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
dos> adb shell

#list 
#  -s : system packages 
#  -3 : 3rd party packages
#  -f : full
#  remove 'package:' from the result
dos> adb shell "pm list packages -s -f" > output.txt

Example line in the output for package com.android.package.application1

 package:/data/app/~~aBcDefGHiJkLm==/com.samsung.android.privateshare-aBcDefGHiJkLm==/base.apk=com.package.name.application1

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

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

#reinstall an app
adb> cmd package install-existing <package name>

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

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

On Galaxy S8: disabled these

# 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

On Galaxy S20 FE: disabled these

# Private Share
pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.privateshare

# Phone companion
pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.companiondevicemanager