If you are an Android user, you must have come across an application called Android System WebView. Android System WebView is one of the most crucial system apps responsible for the proper functioning of many Android applications. We have been using it in Android for a long time but haven’t looked at its functioning. As it is one of the essential system apps, it is important to know its functions and importance in Android OS.
Android System WebView app is a built-in system app that lets apps display the content from the web within the application. So, you don’t need to open a dedicated browser to view the content. Many of us think of this application as junk or malware; however, it isn’t.
To clear all your doubts regarding the Android System WebView app, you need to understand its functions more deeply. In this article, we have covered everything about the Android System WebView app in detail. We have talked about its functioning and its importance in the Android OS. You should read this article thoroughly to get ample information about the Android System WebView app.
What Is the Android System WebView App?
The Android System WebView app is an essential component of Android OS that allows Android apps to fetch and display web content inside an application without opening a dedicated browser. It is one of the most effective ways for app developers to embed browsers inside an application to access content from websites easily.
Developers include a WebView library and create an instance of a WebView class to integrate a browser into apps. It lets developers add functionality for users to interact with web pages within the application easily. You can perform basic actions with the built-in browser, such as loading pages and executing JavaScript.
Instagram is one of the most practical examples of the Android System WebView. It also has an integrated browsing function that lets you visit different websites without leaving the platform. Whenever you click on an Instagram ad, it sends you to a third-party website, but when you head back, you are still in the Instagram app.
Should I Keep the Android System WebView App or Uninstall It?
The Android System WebView app was a core part of the Android operating system. But Google now launched it as a whole new application. However, it is still as vital as it used to be. Notably, the difference is that you can now update it from the Google Play Store. But, this wasn’t possible earlier when it was a core part of the Android system.
You should keep the Android System WebView app on your Android smartphone. Uninstalling the Android System WebView app can severely affect the functioning of several applications that need this app. Google also doesn’t provide an option to uninstall the Android System WebView App on Android 10, 11, and 12. You can only uninstall updates from the Play Store.
On the other hand, it can be easily disabled on Android 7, 8, or 9 and won’t create chaos. In these Android versions, Google Chrome is the one who is responsible for this and lets you browse the web content within the application.
Here’s how to uninstall Android System WebView App on Android 7, 8, or 9.
- Open the App Drawer and search for “Settings”.
- Tap on the Settings app.
- Head to the “Apps” or “Applications” tab.
- Search for Android System WebView and tap on it.
- Tap on “Disable” to disable the Android System WebView App.
What if I Uninstall Android System WebView App?
If you uninstall the Android System WebView app, you won’t be able to view content from the internet within the application. You need to copy-paste the link to your browser manually. It can affect your user experience a lot. Therefore, you should always keep this application on your smartphone to establish a connection between the app and the operating system.
Final Words
Android System WebView app is an essential Android operating system (OS) component. It plays a vital role in helping you access the content from the web within the app. Disabling this application can create issues and ruin the user experience of using an Android smartphone. You won’t be able to view content from the internet inside the application without the Android System WebView app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Android System WebView app is a crucial Android component that lets developers add a browsing function to the apps. You also need it to view web content within the application.
You won’t be able to open a browser inside an app to view web content. Hence, you need to manually open the content on your dedicated browser by following some additional steps.
No, Android System WebView isn’t spyware. It’s an important Android application to view web content within the app.
You shouldn’t disable the Android System WebView app if you use an Android 10 or above smartphone. We won’t even suggest uninstalling updates to avoid inconvenience. Yet, if you are using an older version, you can’t disable it without facing any negative consequences.
