Hadlee Simons / Android Authority
TL;DR Google has removed the ability to uninstall updates for system apps via the Play Store.
Users now have to visit app settings in the settings menu to uninstall system app updates.
This is a more convoluted way of uninstalling updates to system apps.
Google has long allowed Android users to uninstall updates for system apps via the Play Store. Unfortunately, the company has now removed this Play Store feature for no clear reason.
We can confirm that system app listings in the Google Play Store no longer have an uninstall button, which is used to uninstall app updates. Instead, these app listings only offer an open button. The change seems to be widespread and doesn’t target a specific Play Store app version. We’re seeing this change on devices running version 49.1.32-31 all the way to 49.2.25-31.
Before After Before After
Don’t want to miss the best from Android Authority? Set us as a favorite source in Google Discover to never miss our latest exclusive reports, expert analysis, and much more.
to never miss our latest exclusive reports, expert analysis, and much more. You can also set us as a preferred source in Google Search by clicking the button below.
System apps not listed in the app drawer (e.g., Android Auto, Pixel Camera Services) are also affected by this change. These app listings usually have an uninstall button, but Google’s change means there are ordinarily no buttons here. You can check out this change in the second set of images above.
... continue reading