If I delete an app I never use, will it affect other apps?

[Android Central Question]

My tablet tells me that if I delete a certain app then other apps may be affected,is this true?

 

[jameny5]

What app are you talking about? Give us a little more information.

 

[joeldf]

You should properly join the forum so you can provide follow-up answers.

As already asked, what device and what apps?

Some apps are system apps needed by the device and might give you such a message if you try to delete it. Just because it's not a user app that you interact with doesn't mean it's not required by the operating system.

 

[B. Diddy]

Welcome to Android Central! Please register on this forum, which will allow you to engage in discussion more easily, as well as post images. https://forums.androidcentral.com/ask-question/409154-join-android-central-community.html

 

[mustang7757]

Which app?, give us more information to help you

 

[VidJunky]

Some odd hours later, it would seem with every hour the odds of getting a reply from the OP go down.

For the OP or anyone else finding this thread looking for help.

There are many apps that give this response, as app developers do not want their apps removed, and while some apps if deleted or disabled may affect other apps you kind of have to educate yourself on what's what.

A case where it might affect another app;
If you disable your Audible app and you have another app that fetches audio books from online but isn't a player itself, you might run into a problem. 9 times out of 10 however something will be suggested to replace the missing app. It may come in the form of suggesting another app you already have, an ad for a similar app or it may simply be a pop-up suggesting that you go to the Play Store and looking for an app.

A case where it probably wouldn't affect another app;
If you delete a Photo Editing app. It may have tied into your camera and allowed you to do some editing without seeming to change apps or may have opened the photo in the app for editing. Removing this app affects this ability but doesn't prevent you from taking photos, editing them or enjoying your camera. You simply lose the convenience and any special features offered by that app. Most apps will fall into this category.

Most apps required for function of the device are not able to be removed or disabled. This works to prevent users from crippling their device.

So what do you do?

You could disable the app before uninstalling it and use your device for awhile to see if anything really is affected. After a period of time you could then evaluate removal or reinstatement of the app.

You could throw caution to the wind, as this is not very likely to cause you any true problems, and just uninstall the app. In the end you know what the app was and if push comes to shove, and down the line you realize that you do want the app back you can download it again. In the digital age almost nothing is gone forever.