What Is Android Webview And Do I Need It?

In this guide we see what Android WebView is and what it is for, an application that is more important than it seems for the operation of your Android mobile.

Your Android mobile or tablet is made up of several applications that you do not use directly, but which allow the device to function properly.

One of them is Android WebView, an application that you may have discovered after it was automatically updated on your terminal. But what is this app for? Is it really that important or can you uninstall it? In this guide, we dive right into the Android ecosystem to tell you about one of its main services, Android WebView .

So we will see what function does it have in your terminal , how can you update it, how would this affect a supposed uninstall to phone security and, finally, how to activate it if it is disabled by default. We have started!

What is Android WebView and what does it do?

Android WebView is a very important application for your mobile.

Android WebView, or Android System WebView, is a Chrome browser-powered system component that allows Android apps to display web content. For example, when you open a link in Telegram, it will be seen directly in the application and will not take you to the Google Chrome browser, which makes it easier and faster to view content.

This component is pre-installed on your Android device, and we already anticipate that keeping it updated is the key to the security of the same.

It is also a great utility for developers , as we read on the WebView Android website, it is an element that allows having more control over the user interface of their applications and have “Configuration Options advances to embed Web pages in an environment specifically designed for your application .

What makes it different from a normal web browser?

According to Google itself, elements of the Android WebView system ”  lack some of the functionality of fully developed browsers”.

Among those missing features are navigation controls , which allow you to go back or forward through the pages you’ve visited, and the address bar , which displays the current URL and takes you directly to another link. . We also cannot find the configuration button, present in browsers like Chrome.

In short, Android WebView does not have the usual elements of web browsers, but it also makes it easier for us to access web functions in applications. quickly .

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How to update it?

We have already discussed that keeping Android WebView updated on your Android device is essential for security, but how can you do it? The most normal thing is that this application updates automatically and regularly. If not, follow these steps to update Android WebView:

1. Enter the Play Store.
2. Click on the three horizontal lines button in the upper left corner.
3. Go to “My applications and games” .
4. If an update is available for Android WebView, it will appear in the “To update” section. Click on the “Update” button which will appear on the right side of the application and the installation of the new version of the application will begin.

In order not to always have to know if there are updates or not available for this application, we recommend that you activate your automatic update on the Google Play Store. Here is the procedure to do it:

1. Open the Google Play Store and navigate to the Android WebView page.
2. Click on the three-dot button in the upper right corner.
3. Check the “Update automatically” box .

Can it be uninstalled or disabled? It’s certain?

Yes, it is possible to uninstall and deactivate Android System WebView from your Android mobile or tablet. To perform the first of these actions, uninstallation, you can go to the Android WebView page in the Google Play Store and click on the “Uninstall” button.

Instead, to disable Android WebView, you’ll need to go to Settings > Applications > Android WebView and select “Disable”. By doing so, you get to disable the app and hide it on your phone. However, it will be the system itself that asks you if you are sure about this decision, as it can prevent Android and other apps from working as they should .

We see that it is possible to both uninstall and deactivate Android WebView in your Android terminal and thus have the application links open directly in the default browser. But be careful, because this is not the best option you can choose if you want to maintain security from your Android mobile or tablet.

Google says Android WebView is essential to ensure you receive the latest security updates and other bug fixes for the operating system, so removing it could cause major device malfunctions . Before uninstalling or disabling Android WebView, think twice, as this may prevent you from continuing to use your device as usual.

How to activate it if my mobile has it deactivated by default?

In some Android mobiles, it happens that Android WebView is disabled by default, so you have to enable it manually if you want to use this system component. To enable Android WebView on your device, follow these steps:

1. Go into Settings > Apps .
2. Click on Google Chrome .
3. Disable Google Chrome.
4. Return to the applications section and click on Android System WebView to confirm that it has been activated automatically. Otherwise, select the “Enable” button and it will be activated in your terminal.

As you can see, enabling Android WebView in devices where it is not enabled by default means disabling Google Chrome. Therefore, you will have to use other web browsers to browse the Internet . Before saying goodbye, we remind you that it is important to keep Android WebView up to date so that your phone continues to work properly and safely.