How To Stop Samsung From Installing Games: The Definitive Guide

Tired of your brand-new Samsung phone or tablet arriving with a pre-installed deluge of games you never asked for? You’re not alone. It’s a common frustration, but thankfully, there are ways to wrestle back control of your device. In short, you can stop Samsung from automatically installing games by disabling the Game Launcher, uninstalling bloatware, opting out of personalized services during setup, and adjusting permissions in the Galaxy Store. Let’s delve into each of these methods in detail.

Tackling The Game Installation Issue Head-On

While Samsung devices are renowned for their cutting-edge technology and sleek designs, the practice of pre-installing (or aggressively suggesting the installation of) games has become a persistent annoyance for many users. These unwanted installations not only consume valuable storage space but can also contribute to battery drain and an overall cluttered user experience. Here’s a breakdown of the key strategies you can employ:

1. Disabling the Game Launcher

The Game Launcher is often a prime suspect in these unsolicited game installations. Fortunately, disabling it is relatively straightforward:

• Locate the Game Launcher app: It usually sits within the app drawer.
• Long press the app icon: This brings up a context menu.
• Select “Disable”: Confirm your choice if prompted.

Disabling the Game Launcher prevents it from suggesting or automatically downloading games. Note that in some cases, you might only be able to “Force Stop” and “Uninstall Updates”. Doing so can still significantly reduce its activity.

2. Unmasking and Uninstalling Bloatware

Beyond the Game Launcher, other pre-installed apps might be contributing to the problem. These are often referred to as “bloatware”. While you can’t always uninstall everything, you can remove many of the culprits:

• Go to Settings > Apps: This will list all installed applications.
• Identify unwanted games or game-related apps: Look for anything you didn’t intentionally install.
• Select the app: Tap on the app’s name to open its details page.
• Uninstall (if available): If the “Uninstall” button is active, tap it to remove the app completely.
• Disable (if Uninstall isn’t an option): If “Uninstall” is greyed out, select “Disable” to prevent the app from running in the background.

3. Opting Out During Initial Setup

The initial setup of a new Samsung device is a crucial stage for controlling personalized services. Pay close attention to the prompts and options presented:

• Read carefully: Don’t just blindly click “Next.”
• Decline personalized services: Look for options related to personalized ads, app recommendations, and game suggestions. These are often enabled by default.
• Opt-out of data collection: Minimize the data you share with Samsung to reduce the likelihood of targeted game recommendations.

4. Adjusting Galaxy Store Permissions

The Galaxy Store is Samsung’s official app marketplace, and it can sometimes be a source of unwanted game installations. Adjusting its permissions can help:

• Open the Galaxy Store app.
• Tap the menu icon (usually three horizontal lines) in the top-left corner.
• Go to Settings.
• Check the “Auto update apps” option: Make sure it is set to “Do not auto-update apps” or “Over Wi-Fi only”.
• Review other settings related to notifications and recommendations: Disable anything that seems likely to promote unwanted game installations.

5. Package Disablers: A More Advanced Option (Use with Caution)

For advanced users, package disablers (third-party apps available on the Play Store) offer granular control over installed apps. These apps allow you to disable system apps and services that you wouldn’t normally be able to disable through the standard Settings menu.

However, proceed with extreme caution. Disabling critical system components can render your device unstable or even unusable. Research thoroughly before using a package disabler, and only disable apps you are certain are safe to disable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why does Samsung pre-install games on my phone?

Samsung, like many other phone manufacturers, often pre-installs apps (including games) for several reasons:

• Revenue generation: They receive payment from app developers to pre-install their apps.
• User engagement: They aim to provide users with a ready-to-use experience and encourage app usage.
• Ecosystem promotion: They promote their own ecosystem of apps and services.

2. Will uninstalling pre-installed games void my warranty?

No, uninstalling or disabling pre-installed games will not void your warranty. You have the right to customize your device as you see fit, as long as you don’t engage in activities that physically damage the hardware or involve unauthorized software modifications (like rooting).

3. Can I completely remove the Game Launcher?

Whether you can completely remove the Game Launcher depends on your device model and Android version. Some models allow for full uninstallation, while others only permit disabling or uninstalling updates. Check in Settings > Apps to see if an “Uninstall” option is available.

4. What happens if I disable the Game Launcher?

Disabling the Game Launcher will prevent it from:

• Suggesting or automatically downloading games.
• Optimizing game performance.
• Providing game-related notifications.
• Tracking your gaming activity (in most cases).

You can re-enable it at any time if you change your mind.

5. Are package disablers safe to use?

Package disablers can be useful for advanced customization, but they carry a risk. Incorrectly disabling system apps can cause instability or brick your device. Only use package disablers if you are comfortable with the risks and have researched the apps you intend to disable. Always back up your data before using such tools.

6. How do I identify which apps are safe to disable with a package disabler?

Identifying safe apps requires research. Look for online forums and communities dedicated to your specific device model. These communities often share lists of safe-to-disable apps and provide guidance on using package disablers. If in doubt, don’t disable it!

7. I can’t uninstall certain apps. Why?

Some pre-installed apps are considered system apps, meaning they are deeply integrated into the operating system. These apps cannot be uninstalled without rooting your device, which is a more advanced process that voids your warranty and carries significant risks. You can usually disable these apps, which prevents them from running in the background.

8. Does factory resetting my phone bring back the pre-installed games?

Yes, a factory reset will typically restore your phone to its original state, including the pre-installed games. This is because the factory reset reinstalls the original software image that came with the device.

9. Will rooting my phone allow me to remove all pre-installed apps?

Yes, rooting your phone gives you root access, which allows you to uninstall even system apps. However, rooting voids your warranty, can make your device more vulnerable to security threats, and can potentially brick your device if done incorrectly. Proceed with caution and only if you are technically proficient.

10. Are there any apps that can automatically remove bloatware?

While some apps claim to automatically remove bloatware, most of these require root access to be truly effective. Non-root apps are often limited to disabling apps or uninstalling updates. Be wary of apps that make unrealistic promises.

11. How do I prevent game notifications even after disabling the Game Launcher?

Even with the Game Launcher disabled, individual games may still send notifications. You can disable these notifications in Settings > Apps > [Game Name] > Notifications. Toggle the “Allow notifications” switch to off.

12. Will using a custom ROM eliminate the pre-installed games?

Yes, using a custom ROM (customized version of Android) is an effective way to eliminate pre-installed games and bloatware. Custom ROMs are often designed with a cleaner, more streamlined user experience in mind. However, installing a custom ROM is an advanced procedure that requires technical expertise and carries risks. Choose a reputable ROM and follow the installation instructions carefully.