4 apps I always remove from every new Pixel phone before I install anything else

Published Jul 20, 2026, 11:00 AM EDT Beginning his professional journey in the tech industry in 2018, Yash spent over three years as a Software Engineer. After that, he shifted his focus to empowering readers through informative and engaging content on his tech blog – DiGiTAL BiRYANi. He has also published tech articles for MakeTechEasier. He loves to explore new tech gadgets and platforms. When he is not writing, you’ll find him exploring food. He is known as Digital Chef Yash among his readers because of his love for Technology and Food. When I get a new Pixel phone, one of the first things I do isn't customize the wallpaper or install my favorite apps, it's clean up the software that comes preinstalled. I genuinely like Google's approach to Android because it feels much cleaner than most other manufacturers' versions, but there are still a handful of apps that don't fit the way I use my phone. Some are aimed at new Pixel users, while others duplicate services I already have better alternatives for. Over the years, I've turned this into part of my setup routine. Spending a few minutes removing apps I know I'll never open helps me start with a cleaner, less distracting phone that's built around my workflow instead of Google's default choices. Pixel Tips It keeps pushing suggestions I never use The first app I remove from every new Pixel phone is Pixel Tips. I understand why it's there, and also know its importance for someone switching to a Pixel for the first time, but it serves very little purpose once I've finished setting up the phone. After a day or two, I've already figured out the gestures, explored the settings, and customized everything the way I like. Even after that, Pixel Tips continues to sit in the app drawer, occasionally reminding me about features I've either already discovered or simply don't care about. Instead of helping, it ends up feeling like another app I never intentionally opened. Removing it also helps keep my app drawer a little cleaner. I prefer seeing only the apps I actually use every day, and Pixel Tips doesn't make that list. If I ever need to learn about a new Pixel feature, I can always search for it online or check Google's support pages. I don't need a dedicated app taking up space just to offer occasional tips. Fitbit I don't own a Fitbit, so the app just sits there Fitbit is another app I uninstall as soon as I finish setting up my Pixel. It's a useful app if you own a Fitbit smartwatch or tracker, but I don't use any Fitbit devices, so there's no reason for it to stay on my phone. It ends up being another app that never gets opened. I already have a smartwatch from a different brand, and its companion app handles everything I need, including health tracking, notifications, and workout data. Keeping Fitbit installed would just duplicate features I don't use and add another app to the app drawer. I also prefer removing apps that are tied to services or hardware I don't own. It makes the phone feel more personal instead of being filled with software that's there just because it's preinstalled. Since I know I won't be creating a Fitbit account or pairing a Fitbit device anytime soon, uninstalling the app is an easy decision. It keeps my Pixel cleaner and leaves room only for apps that fit my daily workflow. Google TV I already have the streaming apps I actually watch Google TV is another app that doesn't survive the initial cleanup on my Pixel. I rarely watch movies or TV shows on my phone, and when I do, I usually open the streaming app directly. Whether it's YouTube, Netflix, or another service, I don't need Google TV acting as a middleman. The app is designed to bring different streaming services together and recommend content, but that's not how I discover something to watch. I already know which platform I want to use, so I head there instead of browsing through Google TV first. Removing it also helps reduce visual clutter in the app drawer. I prefer keeping only the apps I actively use, and Google TV isn't one of them. If I ever decide to rent a movie or explore recommendations, I can always reinstall it in a minute. Until then, I'd rather free up the space and keep my Pixel focused on the apps that are actually part of my everyday routine. Gemini I already have an AI setup that works better for me Gemini is probably the most controversial app I remove from every new Pixel, because it doesn't fit into the AI workflow I've already built. I spend most of my day writing, researching, and testing tools, and my work revolves around ChatGPT and Claude. Between those two, I already have my projects, custom instructions, and ongoing conversations exactly where I need them. On top of that, I also have a self-hosted AI setup running on my desktop for tasks I prefer to keep local. Whether I'm comparing models, summarizing documents, or experimenting with open-source LLMs, I already have plenty of AI options that suit my workflow. Because of that, Gemini rarely gets opened. It's not that it's a bad assistant; it simply overlaps with tools I already use every day. Rather than keeping another AI app installed "just in case," I'd rather remove it and keep my Pixel focused on the apps that genuinely earn a place in my daily routine. A cleaner Pixel is a better Pixel Stripping these apps away is the first thing I do because it sets the tone for how I want my phone to feel. Every app that stays has to earn its spot, and starting from a lighter base makes that easier. None of these are bad, they just don't match how I use my Pixel. Clearing them out first means everything I install afterward is there by choice, not by default.