There is a new clipping going viral on social media about a
Bengaluru techie losing Rs2.8 crore after using a mobile phone he 'won in a lottery' (he did not even participate in the lottery!). From the complaint that he filed with the police, it appears to be a case of specific pre-installed apps on the new device which allowed the fraudsters to monitor, in real-time, all his transactions. The case details are sketchy at the moment, and we need to allow the Bengaluru police to complete investigations to learn the entire truth.
The point and lesson from this case is the dangers posed by pre-installed apps or bloatware. I am not saying all bloatware is dangerous; but, in most cases, these apps are unwanted or unnecessary for most users. For example, a senior citizen may hardly play a pre-installed game on the newly purchased mobile. Yet, she has to live with bloatware which would be draining battery and data from her mobile device.
In the age of smart devices, our reliance on mobile phones has grown exponentially. These pocket-sized marvels have become integral to our daily lives, from communication to entertainment and productivity. However, many users find themselves saddled with unwanted applications on their devices, commonly called bloatware.
Bloatware is not just a minor inconvenience; it can significantly impact a device's performance, compromise privacy, and lead to frustration for users.
Let us understand what are mobile bloatware, its implications, and practical steps you can take to safeguard from these unwanted apps.
What Is Bloatware?
Bloatware refers to pre-installed software or apps that come bundled with a device, often without the buyer's or user's explicit consent. These applications are, typically, added by manufacturers, network carriers, or third-party partners. While some pre-installed apps may have genuine utility, others serve little to no purpose for the user, occupying valuable storage space and running in the background, draining resources such as battery life and processing power.
Bloatware manifests in various forms, including trial versions of software, duplicate apps (e.g., a proprietary music player when users already have access to streaming services), or promotional apps from partner companies. Many such apps cannot be uninstalled, leaving users with limited options to reclaim control over their devices.
For example, you can not delete the Safari browser app from an iPhone. However, you can remove the Safari app from the home screen and disable it. You can also clear the history, cache and cookies from Safari. From this month, Xiaomi has decided to remove its app store GetApps from Mi, Redmi and Poco mobiles sold in India, replacing it with the Indus Appstore developed by PhonePe.
Why Do Devices Come with Bloatware?
There are several reasons why manufacturers and carriers pre-install software on devices:
Earning more money: Mobile manufacturers often strike deals with app developers or service-providers to include their apps on devices. These partnerships are often a lucrative source of income for manufacturers.
Brand differentiation: Manufacturers and carriers may include their own suite of apps to distinguish their products from competitors. For instance, many mobile makers include their own email client or calendar app, while on Android, almost everybody uses the Gmail app for emails.
User retention: Some apps are designed to lock users into a specific ecosystem, making it more difficult for them to switch to competitors' devices and/ or services. For example, Apple's iMessage is not compatible with Android, so the user of this app may remain locked with an iPhone.
While these motives benefit companies, the impact on users can often be negative, leading to performance issues and an inferior user experience.
The Impact of Bloatware
Bloatware can have several adverse effects on a smartphone's performance and user experience:
Reduced performance: Unnecessary apps running in the background can slow down a device, reducing its overall speed and responsiveness.
Storage consumption: Pre-installed apps occupy valuable storage space, leaving less room for users to store their own files, photos and preferred apps.
Battery drain: Many bloatware apps run processes in the background, consuming power and reducing battery life.
Privacy risks: Some bloatware apps collect user data without explicit consent, raising significant privacy concerns.
Security vulnerabilities: Outdated or poorly designed bloatware can be an entry point for malware or hackers.
User frustration: Inability to uninstall or disable certain apps can lead to frustration and a feeling of lack of control over one's device.
How To Protect Yourself from Bloatware
While bloatware is a persistent issue, there are several ways users can minimise its impact or prevent it altogether:
1. Choose Devices Carefully
When purchasing a new smartphone, research the manufacturer and model beforehand. Some brands are known for including less bloatware, while others are known for heavily customising their devices with unnecessary apps. Opt for devices that come with a 'stock' version of Android. Google's Pixel line or certain models from brands like OnePlus promise to provide 'stock' Android but contain a few unwanted apps.
2. Opt for Unlocked Devices
Devices purchased directly from manufacturers or authorised retailers (as opposed to through mobile service providers) often come with less bloatware. Mobile network-branded phones tend to include additional apps and customisations which can be avoided by choosing an unlocked device.
3. Disable or Uninstall Unwanted Apps
For apps that cannot be uninstalled, users can often disable them via the phone's settings. Disabling an app prevents it from running in the background or appearing in the app drawer, effectively rendering it inactive.
To do this:
Go to Settings > Apps or Applications> Select the unwanted app> Tap Disable or Uninstall.
4. Use a Custom ROM
Advanced users can opt to install a custom ROM (read-only memory that stores OS system and firmware files) on their Android devices. Custom ROMs, like Lineage OS, replace the manufacturer's version of Android with a clean version that, typically, excludes bloatware. However, this process requires technical expertise and may void the device's warranty. Also, if you are not confident enough to follow each step carefully, you may end up with a bricked (dead) mobile.
5. Utilise Third-party Tools
Certain third-party applications and tools can help users identify and remove bloatware. Apps like Android debug bridge (ADB) allow users to uninstall system apps, although this method requires some technical knowledge. Alternatively, anti-bloatware tools available in app stores can streamline the process for less tech-savvy users.
You may want to read my previous article on uninstalling bloatware from Android devices. But remember, uninstalling unwanted apps or bloatware through ADB is not for the faint-hearted, and you cannot hold anyone—including me—responsible if anything goes wrong. Here is the link
How To Get Rid of Unwanted Apps or Bloatware from Your Mobile
6. Monitor App Permissions
This is most important not only for bloatware but overall for all apps installed on the device. If you cannot uninstall or remove these apps, you can certainly limit its impact by managing app permissions. Give permission only to those functions that are most necessary for the app to function. By restricting permissions such as location, camera, or microphone access, you can mitigate privacy risks associated with these apps.
7. Perform a Factory Reset
In some cases, performing a factory reset on a new device can remove certain pre-installed apps, especially those added by retailers. However, this is not a guaranteed solution and should be undertaken with caution.
8. Complain to Manufacturers and Mobile Network
Consumer feedback can influence industry practices. If bloatware concerns you, voice your dissatisfaction to the manufacturer or mobile network provider on social media. A strong demand for bloatware-free devices could encourage companies to change their policies.
There is a growing awareness among consumers about the drawbacks of bloatware and regulatory bodies, in some regions, have started addressing the issue.
Some countries, especially from the European Union (EU), have introduced legislation requiring manufacturers to allow users to uninstall pre-installed apps. India mooted mandating smartphone manufacturers to enable the removal of pre-installed apps and mandate screening of major operating system updates under the Information Technology (IT) Rules.
However, as the trend continues, mobile manufacturers may face increased pressure to offer devices with cleaner, more user-friendly operating systems without pre-installed apps.
Additionally, mobile manufacturers themselves are recognising the value of a better user experience. Some have begun reducing the amount of bloatware on their devices or allowing users to uninstall pre-installed apps more easily. For example, Carl Pei, who founded OnePlus and then parted ways to start his own 'Nothing' brand, sells mobile phones without any bloatware.
Bloatware remains a significant challenge for mobile phone users, affecting device performance, storage and privacy. However, by choosing devices wisely, disabling or uninstalling unwanted apps and leveraging third-party tools, you can regain control over your smartphones and enhance the overall experience.
As consumer awareness grows and regulatory pressure mounts, the hope is that manufacturers and carriers will prioritise user needs over short-term profits, ushering in a future where bloatware or pre-installed apps become a relic of the past.
Stay Alert, Stay Safe!