Galaxy S25 Ultra with $1,000 off. Many users are already familiar with the tactics carriers use to secure long-term contracts, but what’s harder to tolerate is the constant annoyance of unwanted applications. This is the reality faced by a T-Mobile user who took to Reddit to vent their frustrations. As described by the user, known as Fantastic-Finger-177, the experience of dealing with overwhelming bloatware is all too common and entirely relatable for smartphone users. No one wants to deal with unnecessary pop-up notifications about app updates or forced installations, especially on high-end devices like the Galaxy series.
While software updates are essential, do they really need to come with unwanted app recommendations clashing with user preferences?
-Fantastic-Finger-177 on Reddit, February 2025
Apple has a reputation for maintaining tight control over its ecosystem, which can be a double-edged sword when it comes to bloatware. T-Mobile users express their discontent, leading many to reconsider purchasing Android devices directly from carriers.
One user succinctly summed it up: “This is why I won’t buy Android phones from any carrier.”
-83736294827 on Reddit, February 2025
T-Mobile's App Selector feature has also drawn criticism. In one noteworthy incident, a notification unexpectedly appeared on a phone that had been in use for four years, prompting the user to finish the setup. The result? A barrage of unwanted applications, which the user promptly uninstalled.
My Samsung didn’t even have an update, yet suddenly, a notification from T-Mobile says App Selector needs setup? What setup after four years? Then, without my consent, they installed eight random apps like TikTok and other unnecessary fluff. I removed them all and turned off App Selector.
-MrLakeShow on Reddit, February 2025
It’s worth noting that after each software update, T-Mobile’s App Selector may resurface, necessitating users to manage the situation anew.
Other carriers have similar issues: Verizon users contend with the Verizon App Manager, while AT&T customers must tackle bloatware manually.
You can check your phone’s compatibility with various carriers here:
