Hadlee Simons / Android Authority
TL;DR
- Google had removed the ability to uninstall updates for system apps via the Play Store.
- Users had to visit app settings in the settings menu to uninstall system app updates.
- The change appears to have been reverted, although it is unclear whether it was a bug or an intentional change in the first place.
Update: December 18, 2025 (4:33 AM ET): It appears that Google has reconsidered this change and reverted it, allowing you to easily uninstall updates again. As Android Authority contributor AssembleDebug pointed out on X, once you update a pre-installed system app, the “Uninstall” button appears next to the “Open” button following the install, as it did previously.
As he notes in his post, it isn’t clear whether the initial confusing change was intentional or a bug that has now been fixed. Either way, it’s good to see that the previous option has been restored.
Original Article: December 12, 2025 (3:58 AM ET): 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.
Don’t want to miss the best from Android Authority?
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.
This is an inconvenient change as it means users now have to visit app settings within the settings menu to uninstall updates for a system app. There are a few reasons why users might want to uninstall system app updates, such as bugs or undesirable changes (e.g., a new UI or removed features).
Oddly enough, this change comes after Google recently made it easier to remotely uninstall apps. Play Store app listings now show all the devices on which a specific app is installed, while offering an uninstall button next to each device.
Thank you for being part of our community. Read our Comment Policy before posting.
