Universal Android Debloater: Streamline Your Android Device with This Advanced Tool
Universal Android Debloater is an advanced software tool, completely rewritten in Rust, designed to help Android users remove unnecessary bloatware from their devices. By utilizing ADB (Android Debug Bridge), this tool aims to enhance your device’s performance, privacy, and security. Below is a comprehensive guide to understanding and using this powerful debloater effectively.
Overview
The Universal Android Debloater (UAD) is engineered to remove bloatware from any Android device, enhancing battery life, privacy, and overall device security by eliminating unnecessary and obscure system apps. The tool is designed to improve your Android experience by reducing the attack surface and decluttering your system.
Disclaimer: Use this software at your own risk. The developers are not responsible for any potential issues that may arise on your device.
Key Features
- Uninstall/Disable and Restore/Enable System Packages: Easily manage system apps, including uninstalling or disabling unwanted ones and restoring them if needed.
- Multi-User and Multi-Device Support: Handle apps across multiple user profiles and connect multiple devices simultaneously.
- Export/Import Selections: Save your debloat configurations and import them as needed with the
uad_exported_selection.txt
file. - Action Logging: Track all actions taken with detailed logs to keep a record of changes.
Note: Uninstalling system apps without root access is not entirely possible. The tool can only disable or freeze these apps effectively.
Universal Debloat Lists
The debloater includes several comprehensive lists to help you manage bloatware:
- GFAM: Google, Facebook, Amazon, Microsoft
- AOSP: Android Open Source Project
- Manufacturers (OEM): Lists for various brands including Asus, LG, Google, Fairphone, Huawei, Motorola, Nokia, OnePlus, Oppo, Samsung, Sony, Xiaomi
- Mobile Carriers: French carriers (SFR, Orange, Free, Bouygues), US carriers (T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T, Sprint), German carriers (Telekom), UK carriers (EE)
- Qualcomm / Mediatek / Miscellaneous
How to Use
- Backup Your Data: Always perform a complete backup of your device to prevent data loss.
- Enable Developer Options and USB Debugging: Go to Settings > About Phone > Tap Build Number multiple times to activate Developer Options, then enable USB Debugging.
- Disconnect from OEM Accounts: Disconnect from OEM accounts to avoid potential lockscreen issues caused by the removal of associated packages.
- Install ADB: Follow the instructions for installing ADB on your operating system (Linux, Mac OS, Windows).
- Download UAD GUI: Get the latest version of UAD GUI for your OS. Use the OpenGL version if the Vulkan version fails to launch.
- Handle Chinese Phones: Use the AOSP list to remove stock apps on Chinese devices (e.g., Xiaomi, Huawei) due to their custom modifications.
- Reapply After Updates: Re-run the debloater after any OEM updates, as some previously removed apps may be reinstalled.
Recommendations and Safety
Recommendations are categorized based on their impact:
- Recommended: Safe to remove with minimal risk.
- Advanced: It may affect minor functionality but is generally safe.
- Expert: Risks breaking important functionality but usually avoids boot loops.
- Unsafe: High risk of causing major issues, including potential boot loops.
Safety Note: The tool cannot brick your device, but removing essential system apps might cause boot issues. Always backup data and review the recommended packages carefully.
Logs and Commands
Log File Locations:
- Linux:
$XDG_CACHE_HOME/uad
or$HOME/.cache/uad
- Windows:
%LOCALAPPDATA%\uad
- MacOS:
$HOME/Library/Caches/uad
ADB Commands Used:
- Android 6+:
pm uninstall --user <user> <package>
,cmd package install-existing --user <user> <package>
,pm disable-user --user <user> <package>
- Android 5.x:
pm hide <package>
,pm unhide <package>
- Android 4.4:
pm block <package>
,pm unblock <package>
Note: System apps cannot be completely deleted without root access. The tool primarily freezes apps to prevent them from running.
For more information and to download the tool, visit the official Universal Android Debloater website.