output.txt

#uninstall an app with its data
pm uninstall --user 0 <package name>

#uninstall an app but keep its data
pm uninstall -k --user 0 <package name>

#reinstall
cmd package install-existing <package name>

Overview of packages with some info. Be warned that you can make it difficult for yourself is you disable packages:

• https://technastic.com/remove-samsung-bloatware-safe-to-remove-apps/

I have disabled these (Galaxy S8):

# Bixby
pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.bixby.wakeup
# Bixby homepage launcher
pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.app.spage
# Bixby features
pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.bixby.service 
# Bixby Vision
pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.visionintelligence 
# Bixby Voice
pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.bixby.agent 
# Bixby debug app
pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.bixby.agent.dummy