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I can't uninstall firefox focus from my android phone using normal methods ( settings or Google Play). Am I missing something?

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  • Last reply by jc1313

jc1313
jc1313
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When I click "uninstall" in Google Play, it asks if I want updates uninstalled. Since the choices are "yes" or "cancel," I press "yes.". Then the "uninstall" button changes into an "update" button, but the app is still on my device.

In my phone settings, when I choose Firefox Focus, the only options are are "disable" or "force stop" (there is no "uninstall" as there is with virtually every other app!).

I have always used (and loved) firefox on all my devices, so I thought I'd sample Focus. I quickly realized I didn't need it or like it as well as the original Firefox, but now I can't uninstall it!

I realize I may be overlooking a simple solution. Any ideas on how to uninstall Firefox Focus would be greatly appreciated!

When I click "uninstall" in Google Play, it asks if I want updates uninstalled. Since the choices are "yes" or "cancel," I press "yes.". Then the "uninstall" button changes into an "update" button, but the app is still on my device. In my phone settings, when I choose Firefox Focus, the only options are are "disable" or "force stop" (there is no "uninstall" as there is with virtually every other app!). I have always used (and loved) firefox on all my devices, so I thought I'd sample Focus. I quickly realized I didn't need it or like it as well as the original Firefox, but now I can't uninstall it! I realize I may be overlooking a simple solution. Any ideas on how to uninstall Firefox Focus would be greatly appreciated!

All Replies (2)

Paul
Paul
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  • Top 10 Contributor
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Hi

I should be able to help you with this.

  1. Open the app drawer (the screen with all of yous apps).
  2. Press and hold down on the app that you would like to remove.
  3. Drag you finger up to the word "uninstall" at the top of the screen.

I hope that this helps, but if not, please come back here and we can look into a different solution for you.

jc1313
jc1313 Question owner
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Hi, Seburo:

Thanks so much for taking the time to send your suggestion! However, when I dragged the app icon to the top of the screen, where you would expect to see "uninstall", you see "remove" instead. I chose "remove" and, unfortunately, all that did was remove the app icon from the screen (i.e., it did NOT uninstall it: when you go into "apps" in the phone settings, it's still there.).

Having since done a bit more research, I did come across some information in the following link, which leads me to believe that Firefox Focus is a system app, "baked into" the Blackberry Key2 LE (as a more secure browser option, in keeping with Blackberry's emphasis on security), and can ONLY be disabled, NOT uninstalled:

https://forums.crackberry.com/blackberry-key2-f472/firefox-focus-please-make-non-system-app-1152063/

In the above link, you'll notice chetmanley calls it a "system app" which evidently means it is a "disable-only app". Now, if the writer is correct (in his very clear and well-written explanation), it would appear that, indeed, (on the KEY2 LE, anyway) Firefox Focus cannot be uninstalled, only disabled.

Even in Google Play Store the only options for Firefox Focus are "update" or "open" when the app is not disabled. If you choose "update", after the update is completed you DO get an "uninstall" option: HOWEVER, when you choose it, a decision box immediately opens, asking "Do you want to uninstall all UPDATES to this android system app?". There your choices are "cancel" or "ok". When you choose "ok", UPDATES are uninstalled, and your choices revert back to "update" or "open". (When it IS disabled, the only option in Google Play Store is "enable". )

So, right now, when you scroll through "apps" in my Key2 LE's settings, Firefox Focus is still there (I have it disabled, which is reflected there), but, thanks to your suggestion, Seburo, the icon no longer appears on my home screen or in my app drawer.

To summarize: evidently, on the Blackberry Key2 LE, Firefox Focus is a preinstalled system app, and system apps CANNOT be uninstalled. Nevertheless, I'm very grateful for your timely efforts on my behalf, Seburo. Very kind of you to try to help!

Despite the minor annoyance of having a browser permanently on my phone as a system app: I've had my Blackberry Key2 LE with full physical qwerty keyboard for a few weeks now and absolutely LOVE it! For those unaccustomed to a physical keyboard it may take a period of adjustment. But for those of us who ever had them in the past: it's just like riding a bike - you really never forget! Thumb-typing on it, with all the physical feedback, is amazing! PLUS, you can attach 2 shortcuts to each key. And let's not forget the (re-assignable, customizable) side button for Google Assistant. Not to mention the benefits of the Blackberry "Hub", where all your text, email, and phone messages/activities (etc.) are available in one place. Add to that the Blackberry DTEK security app, and you've just gotta love it!!! (I know I probably sound like an ad, but I just can't help myself!)

In closing, I'm very grateful for the availability of this Mozilla Support platform. It really is wonderful. Thanks!