The Google Play Store is the default app store that comes pre-installed on most Android devices. It allows you to browse, download, and update thousands of apps. While the Play Store is very useful, some users may want to uninstall it for various reasons, like freeing up storage space or troubleshooting issues. Uninstalling the Play Store app is possible on most Android devices, but the process varies depending on the device manufacturer. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through the steps to uninstall the Play Store app from your Android device.
Checking if Play Store can be uninstalled
Before uninstalling the Play Store, first check if it can be uninstalled from your specific Android device. Here are some tips:
- Open the Settings app and go to Apps or Application Manager. Look for the “Play Store” app in the list and check if the “Uninstall” button is available.
- If you cannot find the Uninstall option, then most likely the Play Store is a system app that cannot be removed from that Android device.
- On most Android devices from Samsung, Xiaomi, Motorola, etc. the Play Store cannot be fully uninstalled. Only disabled.
- On Android devices running stock Android, like Pixel and Nokia phones, the Play Store app can usually be uninstalled completely.
So before going further, verify if your device allows fully uninstalling the Play Store app. If not, you can only disable it.
How to uninstall Play Store from stock Android devices
On Android devices running stock Android like Pixel, Nokia, Motorola, etc. the Play Store can be uninstalled completely via the following steps:
- Open the Settings app and go to Apps or Application Manager.
- Locate and tap on the “Play Store” app.
- Tap on the “Uninstall” button.
- A popup will appear asking “Uninstall Play Store?
- Tap on “OK” to confirm.
- The Play Store app will now be uninstalled from your Android device.
That’s it! The Play Store has been removed from your stock Android phone. All your installed apps and games will continue working even without the Play Store app.
How to disable Play Store on non-stock Android devices
On most Android devices from manufacturers like Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei, Motorola, etc. the Play Store is a pre-installed system app that cannot be fully uninstalled. However, you can disable the Play Store app on these devices by following these steps:
- Go to Settings > Apps or Application Manager.
- Search and tap on “Play Store”.
- Tap on “Disable” button.
- Confirm by tapping “Disable app”.
This will disable the Play Store app on your Android device. When disabled, the app won’t show up on the device and you won’t be able to open or use it. However, it will continue occupying storage space.
To enable Play Store again, go back to Apps settings and tap “Enable” on the Play Store entry.
Alternative app stores
Once the Play Store is uninstalled or disabled, you won’t be able to install new apps easily on your Android device. However, you can still get apps from alternative app stores like:
- Amazon Appstore – Provides a large collection of apps and games for Android.
- APKMirror – Trusted source for downloading APK files of Android apps.
- F-Droid – Community repository of free and open source Android apps.
- GetJar – Independent app store with over 2 million apps and games.
You can download and install apps from these alternative stores. Make sure to enable “Install from unknown sources” in your Android settings first.
Accessing already installed apps
Uninstalling or disabling the Play Store only removes the Play Store app itself. All the other apps and games you had installed earlier will continue to function normally. To access your installed apps:
- Drag down from top to access the Apps drawer.
- Tap the Apps icon on your home screen to open the apps list.
- You can also use third-party launcher apps like Nova Launcher, Evie, etc.
So rest assured, uninstalling the Play Store does not delete or disable any of the other apps on your Android device. Only the Play Store app and its features will be removed.
Impact of not having Play Store
While your existing apps will work, not having the Play Store installed can have the following effects:
- You cannot install any new apps, games, etc. easily
- You cannot update existing apps to latest versions
- You lose access to Play Store exclusive apps like Google Pay, YouTube, Gmail etc.
- Lose access to entertainment content like movies, books via Play Store
- Cannot manage downloads and purchases made on Play Store
So while removing the Play Store saves storage space and can fix some issues, it severely limits the functionality of your Android device.
How to reinstall Play Store
If after uninstalling the Play Store, you change your mind and want to reinstall it, here are a few options:
Reinstall from device backup
If you had taken a backup of your device before uninstalling Play Store, you can restore that backup to get Play Store back.
Install Play Store APK
Download the latest Play Store APK file from APKMirror or other sources. Transfer this APK file to your device and install it.
Factory reset device
Doing a factory reset from recovery mode will wipe your device and reinstall the original firmware, including the Play Store app.
Conclusion
The process for uninstalling the Play Store app varies across different Android devices. On stock Android it can be completely removed while on other devices it can only be disabled. Uninstalling Play Store takes away the convenience of easily installing new apps and games. But your existing apps continue to function. You can reinstall the Play Store anytime by restoring a backup, sideloading the APK, or factory resetting your device.
FAQs
Is it safe to uninstall Play Store?
Uninstalling Play Store does not harm your device. However, you lose the ability to easily find, download and update Android apps.
Can I still use installed apps without Play Store?
Yes, removing only Play Store does not affect any other apps. You can continue using all previously installed apps and games.
What happens if I delete Play Store account?
Deleting just your Play Store account removes access to purchases, subscriptions and payment methods. But the Play Store app and your installed apps remain unaffected.
Can I reinstall Play Store after uninstalling it?
Yes, you can reinstall Play Store at anytime by restoring a backup, sideloading the APK file or doing a factory reset.
Is there any alternative to the Play Store?
Some alternatives are Amazon Appstore, APKMirror, F-Droid and GetJar. Though the collection is smaller than the Play Store.
