What is Android System WebView? Should You Delete it?

You may have encountered the Android System WebView when you were updating your apps in the Play Store. 

It is possible that you are unaware of it, and may wish to deinstall it or turn it off without any knowledge. You shouldn’t take it off or disable it or turn it off. Here’s the reason.

In the later Android versions, following Nougat, Android System WebView isn’t available as a separate application in the drawer of apps. 

This guide will help you understand the features of Android System WebView and the reason it’s available on your phone.

What is Android System WebView (TL;DR)?

Android System WebView is a program that is installed on your Android device that displays web content on your device, without opening any browser. 

In simple terms, the Android System WebView application is a less powerful version of Chrome, which allows you to access web pages without the need for any specific web browser.

If you click on a link within an app, it opens it in the System WebView as if the browser was within the application. 

But, certain apps might not make use of this feature or similar technology. 

This is the reason why certain applications are able to be opened in the browser, but not in the WebView.

Do I need Android System WebView? Do you need to disable it?

Yes, you require Android System WebView on your phone. 

But, if you’re using Android 7.0 or a higher version, it is possible to turn off it without risk. 

However, if you disable it while operating Android 7.0 or higher, you’ll be facing certain negative effects.

If you do not already have Chrome installed on your Android or you have it disabled It is recommended to use it no matter what Android version you’re using. 

If you intend to switch to another browser, it is best to disable the WebView application. Therefore, it is best to disable the WebView for Android on your device.

How to Disable Android System WebView?

We would not recommend disabling Android System WebView for devices that aren’t that are running Android 7.0 or higher. 

However, if your Android device is running Android 7.0 or above, you can turn off the feature.

To deactivate Google System WebView, you must follow these steps:

1. Navigate to the gadget’s settings.
2. Tap on Apps/Applications.
3. Choose to choose the option More option, or select the Three-dot option.
4. Select to select the “Show System apps” option, or choose the “Show all apps” option.
5. Find Android System WebView in the list, then tap on it.
6. Choose the option to disable the option.

These steps will remove Android System WebView on the Android device. 

If, however, you’re not running Android 7.0 or higher It is recommended not to follow the above steps and turn off the feature.

It isn’t possible to remove Android System WebVIew off your phone, however, you can disable it, or remove its updates to an extent. 

By removing its updates, you will provide you with the benefit of storage space on your phone. 

They also aid in fixing certain bugs, therefore it’s recommended to not turn off these updates.

What is Android System WebView (Technically)?

Android System WebView is a component of the system that is part of the Android operating system. 

It displays web-based content within an app, without leaving the application (not an internet browser). Developers can incorporate browsing capabilities within their applications by using web-view.

WebView code library that is included in their apps. Incorporating this feature into their app will allow their apps to make use of a browser in order to interact with web pages.

In the early version of Android, WebView was capable of updating via Android updates but only. 

Since the release of Android 5.0, Google separated WebView as a system component to be updated through Google Play Store. Google Play Store.

With the release of Android 7.0, Google moved the WebView component to the Android 7.0 Nougat. 

Because that this was the case, System WebView could get updated through upgrading Chrome. 

Later, when it comes to Android 10. Google made it a distinct application, which is still in the current version it is now in Android 11.

Wrapping Up Things!

This article should have provided you with the information you need to know about Android System WebView completely. 

If you’re unsure about any app similar to this, you should look into it more thoroughly prior to taking any further steps.

It is recommended to review the apps that you have installed periodically to stay clear of any apps infiltrating your system without your permission. 

In the end, WebView isn’t something that you should worry about. WebView is an app developed by Google and is a component of the Android system.

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