How to Uninstall App without Deleting Data Android

Uninstalling an app without deleting the associated data can be a tricky task for Android users. Often, when we decide to remove an app from our device, we also end up losing all the app’s data, including settings, preferences, and user-generated content. This can be frustrating, especially if you have spent a significant amount of time and effort customizing an app or if it contains important data that you don’t want to lose.

In this blog post, we will explore various methods to uninstall apps from Android devices without deleting the associated data. We will dive into step-by-step procedures for each method and discuss the pros and cons of each approach. Additionally, we will provide alternative solutions for situations where uninstalling without deleting data may not be possible. So, if you’re tired of losing all your app data every time you uninstall an app, keep reading!

Why You Need to Uninstall App without Deleting Data

There are several reasons why you may want to uninstall an app without deleting its data. Here are a few common scenarios:

• You want to remove an app temporarily and reinstall it later without having to set it up from scratch.
• You want to switch to a different app that serves a similar purpose but want to retain your existing configurations and data.
• You want to free up storage space on your device by removing unused apps but still want to keep their associated data.
• You want to troubleshoot an app issue and reinstalling the app without losing data might help in resolving the problem.

Now that we understand the significance of uninstalling apps without deleting data, let’s explore the different methods to achieve it.

Video Tutorial:

Part 1. Using a Third-Party App

One of the easiest ways to uninstall an app without deleting its data is by using a third-party app. These apps provide advanced features and options that are not available in the default Android settings. Here’s how it can be done:

Method:
1. Download and install a third-party app from the Google Play Store that offers the ability to uninstall apps without deleting data. Some popular options include ‘App Manager’ and ‘Root App Deleter’.
2. Launch the third-party app and grant it the necessary permissions.
3. Browse through the list of installed apps and select the app you want to uninstall without deleting data.
4. Tap on the "Uninstall" or "Remove" button, depending on the app you’re using.
5. A confirmation pop-up will appear, prompting you to choose between uninstalling the app with data or uninstalling it without deleting data. Select the latter option.
6. The app will be uninstalled, but its associated data will remain intact.

Pros:

1. Easy and user-friendly interface.
2. Allows you to selectively uninstall apps without deleting their data.
3. Provides additional features and options for managing apps on your device.

Cons:

1. Some third-party apps may require root access to uninstall apps without deleting data.
2. Certain apps may not be compatible with all Android devices.
3. There is a risk of accidentally uninstalling an app and losing its data if not careful.

Part 2. Using the Android Debug Bridge (ADB)

If you’re comfortable with using command-line tools and have access to a computer, you can use the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) to uninstall apps without deleting their data. ADB is a versatile command-line tool that allows you to interact with your Android device from a computer. Here’s how you can use it for this purpose:

Method:
1. Enable USB debugging on your Android device by going to "Settings" > "About phone" > "Software information" and tapping on the "Build number" 7 times to enable developer options. Then, go back to the main "Settings" screen, scroll down to "Developer options", and enable "USB debugging".
2. Connect your device to the computer using a USB cable.
3. Download and install the Android SDK Platform-tools on your computer from the official Android developer website.
4. Open a command prompt or terminal window on your computer and navigate to the directory where the ADB tool is installed.
5. Run the command "adb devices" to verify that your device is connected and recognized by ADB.
6. Run the command "adb shell" to open a shell session with your device.
7. Run the command "pm uninstall -k " to uninstall the app without deleting its data. Replace "" with the actual package name of the app you want to uninstall.
8. Press Enter to execute the command. If successful, you will see a success message.
9. Close the shell session by running the command "exit".

Pros:

1. Gives you granular control over uninstalling apps without deleting their data.
2. Does not require any additional apps to be installed on your Android device.
3. Provides access to various other debugging and development features.

Cons:

1. Requires some technical knowledge and familiarity with command-line tools.
2. Setting up ADB and connecting your device to a computer can be time-consuming.
3. Mistakes in executing commands can result in unintended consequences, such as app data loss.

Part 3. Using App-Specific Backup and Restore

Some apps provide their own backup and restore functionality, allowing you to back up your app’s data before uninstalling and restoring it later. This method is app-specific and may not be available for all apps. Here’s how you can use app-specific backup and restore:

Method:
1. Launch the app for which you want to uninstall without deleting data.
2. Look for the backup and restore options within the app’s settings or preferences. The location and name of these options may vary across different apps.
3. Tap on the backup option to create a backup of the app’s data. You may be asked to choose a location to store the backup file.
4. Once the backup is created, navigate to the system settings on your Android device.
5. Go to "Apps & notifications" or "Applications" and find the app you want to uninstall.
6. Tap on the app’s name to open its settings screen.
7. Look for the "Storage" or "Data & cache" option and tap on it.
8. On the next screen, you should see a "Clear data" or "Clear storage" button. Tap on it to remove the app’s data without uninstalling the app itself.
9. After clearing the app’s data, go back to the app’s settings screen and tap on the "Uninstall" or "Remove" button.
10. Confirm the uninstallation and proceed. The app will be uninstalled, but its data backup will remain intact.
11. To restore the app’s data, reinstall the app from the Google Play Store or an APK file (if available) and follow the restore instructions within the app.

Pros:

1. Provides a built-in backup and restore solution for specific apps.
2. Allows you to retain app data while freeing up storage space.
3. Does not require any additional tools or technical knowledge.

Cons:

1. Not all apps have their own backup and restore functionality.
2. May require additional manual steps to restore the app data after reinstalling.
3. Backup files may consume storage space on your device. Cleaning them periodically is essential.

Part 4. Using App Cloning Methods

Another approach to uninstalling an app without deleting its data is by cloning the app and then uninstalling the original copy. App cloning essentially creates a duplicate of the app, including its data, which can then be uninstalled independently. Here’s how you can do it:

Method:
1. Download and install an app cloning or app duplicator app from the Google Play Store. Some popular options include ‘Parallel Space’ and ‘App Cloner’.
2. Launch the app cloning app and grant it the necessary permissions.
3. Select the app you want to uninstall without deleting data from the list of installed apps.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to clone the app. The cloned app will appear as a separate icon on your home screen or app drawer.
5. Go to your device’s system settings and find the original app you want to uninstall.
6. Click on the app’s name to open its settings screen.
7. Tap on the "Uninstall" or "Remove" button to uninstall the original app without deleting its data.
8. Confirm the uninstallation and proceed.

Pros:

1. Allows you to have multiple instances of the same app with different data.
2. Offers an intuitive and user-friendly interface for app cloning.
3. Enables selective uninstallation of cloned apps without deleting their data.

Cons:

1. Requires the installation of an additional app cloning app.
2. May cause increased battery usage and performance impact due to running multiple instances of the same app.
3. Not all apps are compatible with app cloning methods.

What to Do If You Can’t Uninstall App without Deleting Data

Uninstalling an app without deleting its data may not always be possible, depending on various factors such as app design, Android version, and device manufacturer restrictions. If you find yourself unable to uninstall an app without deleting its data, here are a few alternative solutions you can consider:

1. Clear App Data: Instead of uninstalling the app, you can try clearing its data to free up storage space. This will reset the app to its default state, deleting all user-generated content and settings.

2. Disable App: If you don’t want to use an app anymore but want to keep its data, consider disabling it rather than uninstalling it. This will prevent the app from running or appearing in your app drawer while preserving its associated data.

3. Use Storage Cleaning Apps: There are several storage cleaning apps available on the Google Play Store that can identify and delete unnecessary app data, cache files, and other temporary files to free up storage space.

4. Manually Back Up App Data: If the app you’re trying to uninstall doesn’t provide built-in backup options, you can manually back up its data by copying specific files or folders from your device’s storage to a computer or cloud storage service.

Bonus Tips

1. Take Regular Backups: It’s always a good practice to regularly back up your device’s data, including app data, contacts, photos, and other important files. This ensures that you have a copy of your data even if an app is accidentally deleted or your device is lost or damaged.

2. Check App Permissions: Before installing an app, carefully review the permissions it requests. Some apps may require unnecessary or excessive permissions, putting your privacy and data security at risk.

3. Keep Your Device Updated: Install the latest Android updates and security patches to benefit from bug fixes, performance improvements, and enhanced security measures.

The Bottom Line

Uninstalling an app without deleting its data is a useful feature for Android users who want to maintain their app customizations, preferences, and other associated data. While it may not always be possible or straightforward, the methods described in this blog post provide various approaches to achieve this goal.

Whether you choose to use a third-party app, the Android Debug Bridge (ADB), app-specific backup and restore, or app cloning methods, make sure to carefully follow the steps and consider the pros and cons of each approach. If all else fails, alternative solutions like clearing app data, disabling apps, using storage cleaning apps, or manually backing up app data can help you manage your apps and data effectively.

Remember to always exercise caution and take necessary precautions when making changes to your device, and be prepared to accept the risks associated with the methods discussed. With the right approach and understanding, you can successfully uninstall apps without deleting their valuable data.

5 FAQs about Uninstalling Apps without Deleting Data

Q1: Is it possible to uninstall apps without deleting their data on all Android devices?

A: No, the ability to uninstall apps without deleting data may depend on various factors, including the Android version, app design, and device manufacturer restrictions. Not all devices support this functionality.

Q2: Are there any risks associated with uninstalling apps without deleting data?

A: While the methods described in this blog post are generally safe to use, there is always a risk of accidentally deleting app data if not careful. It’s advisable to take backups and proceed with caution.

Q3: Can I reinstall the app without losing data after uninstalling it without deleting data?

A: In some cases, you may be able to reinstall the app and restore its data using app-specific backup and restore options. However, this may not be available for all apps, and manual backups may be necessary.

Q4: Can I use these methods on apps that require root access?

A: Yes, some of the methods described, such as using a third-party app or the Android Debug Bridge (ADB), may work on rooted devices. However, rooting your device can have implications on security and warranty.

Q5: Are there any limitations to app cloning methods?

A: App cloning methods may not be compatible with all apps. Some apps may not allow independent functioning of cloned instances, or running multiple instances may impact device performance and battery life.