[Android Central Question]

I've just purchased a new phone. HTC u11 life. Running Android One. I used Google backup to transfer my apps and settings from my old phone. Which worked well. But to my profound disbelief. I now realise that I am unable to disable the apps that I transferred. Even if I uninstall and reinstall them. If I'm unable to disable my apps, then I'll permanently uninstall some of them. Such as Facebook Messenger.

[Mooncatt]

It's normal to not be able to disable user apps, so it sounds like maybe your last phone had an extra feature to do that.

You can try searching for apps in the Play store (often called quarantine apps) that would allow you to freeze user apps. I've had success in the past with one, but I haven't used one in years.