What Is AppFlash on Android and Do You Need It?

Device carriers and manufacturers have never quite understood users – we don’t like or need bloatware. Yet, Verizon decided all Android users needed AppFlash on their devices. It quietly appeared on existing devices in 2017 and later became preinstalled.

After a lot of opposition, Verizon eventually stopped supporting AppFlash and disabled it on existing devices through updates (whereas newer devices don’t come with it preinstalled). Yep, it’s all been a bit messy, so here’s everything you need to know.

Also read: How to Access an Android Phone With a Broken Screen

What Is AppFlash?

According to Verizon, AppFlash was a content discovery service, designed to be an all-in-one app for finding everything you need to make life easier. From recommending apps and restaurants to movies and getting rides, all you had to do was ask. On the surface, it didn’t sound that bad. After all, Google works similarly when you’re signed in, and sometimes, even when you’re not signed in.

One good feature was that the app was designed to automatically stream any content you needed without having to download another app to do so.

It came preinstalled on Verizon’s Android devices. However, it didn’t look like a traditional app. Instead, it worked as a type of left homescreen. If enabled, all you had to do was swipe left from your homescreen to view it.

Is AppFlash Safe?

The answer is yes and no. Much like any app that provides personalized recommendations on your phone, AppFlash collected user data as you used your device. This included your location data, even when you’re not using the app. It wasn’t really any better or worse than other popular apps that track your app usage, location, and preferences.

The Electronic Frontier Foundation originally called AppFlash spyware. The EFF recommends users read the privacy policy before enabling the app. Even if it’s not spyware, it’s definitely bloatware if you don’t want it. But, it’s one of the many bloatware apps that you can’t uninstall easily, though there are a few ways to possibly remove it completely.

Also read: 7 of the Best VPN Apps for iPhone and Android

How to Disable AppFlash

What irked users originally was that the app was downloaded, installed, and enabled without permission. Users were asked to quickly agree to the privacy policy just to see what was on their phones. Now it’s disabled by default on newer devices (or not present altogether).

If for some reason AppFlash is still enabled on your device, it’s totally unnecessary and you should disable it yourself. The exact steps may vary slightly based on your Android device and system.

1. Go to “Settings -> Display.”

2. Tap “Home screen.”

3. Choose “Left Home screen.”

4. Tap AppFlash to enable it. If you want to disable it, select another left home screen option or select None. Tap OK to save your changes.

If you installed AppFlash yourself, you’ll have the option to uninstall it like any other Android app. If it’s preinstalled, it may not even be listed in your available apps. If it is, the only option is to disable it.

Alternatively, you might see an AppFlash slider instead of a Left Home Screen option. If so, turn the AppFlash slider to Off.

Dealing with AppFlash Crashes

Even though AppFlash serves no function any more, it can still cause problems by crashing. You might see an error message saying “AppFlash has crashed” on any number of installed apps. You don’t have to put up with it though, and should disable it as per our instructions above.

If AppFlash was installed without your permission, you can’t uninstall it without rooting your device. If you did install it, uninstalling it will prevent the crashing issue.

Most often, though, the issue is tied to Google Chrome and Android System WebView. Updating both of these apps fixes the crashing problem for most users. You can also try updating the app that’s giving you the error message.

Also read: How to Unlock Android Phone’s Safe Folder

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get AppFlash for new devices?

Currently, no. AppFlash isn’t compatible with newer devices and some of the more prominent manufacturers, such as Samsung and Google.

You can find it on some third-party Android app stores, though you’ll need to allow your device to install from unknown sources. You can grab version 1.25.06, which was a 2020 update, from APKPure.

Are there any alternatives to AppFlash?

By itself, AppFlash wasn’t a terrible idea. However, forcing it on users via an update or as part of the standard bloatware when buying a new device, instantly made users dislike it. If you like the idea of a content discovery service, there are several alternative apps you may want to consider:

• Google – search and personalized discovery tool. (Typically preinstalled on Android devices, but you can disable it if you want.)
• Briefing – customize the left home screen to show what’s most important to you.
• News360 – while more of a news app, it customizes what you see based on how you use it.

Is it better to skip apps like this?

Most apps like AppFlash give you a search box and allow you to follow topics you’re interested in. Based on how you use your device, results are more personalized. Simply signing in to your favorite search engine or browser gives you similar results. Any news, RSS feed reader, or content aggregation app brings you stories on the topics you love.

The more an app personalizes your experience based on use (especially when it sees what you do in other apps), the less private it is. The key is to mix convenience and privacy to get the experience you’re most comfortable with.

With AppFlash deprecated, there’s no reason to keep it around. Remember, you can disable it at any time or even stop it from running in the background. If you have any Android apps that aren’t working, try these fixes to get things back to normal.