How to View System Apps in Application Manager on Android: A Comprehensive Guide
Android devices come pre-loaded with a variety of applications, some of which are essential for the operating system to function correctly. These are known as system apps. While most users are familiar with managing downloaded apps, accessing and viewing system apps often requires a deeper understanding of the Android system. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of viewing system apps in the Application Manager (also sometimes referred to as the App Info or App Settings) on your Android device, explaining different methods and providing detailed steps for each.
Why View System Apps?
Before diving into the how-to, let’s understand why you might want to view system apps:
* Troubleshooting: Identifying and examining system apps can be crucial when troubleshooting issues like battery drain, performance problems, or app conflicts. By understanding which system apps are running and their resource consumption, you can pinpoint potential culprits.
* Understanding Android Functionality: Viewing system apps gives you a better understanding of how Android works under the hood. You can see the apps responsible for handling core functions like connectivity, security, and system updates.
* Managing Default Apps: Sometimes, a system app handles a specific action by default. Viewing system apps allows you to clear default settings and choose a different app for that action.
* Disabling/Uninstalling System Apps (With Caution): While not always recommended, in some cases, you might want to disable or even uninstall system apps to free up space or prevent unwanted processes from running. However, proceed with extreme caution, as disabling or uninstalling critical system apps can render your device unstable or unusable. This often requires root access.
* Checking Permissions: Reviewing the permissions granted to system apps can help you assess the security and privacy implications of these apps. You can see what data they have access to and whether those permissions are necessary.
Methods to View System Apps
There are several ways to view system apps in the Application Manager. The specific steps might vary slightly depending on your Android version and device manufacturer, but the general principles remain the same. Here’s a breakdown of the most common methods:
Method 1: Using the Settings App (Generally Applicable)
This is the most straightforward and universally applicable method. It works on most Android devices, regardless of manufacturer or version.
1. Open the Settings App: Locate the Settings app icon on your home screen or app drawer and tap on it. The icon typically looks like a gear or cogwheel.
2. Navigate to Apps: In the Settings menu, scroll down and find the “Apps” section. It might be labeled as “Applications,” “Apps & Notifications,” or simply “Apps.” The exact wording varies by device manufacturer.
3. Access the App List: Tap on the “Apps” section. This will usually take you to a list of all installed apps on your device.
4. Show System Apps (Crucial Step): By default, the app list usually only shows downloaded or user-installed apps. To view system apps, you need to enable a specific option. Look for one of the following:
* Menu Icon (Three Dots or Lines): Tap on the menu icon, typically located in the upper-right corner of the screen. This often looks like three vertical dots or three horizontal lines.
* Filter Option: Some devices might have a filter option near the top of the screen.
* “Show System Apps” Option: In some cases, you might find a directly labeled “Show System Apps” option.
5. Enable System App Visibility: Once you’ve found the appropriate option (menu icon, filter, or direct label), tap on it. Select “Show System Apps” or a similar option like “All Apps” to display the system apps in the list.
6. Browse the System Apps: After enabling the option, the app list will refresh, and you’ll see a list of system apps alongside your downloaded apps. You can now scroll through the list to view the system apps installed on your device.
7. View App Details: To view more information about a specific system app, simply tap on its name in the list. This will open the App Info screen, which provides details like:
* App Name and Icon
* Storage Usage
* Permissions
* Data Usage
* Cache
* Default Settings
* Options to Disable or Force Stop (Use with extreme caution)
Method 2: Using the “Running Services” Option (If Available)
Some older Android versions include a “Running Services” option in the Developer Options. While not a direct list of all system apps, it shows the system processes that are currently running, often providing a glimpse into the system apps that are active.
1. Enable Developer Options (If Not Already Enabled):
* Go to Settings > About Phone (or About Tablet).
* Locate the “Build Number” entry.
* Tap on the “Build Number” entry repeatedly (usually 7 times) until you see a message that says, “You are now a developer!”
2. Access Developer Options: Go back to the main Settings menu. You should now see a new entry called “Developer Options” (it might be located under “System”).
3. Find “Running Services”: In the Developer Options menu, scroll down and look for “Running Services.” (This option might not be available on all Android versions).
4. View Running System Processes: Tap on “Running Services.” This will display a list of processes that are currently running on your device. While not all entries are system apps, many of them will be related to system apps or system services.
5. Investigate Processes: Tap on a process to view more information about it, including the app it’s associated with and its resource usage.
Method 3: Using Third-Party Apps (Less Recommended, Use with Caution)
Several third-party apps on the Google Play Store claim to offer more advanced app management features, including the ability to view and manage system apps. However, using these apps carries risks:
* Security Risks: Some apps might request excessive permissions or contain malware.
* Privacy Concerns: These apps might collect and share your data without your consent.
* System Instability: Some apps might interfere with system processes, leading to instability or crashes.
If you choose to use a third-party app, do thorough research before installing it. Read reviews, check the developer’s reputation, and carefully review the permissions the app requests.
Example of Third-Party Apps (Use at Your Own Risk):
* System App Remover (ROOT): This app, and others like it, typically require root access to uninstall system apps. Be very careful when using such tools, as removing critical system apps can brick your device.
* App Inspector: This type of app provides detailed information about installed apps, including system apps. Ensure the app is from a reputable developer and has good reviews before installing.
Warning: Risks of Disabling or Uninstalling System Apps
Disabling or uninstalling system apps can have severe consequences. Before taking any action, understand the potential risks:
* System Instability: Disabling or uninstalling critical system apps can lead to system instability, crashes, or boot loops (where your device gets stuck in a restarting cycle).
* Loss of Functionality: Some system apps are essential for specific features to work correctly. Disabling or uninstalling them can cause those features to stop functioning.
* Security Vulnerabilities: Tampering with system apps can create security vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malware or attackers.
* Voiding Warranty: Modifying system apps (especially if it involves rooting your device) can void your device’s warranty.
When is it Safe to Disable a System App?
Generally, it’s only safe to disable system apps that you are certain are not essential for the core functionality of your device and that you know what you are doing. Some examples of apps that *might* be safe to disable (but proceed with caution and do your research first):
* Bloatware: Pre-installed apps from your carrier or manufacturer that you don’t use.
* Unused System Apps: Apps that you know are not used by any other system apps or functions.
Always remember to create a backup of your device before disabling or uninstalling any system apps. This will allow you to restore your device to its previous state if something goes wrong.
Steps to Disable a System App (If You Are Sure It’s Safe)
1. Follow Method 1 above to locate the system app you want to disable in the App Info screen.
2. Tap the “Disable” button. If the “Disable” button is grayed out or not present, it means the app cannot be disabled through the standard interface (it might be a critical system app or require root access to disable).
3. Confirm the Disabling: A warning message might appear, reminding you of the risks involved. Read the message carefully and confirm that you want to proceed.
4. The app will be disabled and removed from the app drawer.
How to Re-enable a Disabled System App
If you disable a system app and later want to re-enable it, follow these steps:
1. Go to Settings > Apps.
2. Show System Apps (as described in Method 1).
3. Look for a section labeled “Disabled” or “Turned Off.” The disabled system app should be listed there.
4. Tap on the disabled app.
5. Tap the “Enable” button.
6. The app will be re-enabled and restored to the app drawer (if it had a launcher icon).
Rooting and Uninstalling System Apps
Rooting your Android device gives you privileged access to the operating system, allowing you to perform advanced modifications, including uninstalling system apps. However, rooting carries significant risks:
* Voiding Warranty: Rooting usually voids your device’s warranty.
* Security Risks: Rooting can create security vulnerabilities and make your device more susceptible to malware.
* Bricking: Incorrect rooting procedures can brick your device, rendering it unusable.
If you choose to root your device, do thorough research, understand the risks involved, and follow reliable and well-documented rooting guides.
Once your device is rooted, you can use apps like “System App Remover (ROOT)” to uninstall system apps. However, proceed with extreme caution and only uninstall apps that you are absolutely sure are safe to remove.
Best Practices for Managing System Apps
* Avoid Disabling/Uninstalling Unless Necessary: Only disable or uninstall system apps if you have a specific reason to do so and understand the potential consequences.
* Research Before Taking Action: Before disabling or uninstalling any system app, research its function and dependencies to ensure it’s safe to remove.
* Create Backups: Always create a full backup of your device before making any modifications to system apps. This will allow you to restore your device if something goes wrong.
* Use Reputable Apps: If you choose to use third-party apps for managing system apps, only use apps from reputable developers and with good reviews.
* Monitor Performance: After disabling or uninstalling a system app, monitor your device’s performance closely to ensure that it’s functioning correctly.
* Consider Alternatives: Before disabling a system app, consider whether there are alternative solutions, such as clearing its cache or data, that might address the issue you’re trying to solve.
Conclusion
Viewing system apps in the Application Manager can provide valuable insights into how your Android device works and help you troubleshoot performance issues. However, it’s crucial to proceed with caution when modifying system apps, as disabling or uninstalling critical apps can lead to instability or even render your device unusable. By following the steps outlined in this guide and adhering to the best practices, you can safely explore and manage system apps on your Android device.