adb-uninstall

Uninstall a package

$ adb uninstall [com.example.app]

$ adb uninstall -k [com.example.app]

adb uninstall [-k] <package>

-k
    Keep data and cache directories after uninstall (useful for reinstalling without data loss)

<package>
    Required: full package name (e.g., com.example.app)

adb uninstall is a subcommand of the Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a command-line tool from the Android SDK platform-tools. It removes specified application packages from Android devices or emulators connected over USB, Wi-Fi, or TCP/IP.

Before using it, ensure the target device has USB debugging enabled in Developer Options, is connected (adb devices to verify), and authorized for ADB access. The command targets the primary device by default; use -s SERIAL for multiples.

It fully uninstalls the app, deleting its APK, data, and cache unless the -k option preserves data/cache for quick reinstalls. This is ideal for development workflows to test updates without resetting user settings.

Success returns "Success"; failures like "Failure [DELETE_FAILED_INTERNAL_ERROR]" indicate issues such as invalid package, insufficient permissions, or protected system apps. For system apps, root or special flags may be needed.

Common in CI/CD pipelines, app testing, and device management. Always pair with adb install for full cycles.

Requires ADB setup, USB debugging enabled; fails on protected system apps without root. Use adb shell pm uninstall for advanced options. Global ADB flags like -s apply.

adb uninstall com.android.chrome
adb uninstall -k com.example.myapp
Output: Success

Install Android platform-tools; enable Developer Options > USB debugging on device.

Introduced in Android SDK Tools r1 (2007); -k added early for dev convenience. Evolved with ADB in platform-tools, now at v1.0.41+ (2023). Key for Android automation since Cupcake (1.5).

adb(1), adb install(1), pm(1)