WebView is a system component in Android that allows apps to display web content (like webpages) directly inside the app — without needing to open a separate web browser.

How It Works:

• Powered by Chromium: On most Android devices, WebView is based on Chromium (the open-source version of Chrome).
• System Component: WebView is usually updated separately from the OS via Google Play (unless you’re using a custom ROM like iodéOS).
• Customizable: Developers can use WebView in their apps using Android APIs, and users of privacy-focused OSes can sometimes choose which version to use (e.g., Bromite WebView or Vanadium WebView).

In iodéOS:

Unlike other components, we don’t replace WebView with a fully degoogled alternative as this might break functionality in apps. Instead, we rely on our adblocker to block unwanted traffic from WebView.

To switch between available WebView providers:

1. Enable Developer Options: Navigate to Settings > About phone and tap the Build number multiple times until you see a message confirming that Developer Options are enabled.
2. Access WebView Implementation Settings: Go to Settings > System > Developer options > WebView implementation.
3. Select Your Preferred WebView: Choose from the list of installed WebView providers, such as Bromite or Vanadium.