How do I get the bloatware off my phone

[Anonymous]

Since the jellybean update on my Galaxy S2 my phone is filled with crap I never wanted, asked for or need, it has ultimately robbed me of my phone.  I have had to delete some apps to make room for all the rubbish on my phone now.  I'm really angry about this, it's like I've been mugged.  I hate it.  I won't be getting another Android phone EVER!! iphone for me next.  Is there a way to get this crap off my phone?

[Anonymous]

Hi,

When I moved from O2's ICS to the numerous flavours of JB direct from Samsung I noticed there was a bit more Sammy bloatware but not enough to render my S2 useless.  Even the branded ICS I had only had a single O2 app as part of the build.  What firmware are you using and was it updated OTA or manually..?

I've got a fair number of apps installed but have never experienced space problems, nor had to move them to my SD card.  But I have read in a couple of places that following an upgrade it's necessary to wipe the device.  Although doing this means you have to restore data at least the internal drive gets any muck and leftovers removed (I did this once, and it did just that).

Perhaps it could be worse, you could own an S4 with less than 9GB free to use

Jonty.

[Anonymous]

Hi Jonty

It updated automatically.  I'm not techy so I have no idea what firmware I have.  I have loads of stuff now .. amazon mp3, samsung link, google +, settings??? groupcast???play books, magazines, movies, music, readers hub,samsung apps, hub, video hub.  None of which I'm going to use afaik. I resent having it bunged on MY phone, why not just let people choose for themselves.  iphone beckons.

[Anonymous]

Hi,

Unfortunately Samsung has made JB somewhat heavy and some of those apps you mention are part of the problem.  If you see references to the Nexus smartphones then they're typically cleaner and run Android as Google intended.  When Samsung get hold of it they add their apps.  Then the providers add theirs too (I think Vodafone are the worst!)

I agree that it would be good to choose what bloatware we want, or at least have the ability to remove apps we simply don't want or use, but alas it isn't a standard feature (possibly you can if you hack or 'root' your S2, but that's a whole new ball game).

Are you also using an SD card for extra space..?  I have a 32GB card inserted and keep all my music and videos there, thereby keeping more of the phone's storage for general use.  Worth considering if you're running short and don't have one.

Jonty.

[Anonymous]

I have got an SD card in my phone, thinking about getting a heftier one, only got 8gb in currently. Heard you can go up to 64 with the new type SD's?

[aldaweb]

I have a 64GB card in my Note 2 but some older phones will not handle the larger size cards.

You should be able to hide unused apps or else install a differnt launcher.

[Anonymous · Accepted solution]

Hi,

I recall a post somewhere on the net from a guy using a 64 in his S2 but it was just in passing. No doubt a latest firmware will help but perhaps test a card from a local store if you can. Otherwise a 32 isn't bad and serves me well.

Jonty.