While it might feel like Google Pixels are the stock Android option and come completely bloat-free, this isn't always the case. The moment you finish setting up, it feels like your app drawer is filled with Google services that you never asked for.

Google treats its apps as system essentials, but if you use a third-party alternative, these pre-installed apps are just dead weight, consuming RAM and storage space on your device. In 2026, even Android needs a spring cleaning. Here are the six apps that serve no purpose for a power user, and how to reclaim your device from the Google ecosystem.

Google Fit or Fitbit

You definitely won't need both

Thanks to the recent merger of Google's Health Services, you will often find both Google Fit and Fitbit pre-installed on your Google Pixel phone. In reality, if you do want to track your steps or other health data, then having both Google Fit and Fitbit isn't useful. You only need one or the other.

For those who prefer a different tracking app altogether, you could probably get rid of both of these. If you use an Apple Watch, a Garmin, or even just prefer a different wearable, then these apps sit in the background constantly pinging your sensors for step data when you're not even using them. They're using up your device's CPU, RAM, and battery for absolutely no reason. When it comes to your health app or fitness app, keep the one that matches your wearable and get rid of the other.

Google Play Books & Games

The forgotten store you're not even browsing

Unless you're deep in the Google Play ecosystem for your reading or mobile gaming, the Google Play Books and Games apps are kiosk software designed to sell you additional content. Whilst the main storefront is, of course, essential, these additional storefronts aren't useful to the majority of users. If you already use Kindle, Libby, or other native emulators, then having a dedicated app for playing games that only exists to track achievements you don't care about is the definition of bloat. For those who don't even use their phones for reading or gaming, this is even more reason to get rid of these apps.

The great thing about Google Play Books & Games apps is that they can be fully uninstalled rather than just disabled, so you don't have to worry about them eating away at your phone's background processes.

Google TV (formerly Play Movies)

Remove the constant recommendations

Google TV is something that you might recognize from your notifications log, even if you've never opened the app before. You'll find it constantly recommends shows to watch, even if you've never opened the app or have no interest in them. If you're already going straight to Netflix, YouTube, or Hulu, then realistically, Google TV provides you with no use, and it's just a glorified advertisement. While there are some programs and movies on there that might pique your interest, you have to purchase or rent them through the application itself. So, it's worth weighing up whether you're willing to do this.

The downside here is that Google inexplicably treats this as a system app in many regions, meaning it can't be uninstalled but only disabled. However, disabling it removes it from your app drawer and prevents it from recommending things to your notifications shade that you're probably never going to watch, anyway.

Google News

The redundant newsroom

Since the implementation of Gemini and Google Discover, Google News has become completely obsolete. The Google Discover feed can be accessed by swiping left from your home screen, and you also have Gemini, which can summarize the day and provide you with ongoing news items. A standalone news app has become a legacy relic in Google's world. It's also become much more normal to see ongoing news in your browser or on social media, rather than through a dedicated news app. So, if you're someone who already knows what's going on in the world through your social feed, then why on earth would you need Google News?

Getting rid of Google News is a good idea if you're not using it, since it's known for heavy background data usage. It constantly refreshes headlines you've likely already seen on social media or in your browser itself. If you have access to these headlines, then there's just no point in allowing it to take up space on your phone.

Pixel Tips

I don't need an ongoing tutorial

When first setting up your phone, especially if you're new to the realm of Google Pixel, having a look at the Pixel Tips app can be useful. It shows you the best way to use your phone, tips, and tricks for setting it up. But once that's all done, it never needs to be opened again.

The reality here is that it can't be uninstalled through normal means, which is super frustrating, but it can be silenced. It's sort of like the "Clippy" of Android, a well-intentioned tutorial that pops up to give you advice, but you don't really need the advice after having the phone for so long. If you're already familiar with your Google Pixel, it's worth silencing Pixel Tips so it doesn't take up unnecessary processing power.

Google Meet

Why do I need a separate app for something built into my phone?

Most users who are invested in the Google ecosystem will know that Google Meet is baked directly into the Gmail app as well as a Google Pixel system dialer. Having a stand-alone Meet app icon is redundant for 99% of users. If you want to use Google Meet, you can still do so through your Gmail app or on your phone.

The Meet application takes up precious storage space and processing power when it needs to be updated. Deleting the stand-alone app doesn't remove any functionality, but you regain a spot in your app drawer and save some system storage space. If you're someone who doesn't even use Google Meet or prefers Teams, getting rid of the application makes even more sense. Whilst you can't turn off Google Meet functionality altogether, at least running off the app icon can make your app drawer feel a lot more organized.

Google Pixels still come packed with bloatware

Removing bloatware from a Google Pixel is a different game altogether when compared to a Samsung or Xiaomi. Pixel phones are Google's vision for Android, and unfortunately, the bloat isn't third-party junk like other ecosystems might encounter. Instead, it's the boatload of Google services that you might not actually ever use.

If you're someone who's more invested in a third-party ecosystem, then getting rid of all of these Google applications will not only free up storage space on your phone but also give you back some background processing power, too.