Google Play is the official app store for Android devices, allowing users to browse and download applications, games, music, movies, TV shows, and books. Given its integral role in the Android experience, some users may wish to disable or remove Google Play from their devices for various reasons. There are a few different ways this can be accomplished, each with their own implications.
Disabling Google Play Services
The easiest way to effectively “disable” Google Play is to turn off Google Play Services. Google Play Services is a background system component that runs on Android devices and provides crucial functionality for apps from Google Play to work properly. This includes things like in-app purchases, sign-in services, app updates, cloud messaging, location services, ads, and more.
To disable Google Play Services:
- Go to Settings > Apps & notifications > See all apps.
- Find “Google Play Services” in the list and tap on it.
- Tap “Force stop” to stop it from running.
- Toggle “Disable” on.
With Google Play Services disabled, you will not be able to access the Google Play store or use any apps that rely on Google Play Services. Apps will lose much of their functionality and updating apps will be disabled. Essentially, disabling this system component renders Google Play unusable on the device without actually uninstalling it.
Disabling the Play Store App
Another option is to simply disable the Google Play Store app itself. This will prevent you from accessing the Play Store and installing or updating apps from there. However, apps that you already have installed will still work fine as long as they do not rely on Google Play Services.
To disable the Play Store app:
- Go to Settings > Apps & notifications > See all apps.
- Find “Play Store” in the list and tap on it.
- Tap “Disable.” Confirm disabling if prompted.
The Play Store icon will disappear from your home screen. If you try opening it, you’ll get a message that the app has been disabled. Unlike disabling Google Play Services, this method prevents app installs/updates but still allows apps to function normally if they don’t require Google Play dependencies.
Removing Updates
A less drastic option is to remove any updates applied to the Play Store app, reverting it back to the original factory version. This allows you to continue using the Play Store, just without any of the latest features and functionality added in updates over time.
To remove Play Store updates:
- Go to Settings > Apps & notifications > See all apps.
- Find “Play Store” in the list and tap on it.
- Tap the three dots in the corner and choose “Uninstall updates.”
The Play Store will revert to its out-of-the-box state, losing any enhancements from updates. You can still access and download apps as normal. However, you may encounter issues or limitations trying to use some modern Play Store features until you update it again.
Deleting App Data
You can also clear the app data for the Play Store app to reset it to a clean slate. This erases your Google account login details, preferences, and locally cached data.
To delete Play Store data:
- Go to Settings > Apps & notifications > See all apps.
- Tap on “Play Store.”
- Tap “Storage & cache” then “Clear storage.”
After deleting data, the Play Store will launch like new. You’ll have to re-add your Google account, re-enter preferences, and re-download app updates. This doesn’t affect your installed apps themselves.
Disabling Automatic Updates
If you wish to keep using the Play Store but don’t want apps automatically updating themselves, you can disable auto-updates:
- Open the Play Store app.
- Tap the hamburger menu in the top left corner.
- Go to Settings > Auto-update apps.
- Select “Don’t auto-update apps.”
This will prevent apps from receiving updates unless you manually initiate them. You’ll still get notifications about app updates, but they won’t install until you approve them.
Using a Different App Store
Alternatively, you can forego Google Play entirely and use a third-party app store. There are several alternatives available, such as:
- Amazon Appstore – Amazon’s official Android app store.
- APKPure – Offers apps and games outside of official app stores.
- F-Droid – Community-maintained repository of free and open source apps.
- Galaxy Store – Samsung’s app store for its devices.
- GetJar – Independent app store with over 2 million apps.
The drawback is that Google Play apps and games will not work with other stores. You’ll have to find alternatives and re-purchase paid apps you already bought on Google Play. Apps may also not be vetted as thoroughly for quality and security.
Uninstalling App Updates
Rather than disabling the entire Play Store, you can uninstall updates for just specific apps to revert them to their original version. Do this if an app is behaving poorly after an update.
To uninstall an app’s updates:
- Go to Settings > Apps & notifications > See all apps.
- Select the app and tap it.
- Tap the three dots in the corner.
- Choose “Uninstall updates.”
The app will revert to the factory version that came pre-installed on your device. You can update again later if needed.
Full Uninstall
The most nuclear option is to fully uninstall updates, data, and the app itself for Google Play. This completely removes it from your device.
Note: Uninstalling the Play Store is NOT recommended, as it can cause instability and prevent apps from working properly.
That said, here is how to fully uninstall the Play Store:
- Go to Settings > Apps & notifications > See all apps.
- Tap on “Play Store.”
- Tap “Uninstall updates.”
- Tap “Storage & cache” then “Clear storage.”
- Tap “Uninstall.” Confirm uninstalling when prompted.
With the Play Store app removed, your device will lack traditional app store functionality. You’ll have to sideload any needed apps directly as APK files.
Side Effects of Disabling Google Play
Before disabling or removing Google Play, it’s important to understand the potential downsides:
- Prevent new app installs or updates to existing apps.
- Core apps may lose full functionality without Google Play Services.
- Inability to easily find, buy/download apps you need.
- Potential issues with app compatibility, stability, and security.
- Loss of access to entertainment content like books, music, movies, and TV.
- No way to easily review or share app feedback and ratings.
- Lose centralized account management for purchases and subscriptions.
- No notifications about important app updates and releases.
Fully removing Google Play cuts you off from the official Android ecosystem. For most users, the cons generally outweigh the pros in day-to-day usage.
Conclusion
Disabling Google Play prevents full access to the vital Android app ecosystem, crippling functionality and app compatibility. More moderate options like disabling auto-updates or using third-party app stores still allow app installs/updates while limiting Google Play integration.
Fully uninstalling Play Services and the Play Store altogether is inadvisable for most. However, there are niche cases like optimum security, maximum privacy, or development work where it can make sense for advanced users. Generally, it is recommended to keep Google Play enabled except in specific circumstances requiring its removal.
| Method | Impact |
|---|---|
| Disable Play Services | Cannot access Play Store or use Play-reliant apps |
| Disable Play Store | No Play Store access but apps still function |
| Remove Play Store updates | Play Store reverts to original version |
| Delete Play Store data | Resets Play Store app to clean state |
| Disable auto-updates | Apps don’t update automatically |
| Use third-party app store | Lose access to Play Store apps |
| Uninstall app updates | Revert apps to original version |
| Fully uninstall Play Store | Completely lose Play Store functionality |
When in doubt, keep Google Play enabled for the best Android experience. But for specific needs, there are ways to fully or partially disable it. Understand the implications involved before removing Play Store functionality.
