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Google Pixel • Slow or full • 10–20 minutes

Remove problem cleaner apps or launchers — Google Pixel

Safety firstRemove only apps you recognize. Do not disable a built-in Google system app. If pop-ups continue, contact Google Pixel Support or a trusted repair shop.
A pop-up may be coming from an old Chrome tab rather than an app. Close every tab first, then try the normal uninstall. Use safe mode only when the Pixel is too unstable to remove the app normally.

  1. Check for an Android update

    Open Settings > System > Software updates > System update, then tap Check for update. Follow the on-screen steps if one is available.

  2. Close every Chrome tab first

    Why: Chrome can hold dozens or even 99+ tabs without making that obvious. Recent versions can also move older pages into a separate Inactive tabs section, so check both places.

    Close inactive tabs: Open Chrome and tap Switch tabs (the square beside the address bar). If Inactive tabs appears at the top, open it, tap Close all inactive tabs, then confirm Close all.

    Close the rest: Return to the main tab grid, tap the three dots > Close all tabs, then confirm Close all tabs and groups if asked. Reopen Chrome and check whether the pop-up is gone before removing apps.

  3. Return to the Pixel Home screen

    Open Settings > Apps > Default apps > Home app. Take note of the name of every launcher listed besides Pixel Launcher so you can remove those extra launchers in the next step. Then choose Pixel Launcher.

  4. Search for and uninstall cleaners or extra launchers

    Open Settings > Apps > See all apps, then tap the magnifying glass at the top. Search for “cleaner,” open any cleaner or booster app you recognize, then tap Uninstall > OK. Go back, search for “launcher,” and uninstall every extra launcher you noted in the previous step. Do not uninstall Pixel Launcher. Restart and test the Pixel.

  5. If Uninstall is blocked or not listed as an option

    Open Settings > Apps > See all apps > the problem app. If you see Enable instead of Uninstall, tap Enable first; this means the app is currently disabled. The Uninstall option should then appear—tap Uninstall > OK. If Uninstall is still blocked, open Settings > Security & privacy > More security & privacy > Device admin apps. Turn off the problem app, confirm, then return to Settings > Apps > See all apps > the app > Uninstall > OK.

  6. Use safe mode only if needed

    Hold Power and Volume Up to open the power menu. Touch and hold Power off, then tap OK when Reboot to safe mode appears. Safe mode temporarily turns off downloaded apps.

  7. Remove the app in safe mode

    Open Settings > Apps > See all apps > the problem app > Uninstall > OK. To leave safe mode, hold Power and Volume Up, then tap Restart.

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