Package installer
Do not remove
The system component that installs, updates and uninstalls apps and asks you to confirm each change.
Android (AOSP) package
Package installer
Do not remove: com.android.packageinstaller Do not remove Vendor documentation
The open source package installer that confirms app installs and uninstalls on phones without Google's build. Do not remove it: disabling or uninstalling it can leave the phone unusable.
What it does
Package installer is the system component that shows the confirmation screens when you install an app from a file or another store and when you uninstall an app. Phones with Google apps usually carry Google's build, com.google.android.packageinstaller, while phones without Google services keep this package name. Before Android 10 it also contained the permission screens that now belong to Permission controller.
If you disable it
Installing apps from files or other stores and uninstalling apps through the normal prompts fails, and community reports describe boot loops on some phones. Never disable it.
How to disable it
On most phones Settings greys out Disable for this package, so ADB is the way to turn it off. The commands below work without root and can be undone.
Turn it back on
adb shell pm enable com.android.packageinstallerRestore it after a per-user uninstall
adb shell cmd package install-existing com.android.packageinstallerData and battery
Reads the app files you choose to install.
Where it appears
- Made by Android Open Source Project.
Questions people ask
What is com.android.packageinstaller?
com.android.packageinstaller is Package installer. The open source package installer that confirms app installs and uninstalls on phones without Google's build.
Can I disable Package installer?
No. Do not remove it: disabling or uninstalling it can leave the phone unusable.
What happens if I disable Package installer?
Installing apps from files or other stores and uninstalling apps through the normal prompts fails, and community reports describe boot loops on some phones. Never disable it.
Sources
- Android source: PackageInstallerAndroid source
- Android Developers: PackageInstallerDeveloper documentation
- Universal Android Debloater list entryCommunity list
Each source answered when this page was checked on 25 October 2026.
Confidence: Vendor documentation. Backed by the maker's own documentation, the Android source or the Play listing. How we decide a verdict.
Cite this page: https://mysystemapp.com/packages/com.android.packageinstaller/ (verified 25 October 2026). Something wrong or out of date? Request a correction.