SecureElementApplication

The Android service that lets approved apps talk to secure chips such as the SIM or an embedded secure element. You can disable it, with a caveat: read what stops working first.

What it does

SecureElementApplication runs Android's Open Mobile API service, which lets approved apps exchange commands with a secure element, the tamper-resistant chip on a SIM card or inside the phone that stores keys. Carrier apps, some payment and transit apps, and digital key features use it. It starts at boot and handles requests only when such an app connects.

If you disable it

Apps that keep credentials on the SIM or the embedded secure element, including some payment, transit, carrier and digital car key features, stop working.

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.

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.se

adb shell pm enable com.android.se

The stronger option removes it for your user only; the original copy stays on the phone and a factory reset brings it back. Prefer disabling: it is easier to undo.

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.se

adb shell cmd package install-existing com.android.se

New to ADB? Set it up in about ten minutes.

Data and battery

Passes commands between authorized apps and the secure chip; it does not store data itself.

Where it appears

• Made by Android Open Source Project.