Is System UI a Spy App? How to Find and Remove It?

System UI (user interface) refers to any element displayed on the screen that is not part of an app. It plays a significant role in how we use our devices. In other words, System UI is a legitimate Android operating system (OS) component used to interact with your phone. So, everything you see on your smartphone or tablet is a System UI. However, because it is hidden from our eyes, it raises concerns about its safety and reliability.

In this review, we will explain what the System UI is and respond to whether it is an Android application or not. We will answer the two main questions that interest many people: “Is System UI safe?” and “How to find System UI on Android?”. Let’s delve in. 

System UI Meaning

So, what is System UI spyware? System UI on Android is a set of graphical user elements for presenting visual aspects of the Android device’s operating system. 

What does System UI do? Simply put, it is what you see on your screen. Briefly, user-visible aspects of System UI are the taskbar, notification bar, quick settings, start menu, screen brightness, rotation, etc. It is how you interact with your Android device and see its features and settings. System UI is a core element of Android devices, allowing us to see and understand how they work. 

System UI vs. Spy Apps

Well, is System UI a spy app? Android’s System UI is like the face of your phone, displaying all the buttons, icons, and visual stuff on your Android system. System User Interface cannot affect your system compared to viruses or other malware, whereas some spy apps may tamper your phone settings and influence its performance.

Developed by Google, the company that stays for the development of Android devices, System UI’s code is open and is not hidden from the public view. It means that anyone can quickly check it if desired. So, the answer to the question, “Is System UI a spy app?” is “No, it is not”.

Could There Be Any Spy App Named System UI?

Most spyware is installed with generic system application names like System Service, Play Service, System Update Service, etc. In most cases, no app would be installed and named “System UI”. Unfortunately, it does not mean that it is a rule. It is because many spy app developers frequently use different names for their spy apps to make their apps as trustworthy looking as possible so that the target user cannot notice any suspicious activities on their cell phone. It complicates the answer to the above-discussed question, “Is System UI a spy app?” It may be a spy app if the dev decides to rename their spyware into System UI to increase their app’s trustworthiness and reliability. 

How to Find System UI Apps Installed on the Phone?

So, where is System UI on Android phones and how to check whether it is really what it says, not malicious software? Here are the steps you have to follow to succeed with it.

1. Navigate to the Settings app on your device and choose “App Management”.
2. Check whether there is a “System UI” app installed. None?
3. Tap on the hamburger menu icon (three vertical dots) at the top right corner of your screen.
4. Choose “Show system”.

5. That time, you will see the System UI app listed between the apps installed on your phone. 

Have you seen it on your cell phone? It’s a warning sign you should not ignore. Do you want to know the alternative solution to detect System UI on your phone? Alright. Have you ever heard about app drawer? If not, the app drawer, in brief, is an Android menu that shows all the installed apps on your device. Bear in mind that system apps don’t appear in the app drawer. If you check your app drawer and see System UI listed with the other apps, it is likely spyware that was hiddenly installed on the phone.

What About the System UI Removal? 

Is the question “How to turn off System UI” is what you are searching for now? Luckily, we have a quick answer for you. The only way to disable the System UI on your Android cell phone is to root it. However, it is risky. Although rooting gives you deeper access, it may void warranties and requires caution, as removing the System UI may impact your device’s stability and security.

If you detected a spy app on your phone in the app drawer and search for System UI spyware removal solutions, consider installing a spyware removal tool and performing an antivirus software scan, making sure that Play Protect services are enabled, or factor resetting your gadget.

System UI Tuner and How It Is Used on Android Device

A while back, Android introduced something cool called the System UI Tuner. It’s like a special menu in your phone system settings that lets you change how things look on your screen, including the status bar, ambient display, etc. You can mess with the top and bottom bars, make apps go full screen, and even turn on night mode or a dark theme. Unfortunately, this feature was discontinued from V8 Android. 

However, if you use an Android 6 or 7 version, here’s a quick  guide that will help you access the System UI Tuner:

1. Go to the Settings menu or access it by sliding down the quick navigation panel on your cell phone. 
2. Press the “Settings” icon.

3. In a moment, you will see that System UI is enabled. If you do not see this message, your Android device does not have the System UI Tuner tool.

How to detect whether System UI a spy app is installed on your device if it runs on Android version 9 or above?

1. Open system apps like Google Play Store and download System UI Tuner. 
2. Install the app. 
3. Tap “Status Bar” (here, you can turn on/off all the options available on your cell phone).

Is System UI a Spy App? Verdict

So, as you know now, System UI is not a spy app. It is an essential app that handles the user interface of a device. However, there are malicious spyware that can name themselves as System UI. However, if you follow the recommendations mentioned in this article, you will readily detect any suspicious app installed and prevent your phone from potential security risks and unauthorized access.