Android System WebView
Keep
The built-in browser engine, based on Chrome, that other apps use to show web pages inside their own screens.
Android (AOSP) package
Android System WebView
Keep: com.android.webview Keep Vendor documentation
The open source build of Android System WebView, used on phones that do not ship Google's WebView. Keep it: Android System WebView is needed for the phone, its updates or its security.
Searching for it by name? Read the full answer on Android System WebView .
What it does
This is the Android Open Source Project's WebView package, the engine apps use to show web content inside their own screens. Open source builds use com.android.webview by default, while phones with Google apps use Google's com.google.android.webview and usually leave this one missing or switched off. Where it is the active WebView, it is updated with system updates rather than through the Play Store.
Also shown as AOSP WebView.
If you disable it
If it is the phone's active WebView, apps that show web content display blank screens or crash; if Google's WebView is active instead, nothing changes.
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.
Disable it (reversible)
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.webviewTurn it back on
adb shell pm enable com.android.webviewThe 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.
Uninstall for the main user
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.webviewRestore after an uninstall
adb shell cmd package install-existing com.android.webviewNew to ADB? Set it up in about ten minutes.
Data and battery
Loads the web pages apps request inside those apps.
Where it appears
- Made by Android Open Source Project.
Questions people ask
What is com.android.webview?
com.android.webview is Android System WebView. The open source build of Android System WebView, used on phones that do not ship Google's WebView.
Can I disable Android System WebView?
Keep it: Android System WebView is needed for the phone, its updates or its security. On most phones it takes ADB.
What happens if I disable Android System WebView?
If it is the phone's active WebView, apps that show web content display blank screens or crash; if Google's WebView is active instead, nothing changes.
Sources
- Android source: chromium-webview prebuiltsAndroid source
- Chromium docs: WebView for AOSP system integratorsDeveloper 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.webview/ (verified 25 October 2026). Something wrong or out of date? Request a correction.