Can I uninstall pre-installed applications on my Xperia device? (Android 9)

IMPORTANT: This article applies only to specific products and/or operating systems. Check Applicable Products and Categories for details.

Topics covered in this article

• Can I uninstall pre-installed applications?
• How do I disable pre-installed apps?

Valid for

• Android™ 9 Pie

Solution

You can't uninstall the majority of pre-installed apps in your device. Most of these apps are either developed by Sony or Google. For example, the Music, Album and Camera apps are from Sony, while Google Maps™ mapping service, Gmail™ email service, Chrome™ browser, Google Play™ Music, and the YouTube™ video service are examples of Google apps. Facebook is another app that is pre-installed in many Xperia® devices.

While you can't uninstall these apps, you can, however, disable them in certain cases. Here are more details:

• Disabled apps become inactive and are removed from the Application screen. You can re-enable a disabled app whenever you want.
• Some third-party apps can be uninstalled, even if they were pre-installed.

Disabling pre-installed applications

1. Touch and hold the application icon you want to disable.
2. Tap Disable.
3. If Disable is not shown, tap the info icon for more options.

Deleting applications

1. Touch and hold the application you want to uninstall.
2. Tap Uninstall.
3. If Uninstall is not shown, tap the info icon for more options.

Enabling disabled applications

1. Find and tap Settings → Apps & notifications → See all apps.
2. Tap All apps → Disabled apps.
3. Find and tap the app that you want to enable.
4. Tap ENABLE.