Have you ever opened your app drawer and noticed a strange app called "Tips", "Pixel Tips", or "Samsung Tips" that you never installed? You are not alone in this situation. Last week, one of my friends emailed me: "Jaha, I found the Tips app using battery on my new S24. Is it spyware?"
If you are also worried, don't worry. In this complete guide from Tech With Jaha, I will explain the Tips app on Android in simple terms, with real examples from Samsung, Xiaomi, and Google Pixel phones.
What Exactly is the Tips App on Android?
The Tips app is a first-party system app created by your phone's manufacturer. It's not a virus, and you didn't download it from the Play Store by mistake. Think of it as a small user manual that lives inside your phone.
Google itself explains the purpose of its Pixel Tips app on its official Pixel Help page - it is designed to help users discover new features after a system update.
Different brands have different names for it:
On Google Pixel:
- Pixel Tips - Shows you how to use Magic Eraser, Call Screening, and other Pixel-exclusive features.
On Samsung Galaxy:
- Samsung Tips or Tips and User Manual - Gives you tricks like how to use S Pen, DeX Mode, or One UI 6 features.
On Xiaomi / Redmi:
- Tips & Feedback or Mi Tips - Explains MIUI features like Dual Apps, Second Space.
Example:
When one of my relative buy Xiaomi 13T last month, the Tips app sent him a notification: "Did you know you can tap the back of your phone twice to take a screenshot?" - He honestly didn't know that feature existed. That's exactly what it does.
Why Do Phone Companies Add It? Is It Bloatware?
Many international tech blogs like Android Authority call it "mild bloatware" because it comes pre-installed. But there is a good reason.
Android is very powerful, but 90% of users only use 20% of its features. Companies add the Tips app to reduce customer support calls. If you know how to use your phone, you won't return it. So, it's more of a help guide than bloatware. It takes only 15-25 MB of space, which is nothing compared to Facebook, which takes 500MB+.
Is Tips App Safe? Does It Drain Battery and Data?
Yes, it is 100% safe. It is signed with your manufacturer's official certificate. It does not ask for dangerous permissions like access to your contacts, messages, or bank apps.
Battery & Data Usage:
I tested it on 3 phones. In battery settings, it shows 0% to 1% usage in 24 hours. It only runs when you open it or when there is a major Android update. It does not run in the background all day like Facebook or TikTok. So it will NOT make your phone slow. If your phone is slow, you should read our detailed guide on how to speed up slow Android phone.
Can We Delete the Tips App on Android?
This is the most asked question. The answer is: Yes and No.
On most Android 12, 13, 14, and 15 phones, you cannot fully UNINSTALL it like a normal app because it's a system app. But you can DISABLE it, which is the same thing. Once disabled, it will not show in your app drawer, will not send notifications, and will not use RAM.
You should disable it if:
- You already know how to use Android very well
- You have a phone with low storage like 32GB or 64GB
- You hate extra notifications
You should keep it if you are a new Android user or you just bought a new phone like the Samsung S24 Ultra or Pixel 8 Pro.
How to Disable / Remove Tips App (Step-by-Step)
- Open your phone's Settings
- Go to Apps > See all apps
- Scroll down and find Tips or Tips and User Manual
- Tap on it. Tap Disable > Disable App, and then tap Force Stop.
- Also tap on Notifications > Turn off Show Notifications
That's it. It will be gone forever. If you want it back, just go to the Play Store and search "Pixel Tips" or "Samsung Tips" and enable it again.
How This Post Connects to Your Android Learning
This post is part of our Android Mastery Cluster. We are making a series of posts to help you master your Android phone. If you liked this post, you must also check these:
We already explained how background apps drain your battery in our post about how to extend battery life on Android. And if you use your phone for drawing or notes, our guide on fine tip stylus for Android will help you choose the best one. This way, you will learn everything from basic to advanced.
Final Verdict: Should You Keep It?
From my experience as a tech blogger, I keep it for the first 2 months when I buy a new phone to learn all the new tricks, then I disable it. It is not harmful, but it is also not essential. It won't speed up your phone or save battery if you delete it. The real battery savers are turning off 120Hz, location, and background sync.
So, if you are a beginner - KEEP IT. If you are a pro user like most of my Tech With Jaha readers, you can safely DISABLE it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is the Tips app spyware or a virus?
No, it is not spyware. It is an official app from Google, Samsung, or Xiaomi. It is safe.
Q2. Why can't I uninstall the Tips app completely?
Because Google allows manufacturers to make it a system app. You can disable it, which is 99% the same as uninstalling.
Q3. Will disabling the Tips app affect my phone's warranty?
No, not at all. Disabling any pre-installed app does not void your warranty.
Written by Jaha
Founder of Tech With Jaha. I test Android phones, apps, and tricks daily so you don't have to. From Faisalabad, helping the world understand tech in simple language. 3+ Years of Blogging Experience.
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