How to Convert User Apps to System Apps on Android: A Step-by-Step Guide
Have you ever wanted to take your favorite user app and turn it into a system app, giving it access to special privileges and resources that are typically reserved for pre-installed apps? Well, the good news is that with the right instructions and tools, you can do just that! By converting your user apps into system apps, you can enjoy a whole new level of integration with your Android's operating system, better performance and stability, and enhanced security.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of converting user apps into system apps on your Android smartphone, exploring the benefits and risks of doing so along the way. So, grab your smartphone and get ready to unleash the full potential of your favorite apps!
Converting User apps into System Apps :
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Before getting into the specifics about how you can convert your user apps into system apps, let's have a clear understanding about what "user apps" and "system apps" actually mean.
What are User Apps and System Apps?
User Apps: User apps are those apps that you download and install on your smartphone from the Google Play Store or any other app stores depending upon the type of smartphone in use.
System Apps: System apps are those apps that are already pre-installed on your device and are an essential component of the operating system.
Let's now discuss how you can convert your user apps into system apps:
1. By using your File Manager App
The first method involves using a file manager app such as ES File Explorer to copy the APK file of the user app to the system partition of your device. For this method, you will first need to ensure that your device is rooted which means that you should have the superuser access of your smartphone's system files. If not then, you will first need to root it and then follow the following steps:
- Step 1: Install and open the ES File Explorer app on your smartphone, navigate to the app you want to convert to a system app.
- Step 2: Tap and hold the app icon to select it, then click on the three-dot icon at the bottom right corner of the screen.
- Step 3: Navigate to the dropdown menu, select the "Properties" option, scroll down and then click on the "Change" option next to the "Permission" section.
- Step 4: A new window shall now appear. Enable the "Root Explorer" option, grant it root access if prompted and then navigate to the /system/app folder.
- Step 5: Paste the APK file of the app you want to convert into this folder. Once pasted, tap and hold the APK file to select it, then click on the three-dot icon at the bottom right corner of the screen.
- Step 6: From the dropdown menu, select the "Properties" option again. In the Properties window, click on the "Change" option next to the "Permission" section again.
- Step 7: In the new window that appears, set the permission to "rw-r--r--" for Owner, Group, and Others.
You may now reboot your smartphone to complete the whole process. Once your smartphone reboots, the user app should now get converted into a system app.
Note: Here you need to keep in mind that converting user apps into system apps can have potential risks, so it is essential to proceed with caution and only convert apps from trusted sources.
2. By using Android Debug Bridge (ADB) Commands
The second method involves using Android Debug Bridge (ADB) commands to convert the user app into a system app. This method does not require your device to be rooted. So you don't have to root your device in order to undergo the following steps:
- Step 1: Connect your device to your computer using the USB cable and then enable the USB debugging option in the developer options of your smartphone.
- Step 2: Now, open a command prompt on your computer and enter the following command in it and press enter:
adb shell pm install -r -d /data/app/[user app name].apk
Advantages Of System Apps Over User Apps?
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When it comes to the advantages of system apps, the ability to not get removed from the device is something that gets a great deal of attention. However, it is not the only advantage that system app have over User apps.
Here are some of the other advantages you might have not known till now:
1. Enhanced permissions
One of the advantage of system apps over user apps is that the system apps have more privileges and can access more resources on your device. This means that the app may run more smoothly and efficiently in your smartphone than it already did when it was installed as a user app in your smartphone.
2. Integration with OS
System apps are designed to work closely with the operating system, which means they can access resources and functionality that user apps cannot. For example, system apps can interact with the hardware and the kernel of the device, which allows them to perform low-level tasks such as managing system resources and controlling power consumption. User apps do not have access to these resources and must rely on the system to provide them with the necessary resources.
3. Accessibility
System apps are always available, even if the user has not installed any third-party apps. This means that users can use basic features such as making calls, sending messages, and accessing the internet, without having to install any additional apps. User apps, on the other hand, require the user to download and install them before they can be used.
4. Security
System apps are generally more secure than user apps because they are built into the operating system and are subject to stricter security protocols. System apps are also updated more frequently than user apps, which means that any security vulnerabilities can be quickly addressed. User apps, on the other hand, may not be updated as frequently, and their security may be compromised if the user installs them from untrusted sources.
5. Efficiency
System apps are optimized to use the minimum amount of resources possible, which means they are more efficient than user apps. System apps also run in the background without affecting the performance of the device, whereas user apps can consume a lot of resources and drain the battery quickly.
6. Stability
System apps are designed to be stable and reliable, which means they are less likely to crash or cause other problems. User apps, on the other hand, may be less stable because they are developed by third-party developers who may not have the same level of expertise or resources as the system app developers.
Disadvantages Of System Apps Over User Apps?
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While system apps have clear advantages over user apps, they also have some disadvantages that you as a user should always be aware of.
Here are some of the main disadvantages of system apps:
1. Limited Customization
System apps are typically designed to perform specific functions and may not be easily customizable. Users who want to customize the appearance or behavior of system apps may not be able to do so without modifying the operating system itself, which can be a complex and risky process.
2. Limited Innovation
System apps are typically developed by the operating system's manufacturer and may not be updated as frequently or be as innovative as user apps. User apps, on the other hand, are developed by a wide range of third-party developers, and the competition between them can lead to more innovation and faster development.
3. Lack of User Control
System apps are often designed to work in the background without user intervention, which means users may not have control over how they operate or how they use system resources. This lack of control can lead to frustration for users who want to manage their device's performance or customize their experience.
4. Bloatware
Some system apps may be considered bloatware because they take up valuable storage space and cannot be uninstalled by the user. This can be particularly frustrating for users who have limited storage space on their device and want to remove apps that they don't use or need.
5. Compatibility Issues
System apps may not be compatible with all devices or all versions of the operating system. This can be particularly problematic for users who have older devices or who are using a customized version of the operating system.
Conclusion
To summarize it all, we discussed the methods which you can use to convert your user apps into system apps. We also got to know that converting the user apps into system apps on android tend to provide various advantages that are typically reserved for pre-installed apps. Some of the advantages include enhanced permissions, accessibility, security, integration with OS and increased efficiency. However, doing so also tends to come with a variety of disadvantages too. These include limited customization, limited innovation, lack of user control, bloatware, and compatibility issues. So as a user, one should always be aware of these advantages and disadvantages when choosing which apps to install on their devices and should consider the pros and cons of each app carefully before making a decision.
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