Android as we know it consists of hundreds of small packages and apps running behind the scene, keeping everything together. Some of these background services are embedded in Android, while manufacturers later add some as their phones roll off the assembly line.
In this article, we’re talking about Applinker, what it is, what it does and everything else you need to know.
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What is Applinker?
Simply put, the Applinker is a built-in system app in Android that redirects URLs to the correct app. For example, if you tap a link to a Whatsapp chat in Chrome on your phone, the Applinker will automatically detect installed apps that can open that particular link and then open Whatsapp.
The Applinker package varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, but the basic functionality remains the same. If you’ve got multiple apps installed that can handle a particular type of link, the Applinker will ask you what app you want to open if you haven’t already set a default app.
Is it safe?
It’s common practice for threat actors and malware developers to disguise viruses, malware and malicious apps as legitimate system services to avoid detection and hide their true intentions. However, in the case of Applinker, the app is legitimate and perfectly safe to use.
To function properly, the app linker does, however, require some sensitive phone permissions, including access to the Phone and Storage apps.
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How to fix Applinker problems?
Just because it’s a system app that doesn’t mean it can’t run into problems. If you’re having problems with Applinker crashing or not working as intended, here are some solutions you can try out.
Restart your phone
Restarting your device is one of the easiest and most hassle-free ways you can use to resolve seemingly random issues. Restarting the device loads all the required drivers and system files necessary for operations again, and this can get rid of any random crashes.
Update your OS
A system update will often resolve any crashes or errors you’re facing in the operating system. Updating it can eliminate all such matters if there’s a bug in the OS or an issue with the current software version installed on your phone.
- Open your phone’s settings and scroll down to System.
- Tap on Advanced.
- Tap on System Updates.
- Your device will automatically start downloading any available updates.
Wait for the updates to download and install and for your device to reboot.
Factory reset
This might sound drastic, but as a last resort, you can try factory resetting your phone to resolve the issue.
- Head over to your phone’s settings and tap on System.
- Tap on Advanced.
- Tap on Reset options.
- Tap Erase all data (factory reset)
- Tap the final confirmation and wait for your device to reboot.
This should help fix any problems with the package.
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Can you uninstall Applinker?
We don’t recommend uninstalling Applinker as it might cause problems for the apps that depend on it for redirection. Besides, removing Applinker will mean you’ll have to copy and paste links between apps manually.
However, should you want to remove the app, you can use the ADB or root your phone and use a third-party app remover. For the sake of simplicity, we’ll be taking the ADB way.
Once you’ve downloaded and set up ADB on your computer, you will have to enable USB debugging on your phone. Once these two requirements are met, you can open a terminal with the ADB daemon and type the following command to uninstall the app from your phone.
pm uninstall –user 0 com.sec.android.applinker
Remember that the package name might differ depending on your phone model and manufacturer.
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