Samsung smartphone owners who do not like TouchWiz can disable it if they so choose.
TouchWiz is Samsung's custom user interface (UI), which is placed on top of Android operating system. TouchWiz has improved over the years, but some users find it frustrating and prefer stock Android experience in their smartphones and tablets. Some users suggest that TouchWiz makes a device slow and sluggish.
Here are some ways of disabling TouchWiz on a Samsung Galaxy mobile phone.
Installing Third-Party Launcher
The best way to disable TouchWiz is to cover it up with another launcher such as Google Now Launcher or Nova Launcher.
Devices should be running Android 4.1 or above to install Google Now Launcher or Nova Launcher, which is available as a free download from the Google Play Store.
These launchers may significantly improve performance when compared to TouchWiz.
This process does not require rooting or factory resetting the device.
Disabling Individual Features
A customer may want to disable a specific feature of TouchWiz such as S Planner, S Voice or more, but these can be removed without completely disabling entire TouchWiz.
This process requires factory resetting a device, and customers should ensure to take back up of important files before proceeding with this method. Go to Settings > Backup and Reset and locate "Factory data reset" and then "Reset device." Tapping on this will delete all data, including apps, photos and contacts.
The phone will reset and reboot. Customers should not use their Samsung account during the set-up process, which will prevent Galaxy Apps from updating the operating system.
Users can also stop a specific app by going to Settings > Applications > Application Manager and locate and open the apps that are not required on the device. Tap on "Force stop," "Disable" and "Clear data," which will stop the app from running and also free space from the handset.
This process will not disable TouchWiz, but it may improve the system performance.
Rooting A Mobile Phone
Galaxy device owners who want to completely delete TouchWiz may opt for rooting their device and flash it with a custom ROM like CyanogenMod or other Android OS.
Rooting a phone can be a complex task and can also result in damaging or bricking of a smartphone.
Users will have to download and install a root tool such as OneClickRoot, AutoRoot or Unlock Root.
Then download the ROM for the specific Galaxy device. Customers should also download a TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) application like Odin for creating a system recovery in case anything goes wrong.
A number of root tools and custom ROMS are available, and users should research online regarding the best suitable one before starting the rooting process.
Photo: Kārlis Dambrāns | Flickr
