Android System WebView is a built-in system component of the Android operating system that allows developers to display web content within their apps.
However, people have raised concerns about whether Android System WebView can be used as a spy app. They fear that it can potentially collect their private information and share it with third-party companies without their permission. But is this true, is Android System WebView actually spyware or is it safe to use? Keep reading the article and I will try to answer all your questions regarding the Android System WebView app.
Table Of Contents
- Quick Summary
- Is Android System WebView A Spy App?
- Is Android System WebView Safe?
- Do I Need Android System WebView? Is It Necessary?
- What Happens If I Uninstall Android System WebView?
- How To Uninstall Android System WebView?
- Is It Ok To Disable Android System WebView?
- Do Hackers Use WebView?
- How To Know If Your Phone Is Hacked?
- How To Prevent Your Phone From Spyware And Hackers?
- Is Android System WebView Spyware? Final Verdict
- FAQs
Quick Summary
Android System WebView is a safe app and not spyware. If you are using Android 7,8, or 9 then you can disable it on your device. However, if you are using any other version of the Android OS then you should not disable it because you won’t be able to access web content within apps.
Is Android System WebView A Spy App?
No, Android System WebView is not spyware or malware. However, it is essential to remain cautious when granting permissions to any app, including Android System WebView. Like any other app, WebView can potentially access certain permissions on your device, such as network access, or device storage.
While these permissions are necessary for the app to perform effectively you should be careful that the app does not have some unnecessary permissions. For example, Android System WebView has no work to do with your cell phone camera, so it should not have this permission. Disable any permission as soon as possible which you find unnecessary.
Is Android System WebView Safe?
Yes, Android System WebView is generally safe to use. There is no need to worry when it comes to Android System WebView running on your phone. As it is an integral component of the Android operating system and serves a specific purpose for applications.
However, you must be careful of spyware that may get installed on your device with the fake name of Android System WebView. Because spy apps are mostly installed with a fake generic system name to disguise themselves.
Do I Need Android System WebView? Is It Necessary?
Yes, you need Android System WebView. It is necessary as it allows the apps on your phone to display the web content within themselves instead of taking the user to another browser. So if you want a great user experience from your Android smartphone then you definitely need Android System WebView.
What Happens If I Uninstall Android System WebView?
If you uninstall the Android System WebView from your phone then it can result in the inability to view web content within apps. This may also lead to app crashes or malfunctions.
How To Uninstall Android System WebView?
It is a system app and hence you cannot uninstall it from your device. In case you want to get rid of Android System WebView at any cost then you must root your device and then uninstall it.
The best you can do is disable the app, but that is only possible on a few operating systems such as Android 7, 8, and 9. Because on these platforms Google Chrome controls the embedded browsing function. Hence you don’t need the Android System WebView and can disable it if you want. However, it’s not possible to uninstall or disable Android System WebView on any other version of the Android phone.
Is It Ok To Disable Android System WebView?
As I said earlier it is fine if you disable the Android System WebView app on Android devices running on OS versions 7,8 and 9. However, if you are using an Android phone which is running on OS other than these then you should not do that until or unless you have a very solid reason to do that. If you do so then you will not be able to see website content inside your favorite apps. So overall, you should not disable Android System WebView from your device.
Do Hackers Use WebView?
There’s no definitive answer to this question, but yes it is possible that hackers may use WebView to gain illegal access to your device through web-based apps. Once they get access to your phone they can steal your credit card information or your bank details, social media account password, etc.
How To Know If Your Phone Is Hacked?
Suppose if somehow a hacker gets access to your phone through the WebView app or any other vulnerabilities, how would you know that your phone is hacked? Don’t worry here’s how to tell if your is compromised.
1. Some Apps Start Behaving Strangely
If you notice that some apps on your phone are crashing frequently, taking longer to load, or behaving unexpectedly, it could be a sign that your phone is hacked.
2. Unauthorized Account Access
If you find evidence of unauthorized access to your online accounts, such as password resets or unfamiliar activities, it could mean that your phone has been hacked.
3. High Data Usage
It’s a good habit to monitor your network activity through your phone’s settings or using security apps as it will help you identify suspicious data usage. If your phone is hacked then your data consumption will be higher than usual.
4. Overheating & Battery Drain
If your phone gets unusually hot, or the battery drops significantly even when you’re not using it heavily, it might be a result of spyware running in the background.
How To Prevent Your Phone From Spyware And Hackers?
Following are some tips that I’d like to give you in order to prevent your phone from hackers using spyware to bug your phone.
1. Update Software
Keep your phone’s operating system, apps, and security software up to date to ensure you have the latest patches and protection. An Android update may help you get rid of spyware.
2. Run a Security Scan
Install a reliable mobile security app such as Avast and run a thorough scan to detect and remove any spyware from your device.
3. Get Rid Of Suspicious Apps
Uninstall any apps that you don’t recognize installing or that have suspicious behavior. Moreover, check app permissions and be careful when granting apps access to sensitive information.
4. Change Passwords Frequently
Keep changing the passwords for your important accounts, including email, social media, and banking at the right intervals. Also, use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts.
5. Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Activate two-factor authentication whenever possible to provide an extra layer of security for your online accounts.
6. Factory Reset
If you’re unable to resolve the issues then you may consider performing a factory reset on your phone. Because a factory reset may remove spyware from your device. But, remember to back up your important data before proceeding.
Is Android System WebView Spyware? Final Verdict
Android System WebView is not spyware. However, just like every other app hackers can take advantage of its vulnerabilities to get illegal access to your device. You must be aware and look for signs that tell whether your phone is hacked or not. If you see any such signs then you need to act quickly and should get rid of such apps as soon as possible.
FAQs
What Is Android System WebView App?
It is a system application that lets you view web content within apps.
Can You Uninstall Android System WebView?
No, since it is a system application, you cannot uninstall it.
Is Android System WebView Safe?
Yes, it is generally safe to use.
