How to Get List of Installed Apps on Android Programmatically?

Are you wondering how to get a list of all the installed apps on your Android device? Perhaps you’re developing a new app or just want to explore the apps installed on your phone. Whatever the reason may be, obtaining a list of installed apps programmatically can be useful. In this tutorial, we will guide you through the steps to achieve this.

Step 1: Open Android Studio and create a new Android project.

Step 2: In the project’s build.gradle file, add the following dependency:

"`
dependencies {
implementation ‘androidx.recyclerview:recyclerview:1.2.0’
}
"`

Step 3: Create a new class called `InstalledAppsActivity` and add the necessary code to retrieve the list of installed apps.

"`java
public class InstalledAppsActivity extends AppCompatActivity {

private RecyclerView recyclerView;
private RecyclerView.Adapter adapter;
private RecyclerView.LayoutManager layoutManager;

@Override
protected void onCreate(Bundle savedInstanceState) {
super.onCreate(savedInstanceState);
setContentView(R.layout.activity_installed_apps);

recyclerView = findViewById(R.id.recyclerView);

// Get a list of installed apps
List installedApps = getPackageManager().getInstalledApplications(0);

// Create an adapter and set it to the RecyclerView
adapter = new InstalledAppsAdapter(installedApps);
layoutManager = new LinearLayoutManager(this);
recyclerView.setAdapter(adapter);
recyclerView.setLayoutManager(layoutManager);
}
}
"`

Step 4: Create a new layout file called `activity_installed_apps.xml` and add the following code:

"`xml


"`

Step 5: Create a new class called `InstalledAppsAdapter` to handle the app list display in the RecyclerView:

"`java
public class InstalledAppsAdapter extends RecyclerView.Adapter {

private List installedApps;

public static class ViewHolder extends RecyclerView.ViewHolder {
public TextView appName;

public ViewHolder(View itemView) {
super(itemView);
appName = itemView.findViewById(R.id.appName);
}
}

public InstalledAppsAdapter(List installedApps) {
this.installedApps = installedApps;
}

@Override
public ViewHolder onCreateViewHolder(ViewGroup parent, int viewType) {
View view = LayoutInflater.from(parent.getContext()).inflate(R.layout.item_app, parent, false);
ViewHolder viewHolder = new ViewHolder(view);
return viewHolder;
}

@Override
public void onBindViewHolder(ViewHolder holder, int position) {
ApplicationInfo appInfo = installedApps.get(position);
holder.appName.setText(appInfo.loadLabel(holder.itemView.getContext().getPackageManager()));
}

@Override
public int getItemCount() {
return installedApps.size();
}
}
"`

Step 6: Create a new layout file called `item_app.xml` and add the following code:

"`xml


"`

Step 7: Run the app on your device or emulator, and you will see a list of installed apps displayed in the RecyclerView.

Now you have successfully implemented the functionality to retrieve and display a list of installed apps on Android programmatically. You can further customize the `InstalledAppsAdapter` class and the `item_app.xml` layout file to enhance the app list display according to your needs.

ProsCons
1. Gain insight into the apps installed on an Android device.1. Requires basic knowledge of Android programming.
2. Useful for app developers to analyze user behavior and preferences.2. Only provides information on installed apps, not detailed usage data.
3. Can be integrated into your own app for added functionality.3. May require additional permissions depending on the Android version.

Video Tutorial:How do I get a list of all apps installed on Android?

What is the application list view in Android?

The application list view in Android, also commonly referred to as the app drawer, is a feature that allows users to access and manage all the installed applications on their Android devices. It serves as a central hub for organizing and locating apps, providing a convenient way to navigate through the various software applications installed on the device without cluttering the home screen.

Here’s how the application list view typically works on Android:

1. Accessing the Application List View: To access the application list view, users can either tap on the app drawer icon (typically represented by a grid of dots, a circle, or a square) located on the home screen’s dock or swipe up from the bottom of the screen if it’s supported by their device’s user interface.

2. App Organization: Once in the application list view, users are presented with a vertically scrollable list or a grid layout of all the installed apps on the device. These apps are usually organized alphabetically, making it easier to find specific applications based on their names.

3. App Searching: To quickly locate a specific app in the list, Android provides a search bar at the top of the application list view. Users can simply type in the name of the app they’re looking for, and the list will dynamically update to display matching results in real-time.

4. App Launching: Tapping on an app’s icon within the application list view will launch the respective application, taking the user directly to its main interface or a designated starting point.

5. App Management: Android’s application list view also offers additional features for managing apps. These may include options to uninstall, disable, or force-stop applications, as well as options to sort or rearrange the app list based on different criteria like most used, recently installed, or custom preferences.

The application list view in Android provides an efficient way for users to organize and access their installed applications, allowing for a more streamlined and personalized user experience. It helps to reduce clutter on the home screen and simplifies app management on Android devices.

How to get list of installed apps in ADB command?

To obtain a list of installed apps using the ADB (Android Debug Bridge) command, follow these steps:

1. Ensure ADB is properly installed: Verify that you have ADB installed on your computer. If not, download the Android SDK platform-tools package, which includes ADB, from the Android Developers website.

2. Connect your Android device: Connect your Android device to your computer using a USB cable. Make sure USB debugging is enabled on the device. You can enable it by going to "Settings > Developer options" on most Android devices. If Developer options are not visible in your settings, go to "Settings > About phone" and tap on the "Build number" multiple times until you see a message saying "You are now a developer."

3. Open a command prompt or terminal: Launch a command prompt or terminal window on your computer. On Windows, press the Windows key, type "cmd," and press Enter. On macOS or Linux, use the search functionality to find the Terminal application.

4. Navigate to the directory where ADB is located: Change the current working directory in the command prompt or terminal to the directory where ADB is installed. This step might not be necessary if ADB is already in your system’s PATH variable.

5. Execute the ADB command: Once you are in the correct directory, enter the following command in the command prompt or terminal:

"`
adb shell pm list packages
"`

This command will retrieve a list of all installed packages on your Android device.

6. Filter the list if desired: The list of packages generated by the above command can be quite extensive. If you want to filter the results to only display user-installed apps, you can use the following command instead:

"`
adb shell pm list packages -3
"`

This command will only show the packages that have been installed by the user.

That’s it! You should now have a list of installed apps on your Android device using the ADB command. Remember to consult the official Android documentation or other reputable sources for further details and commands related to ADB usage.

How do I find hidden apps installed?

As a tech blogger, I understand that privacy and security are important aspects of using smartphones. If you suspect that there might be hidden apps installed on your device, here are a few steps you can take to find them:

1. Check the App Drawer: Start by thoroughly going through the apps visible on your device’s app drawer or home screen. Swipe through the pages and folders to ensure you haven’t missed any apps.

2. In-App Settings: Some apps provide the option to hide their icons within their own settings. Look for an option that allows you to hide or disguise the app icon. For example, apps like Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher offer this functionality in their settings.

3. App Permissions: Reviewing app permissions can provide insight into the app’s behavior and potential hidden activities. Head to your device’s Settings, find the App Management or App Permissions section, and go through the list of apps you’ve installed. Look for any suspicious or unfamiliar apps that have excessive permissions.

4. App Manager: On Android devices, you can use the App Manager feature to find hidden apps. Go to your device’s Settings, then Apps or Application Manager, and look for options like "Show System Apps" or "Hidden Apps." Enabling these options reveals all the apps, including the hidden ones, so you can identify and manage them.

5. Search for Suspicious Keywords: If you can’t find hidden apps using the methods above, search your device using specific keywords related to hidden apps. Terms like "privacy," "vault," "hidden," or "secret" may uncover any applications that were specifically designed for hiding content or activities.

6. Use Third-Party Scanning Tools: If the above steps don’t help, you can consider using reputable third-party apps specifically designed to scan for hidden apps. These apps can detect and list any apps that may not be visible through regular means.

Remember, these steps are primarily for Android devices, as iOS tends to have stricter security measures and limited options for hiding apps. Additionally, it’s always advisable to exercise caution when downloading and installing apps from unofficial sources, as they may come with hidden or malicious intentions.

How do I list all installed apps?

To list all installed apps on your iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, or iPhone 14 Plus running iOS 16, you can follow these steps:

1. Unlock your iPhone and go to the home screen.
2. Swipe left or right with your finger to navigate through the screens and find the "App Library" screen.
3. Tap on the search bar at the top of the App Library screen.
4. This will show you an alphabetical list of all the installed apps on your iPhone.
5. You can scroll through the list or use the search bar to find a specific app.
6. To open an app, simply tap on its icon in the list.

By following these steps, you can easily view a complete list of all the apps installed on your iPhone 14 series device. This feature is convenient for quickly accessing any app without the need to search for it on multiple screens.

How do I find hidden apps on Android?

Finding hidden apps on Android can be useful for various reasons, such as ensuring privacy, detecting malware or unauthorized apps, or simply satisfying curiosity. Here are the steps to find hidden apps on Android:

1. Check the App Drawer: The App Drawer is the home for all installed apps on your Android device. Swipe up or down on your home screen to access it. Look for any unfamiliar icons or names that don’t correspond to apps you remember installing.

2. Disable Hidden App Icons: Some Android devices allow you to hide app icons from the App Drawer. To see if any hidden icons are present, go to your device’s Settings, then Apps or Applications. Look for options like "Hide apps," "App Hide," or similar. You may need to enter a password, PIN, or fingerprint to access this feature.

3. Review Installed Apps: Open your device’s Settings and go to Apps or Applications. Here, you’ll find a list of all installed apps. Scroll through the list and look for any apps that appear suspicious or unfamiliar. Pay attention to unusual names or generic icons that don’t match well-known apps.

4. Use Third-Party App Managers: If the above steps don’t reveal hidden apps, you can try using third-party app managers, such as "App Manager" or "Hidden App Detector." These apps scan your device for hidden or malicious applications and provide a list of any findings.

5. Check Running Apps: Another way to uncover hidden apps is by checking running apps. Go to your device’s Settings, then Apps or Applications, followed by the "Running" or "Running Services" option. Look for any suspicious or unfamiliar apps running in the background.

6. Analyze Battery Usage: Hidden apps often run in the background and consume battery resources. To check battery usage, go to Settings, then Battery or Battery Usage. Look for any apps consuming more battery than expected. Be cautious if you find an app that you don’t recognize or that has a generic name.

7. Scan with Antivirus Apps: Use reputable antivirus apps from trusted developers to scan your device for malware or hidden apps. Popular options include Avast, Kaspersky, or Bitdefender. Run a deep or full scan to ensure comprehensive detection.

By following these steps, you should be able to find any hidden apps on your Android device. Remember to review apps carefully, ensuring they are from trusted sources, and uninstall any suspicious or unwanted applications once discovered.