What Is Android System WebView?
Android System WebView is a smaller version of Chrome that allows you to open links within the app you’re using so that you won’t have to leave the app. When you click on a link in an app, it will open WebView as if it is the browser built in to the app. One thing to keep in mind is that every app may not support it, so links from some apps open in Chrome (or another browser) and not from within the app.
Can I Uninstall Android System WebView?
You can’t get rid of Android System WebView totally. You can only uninstall the updates and not the app itself. This is a system app, so it can’t be removed. It’s not bloatware, either, which you can often remove without rooting your device. All you’ll be able to do is disable it. If you still have it and want to uninstall the updates, follow the steps below.
Is It Safe to Disable Android System WebView?
On devices running Android Nougat (7), Oreo (8), or Pie (9), it’s safe to disable it, but if you are using older versions, it’s best to leave it as is, since it may cause apps depending on it to not function correctly. On later versions of Android (10 and above), you should leave it enabled, as more and more apps rely on it to open links, let you log in, and more. In fact, on Android 10 and later, you may not even see an option to disable it. If you have Chrome disabled and are using another browser, it’s beneficial to keep the Android System WebView app since you won’t have Chrome’s WebView functionality. Still, if you’re really against Android System WebView being active on your device, disable it. There’s a chance you may not notice any issues with the apps you use. Keep in mind that occasionally, Android system updates may reenable and update system apps like WebView. You can easily disable it again if this happens. As a general rule, it’s not hurting anything to leave it enabled. While there was a glitch affecting Android 12 users back in 2021, Google has since resolved it. The issue caused apps relying on Android System WebView to crash randomly. While Google worked on an update, users were advised to pause or uninstall updates for WebView until an official patch was released.
Can I Uninstall Android System WebView From Chrome?
The WebView app Ii newer versions of Android may not even be listed in your app list anymore, as Google made it a part of Chrome to save space and battery. After all, Android System WebView is essentially a mini Chrome browser. This also made it easier to just develop updates for Chrome versus having to create updates for both WebView and Chrome and helped prevent users from disabling the app. If WebView is built into Chrome, you can’t uninstall just the WebView component. Your only option is to disable Chrome. Of course, you can’t uninstall Chrome either and can only disable the app by rooting your device. However, if you go ahead and disable Chrome, you’ll likely find many of your apps no longer work correctly. Image credit: bigtunaonline via 123rf. All screenshots by Crystal Crowder. If you’re only having an issue with a single app, it’s more likely that it’s that app and not WebView. If your apps are experiencing problems due to your mobile data cutting off randomly, even when you have a strong signal, learn how to get your mobile data working again.
