Apps play a vital role in any operating system, as they bring life to the user experience and enhance its versatility. That’s why when our collection of apps becomes jumbled, cluttered, or duplicated, it can significantly impact our overall user experience and even put our phone at risk, depending on the underlying issue.
Among them, duplicate apps can be incredibly frustrating and risky, as they not only clutter up our screens but can also slow down our phone’s performance. However, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for this problem, as it depends on the root cause.
If you’re dealing with duplicate apps and feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry. In this post, we’ll explore 7 easy ways to remove duplicate apps on your Android phone. By following these steps, you can get rid of duplicated icons that are ruining your user experience.
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How to Remove Duplicate Apps on Android Phone?
Update & Reinstall
If you are facing app duplication, the most likely cause is the app itself, and it is possible that the app is malfunctioning. In this case, it is advisable to first check if an update for the app is available. If an update is available, installing it may resolve the issue. To do this, go to the Google Play Store and search for the app that’s causing the problem. If an update is available, click “Update” to install it, and may it will solve your issue.
If the problem persists, the second thing you can do is to uninstall and reinstall that app but first, you need to clear its data, for this tap and hold on the app icon and tap on “app info” and uninstall it from your phone, and then reinstall it so that any errors in the app are removed and your problem is resolved.
Update OS
One such solution is to update your device’s operating system. Regular OS updates can help fix bugs and security issues that might be causing the duplication of apps on your phone, while also improving overall device performance. Keeping your operating system up to date can also ensure that your phone is equipped with the latest features and functionalities.
To update your OS, go to the Settings menu on your device, then select About Phone, and finally, System Updates. From here, you can check for available updates and install them on your device. It is important to note that OS updates can vary by device and carrier, so it is recommended to check for updates regularly. By updating the operating system you will not only avoid these types of bugs but also a lot of new features and improvements in your mobile phone.
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Virus and Malware
Having duplicate apps on your Android phone may not only be a result of software issues but can also be an indication of a virus or malware infection. If you suspect that your phone is infected with a virus or malware, it is recommended to perform a thorough virus scan using a reputable antivirus app.
A virus or malware infection can cause various problems on your phone, including app duplication, app crashes, slow performance, and more. Therefore, it is essential to run a virus scan to identify and remove any malicious software that may be causing the issue. Usually, there is an inbuilt security app is available on our mobile phones and it quite efficient to remove these types of viruses. To do this simply locate that app and run a quick scan and remove these viruses from your smartphone.
However, if don’t find any built-in antivirus app then you can install a reliable antivirus app from the Google Play Store and run a full system scan. This can help detect any viruses or malware present on your device and prevent further damage. Additionally, taking preventive measures such as avoiding installing apps from unknown sources, keeping your operating system and apps up to date, and being cautious while browsing the internet can help reduce the risk of a virus or malware infection.
Clear Apps Cache
Cache files play an essential role in improving the performance of your Android device, helping apps load faster and operate more efficiently. However, over time, these files can become outdated, corrupted, or cluttered, leading to various issues with your device, including creating duplicate apps. Therefore, it is recommended to periodically clear your cache files to ensure smooth device operation.
To clear the cache files on your Android device, go to the Settings menu, select apps, and tap on the app which shows duplicated icons. Now tap on data storage to clear the cache, simply tap on “Clear Cached Data” and confirm the action. This will remove all the temporary cache files, freeing up valuable space on your device and improving its performance. By clearing your cache files regularly, you can ensure that your apps are running smoothly and efficiently without any duplication issues.
Also Read: How To Fix Corrupted Files On Android Phone?
Uninstall Third-Party Launcher
Many Android users opt for third-party launchers to customize the look and feel of their devices. While these launchers can provide a stylish look, they can also cause app duplication issues. This happens because some third-party launchers come preloaded with their own icon packs and other features, which can cause conflicts with the apps installed on your device.
If you’re experiencing app duplication issues caused by a third-party launcher, the first thing you should do is uninstall the launcher. Go to the Settings app on your device, then tap on “Apps” or “Applications.” Look for the launcher app in the list and tap on it. Then, tap on “Uninstall” to remove the app from your device.
If the launcher app was right at first and now started malfunctioning or causing other issues, then you can try clearing its cache. This will remove any temporary data or settings that may be causing the problem. To do this, go to the same “Apps” or “Applications” menu in your device’s Settings app. Find the launcher app and tap on it, then tap on “Storage” and finally, “Clear cache.”
If the problem still persists even after clearing the cache, you may need to clear the data of the launcher app. This will remove all the app’s data and settings, effectively resetting it to its default state. To do this, go to the same “Apps” or “Applications” menu in your device’s Settings app, find the launcher app, and tap on it. Then, tap on “Storage” and finally, “Clear data.”
Dual Apps
Nowadays, many mobile operating systems provide the option of creating a clone of an app, resulting in the existence of a duplicate version of the app. This feature is commonly known as Dual Apps, and it allows users to run multiple instances of the same app on their device. For example, you can use two WhatsApp accounts on the same device, each with its own phone number.
However, having duplicate apps on your device can cause confusion and take up valuable storage space. If you’re finding duplicate apps on your Android phone, it’s possible that you’ve accidentally enabled the Dual Apps feature. But don’t worry, turning off this feature is easy, and we’ll guide you through the process. To turn off Dual Apps on your Android phone, follow these steps:
- Firstly, open the Settings app on your mobile device.
- Next, tap on the search button located in the top right corner of the screen.
- Type “Dual Apps” in the search bar and hit enter.
- Your phone will present the Dual Apps feature if it has it.
- Tap on the Dual Apps feature, and it will display a list of all the apps installed on your device.
- Look for the apps that have a toggle switch on the front of them, which indicates that they have a clone.
- To remove the duplicate app, toggle off the switch for the respective app.
Also Read: How To Find Corrupt Apps On Android?
Progressive Web Apps
Progressive Web Apps (PWA) is a relatively new feature offered by many web browsers, including Chrome, that allows users to save a website as an app on their mobile phone. They can be saved to your phone’s home screen like a shortcut app. They offer a similar experience to native mobile apps, but without the need to install them from an app store.
You can easily add them to your home screen by visiting a website and tapping on the “Add to Home Screen” button. This will create a shortcut app that you can use to access the website without having to open your browser and type in the URL. If you no longer want the shortcut app, simply tap and hold on the app icon until a menu appears, then tap “Remove”, this will remove the app from your home screen.
Conclusion
In conclusion, duplicate apps on your mobile phone can be frustrating and may take up valuable storage space, potentially slowing down your device’s performance. However, there are several easy ways to remove them, including updating your operating system, reinstalling apps, scanning for viruses and malware, clearing cache files, and clearing the launcher cache.
Additionally, the dual app feature on your phone may inadvertently create duplicate apps, but it can be turned off in your phone settings. Finally, if you’ve saved websites as progressive web apps on your mobile browser and they’re causing clutter, they can easily be removed. By following these simple steps, you can free up space on your mobile device and optimize its performance. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this issue, please don’t hesitate to ask in the comments section below.
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