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Permanently Deleting Android Apps: A Complete Walkthrough

Have you ever uninstall an Android app only to notice it left behind hidden folders taking up space? As a tech specialist and Android power user, I can guide you through permanently deleting apps from your device and history.

Why You Should Fully Delete Apps

When installed on your Android, apps are made up of different key components:

  • Main package: the primary APK executable files that allow functionality
  • Data files: cached data, temp files, stored app settings
  • Directories: folders linking app components

By just uninstalling, only the main package gets removed while app data remnants stay behind. Over time this results in:

  • Storage bloat: Residual files can occupy over 100 MBs per app
  • Privacy risks: Data files may contain sensitive user information
  • Battery drain: Background processes can be running tied to deleted apps
  • Visual clutter: App remains listed in your historical Play Store library

So let‘s go over how to fully delete every trace of an Android app.

Uninstall the App Package

The first step is a standard Android app uninstallation. But what exactly happens here?

When apps get installed, packages containing the source and executable code are registered locally. Uninstalling de-registers and removes most key files:

Android App Packages

/base.apk   
/lib/arm64-v8a/*
/lib/armeabi-v7a/*  
/lib/x86/*
/lib/x86_64/*

Other Base Files 
/AndroidManifest.xml

This eliminates the foundation, preventing app functionality but leaves data behind.

To uninstall, press and hold the icon, then hit "Uninstall" and confirm. 

flowchart TB

    subgraph Before
      A[App Icon]
      B[App Package]
      C[Data Files]
      D[Directories]
    end

    Uninstall ==> B

    subgraph After
      A(Removed)
      B(Removed)
      C[Data Files]
      D[Directories] 
    end

So the package is gone buttaking up space.

Manually Clearing Leftover App Data

Next, we‘ll remove the remaining data files and directories.

Typical app data remnants include:

  • Cached files: .txt, .temp, .cache
  • Settings: .xml files with preferences
  • Saved user data: encrypted databases, logs

This is most commonly found in /sdcard/Android/data/ or/data/ on internal storage.

Comparison of Used Storage With and Without App Files

Device Used Space Free Space
With app file remnants 16 GB 2 GB
After manually deleting 12 GB 6 GB

The risks of data deletion depend on selecting the correct files. Only remove confirmed app-related folders!

To manually delete, go to your file manager app and browse to the data locations above. Search for any folder with the app name/developer and delete them.

Follow this process for all internal and external storage, repeating for multiple apps.

Removing From Your Play Store History

Even after full deletion, the app remains in your Play Store app library and recommendations. So the final step is removing it from your history:

The Play Store library doesn‘t just track installed apps – it retains a record of every app you‘ve downloaded under your account. This allows:

  • Quick reinstallation access
  • Listings to influence recommendations
  • Associations to impact advertising profile

Access and privacy implications depend on the specific app. But for full app control, deleting this record is advised.

To remove an app from your library:

  1. In Play Store, go to Account > Manage Apps & Devices
  2. Under Manage tab, select "Not Installed" apps
  3. Check app listing and delete it

And that‘s it – the app is now permanently gone along with any leftover files and data!

In Summary

Unwanted Android apps continue draining resources even after standard uninstallation. For optimal device performance and privacy, remember to:

  • Uninstall the main application package
  • Clear any remaining data files/folders
  • Remove app listing from your Play Store history

Taking this comprehensive approach ensures no hidden traces stick around. Your Android system will thank you!

Let me know if you have any other questions. Happy app deleting!

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