How to remove the Setup Wizard app in Android 4+?

How to Remove the Setup Wizard App in Android 4+ (Root & Non-Root Methods)

Learn how to safely disable or remove the Android Setup Wizard application on devices running Android 4.0 and above, using both ADB commands for non-rooted devices and system app removers for rooted devices.

The Android Setup Wizard is a crucial component that guides users through the initial configuration of a new or factory-reset device. While essential for first-time use, it can sometimes become a nuisance, especially for developers, testers, or users who frequently flash custom ROMs or manage multiple devices. This article provides comprehensive instructions on how to remove or disable the Setup Wizard app on Android 4+ devices, covering both non-rooted methods using ADB and methods for rooted devices.

Understanding the Android Setup Wizard

The Setup Wizard (often identified by package names like com.google.android.setupwizard, com.android.setupwizard, or manufacturer-specific variants) is designed to run once after a factory reset or initial boot. It handles critical first-time configurations such as Wi-Fi setup, Google account login, time zone settings, and restoring backups. Disabling it can be beneficial in scenarios like:

• Automated Testing: Bypassing manual setup steps for faster device provisioning.
• Kiosk Devices: Preventing users from accessing initial setup options.
• Custom ROM Development: Streamlining the flashing and testing process.
• Troubleshooting: Resolving issues where the wizard gets stuck in a loop.

Method 1: Disabling Setup Wizard via ADB (Non-Rooted Devices)

For non-rooted Android devices, the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) provides a powerful way to manage device applications from your computer. You can disable system apps without root access, effectively preventing them from running. This method is generally safe as it doesn't permanently delete the app, only disables it.

flowchart TD
    A[Enable USB Debugging] --> B{Connect Device to PC}
    B --> C[Open Command Prompt/Terminal]
    C --> D["Verify ADB Connection (adb devices)"]
    D --> E["Find Setup Wizard Package Name (adb shell pm list packages | grep setup)"]
    E --> F["Disable Package (adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 <package_name>)"]
    F --> G[Reboot Device (Optional)]

Flowchart for disabling Setup Wizard using ADB commands.

1. Enable USB Debugging

On your Android device, go to Settings > About phone and tap Build number seven times to enable Developer Options. Then, navigate to Settings > Developer options and enable USB debugging.

2. Connect Device to PC and Verify ADB

Connect your Android device to your computer using a USB cable. Open a command prompt or terminal on your computer and type adb devices. You should see your device listed, possibly with a prompt on your phone to authorize the connection.

3. Find the Setup Wizard Package Name

The package name for the Setup Wizard can vary. Common names include com.google.android.setupwizard or com.android.setupwizard. You can try to find it using the following ADB command:

adb shell pm list packages | grep setup

Look for a package name that clearly indicates a setup wizard. If you don't find it with 'setup', try 'wizard' or 'initial'. For Samsung devices, it might be com.sec.android.app.SecSetupWizard.

4. Disable the Setup Wizard Package

Once you have the correct package name (e.g., com.google.android.setupwizard), use the following command to disable it:

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.google.android.setupwizard

Replace com.google.android.setupwizard with the actual package name you found. This command disables the app for the current user (user 0, which is the primary user).

5. Reboot Your Device (Optional)

After disabling, you might want to reboot your device to ensure the changes take effect. Type adb reboot in your command prompt.

Method 2: Removing Setup Wizard (Rooted Devices Only)

If your device is rooted, you have more direct control over system applications, including the ability to completely remove them. This method is more permanent and carries a higher risk if not done correctly. It's recommended only if you are confident in your actions and have a full device backup.

For rooted devices, you can use a file explorer with root access (like Solid Explorer, MiXplorer, or FX File Explorer) or a dedicated system app uninstaller. The general process involves navigating to the system app directory and deleting the relevant APK file.

1. Gain Root Access

Ensure your device is properly rooted and you have a root management app (e.g., Magisk) installed and configured.

2. Install a Root File Explorer

Download and install a file explorer app that supports root access (e.g., Solid Explorer, MiXplorer, FX File Explorer) from the Google Play Store.

3. Navigate to System App Directory

Open the root file explorer and grant it root permissions when prompted. Navigate to the /system/app or /system/priv-app directory. These directories contain system applications.

4. Locate and Delete Setup Wizard APK

Search for files related to the Setup Wizard. Common filenames might include SetupWizard.apk, GoogleSetupWizard.apk, or similar. Once found, long-press the APK file and select the option to delete it. You might also need to delete its corresponding .odex or .vdex files if they exist in the same directory.

5. Reboot Your Device

After deleting the files, reboot your device. The Setup Wizard should no longer appear.

# Example of finding and removing via ADB shell (rooted)
# This requires 'su' (superuser) access in the adb shell

adb shell
su
find /system -name "*setupwizard*.apk"
# Example output: /system/priv-app/GoogleSetupWizard/GoogleSetupWizard.apk
rm /system/priv-app/GoogleSetupWizard/GoogleSetupWizard.apk
reboot

Example ADB shell commands for rooted removal (use with extreme caution).