Android System WebView
Keep
The open source build of Android System WebView, used on phones that do not ship Google's WebView.
Google package
Android System WebView
Keep: com.google.android.webview Keep Vendor documentation
The built-in browser engine, based on Chrome, that other apps use to show web pages inside their own screens. 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
Android System WebView is the component apps use to display web content without opening a browser, such as help pages, sign-in screens, ads and in-app articles. Google builds it from the same Chromium code as Chrome and preinstalls it on phones with Google apps. It updates through the Play Store on Chrome's release schedule, which is why it appears in update lists so often. It only runs when an app opens a web view.
Also shown as WebView, Google WebView.
If you disable it
Apps that show web content display blank screens or crash, including many sign-in pages, help screens and HTML email. Some apps refuse to start.
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.google.android.webviewTurn it back on
adb shell pm enable com.google.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.google.android.webviewRestore after an uninstall
adb shell cmd package install-existing com.google.android.webviewNew to ADB? Set it up in about ten minutes.
Data and battery
Loads whatever pages the host app requests under that app's settings, and may send crash reports and usage statistics to Google when usage and diagnostics sharing is on.
Where it appears
- Made by Google LLC.
- Listed on Google Play: Android System WebView on Google Play.
Questions people ask
What is com.google.android.webview?
com.google.android.webview is Android System WebView. The built-in browser engine, based on Chrome, that other apps use to show web pages inside their own screens.
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?
Apps that show web content display blank screens or crash, including many sign-in pages, help screens and HTML email. Some apps refuse to start.
Why does Android System WebView update so often?
Google ships it with each Chrome release and adds security fixes in between, so a new version reaches the Play Store every few weeks. Keeping it current matters because every app that shows web pages uses it.
Can I uninstall Android System WebView?
Only its updates can be removed, which rolls it back to the older build that came with the phone. That build has known security holes, so leave it installed and updated.
Sources
- Google Play: Android System WebViewGoogle Play listing
- Android Developers: Build web apps in WebViewDeveloper documentation
- 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.google.android.webview/ (verified 25 October 2026). Something wrong or out of date? Request a correction.