If you have ever looked at the list of installed applications on your Android smartphone, then for sure noticed a mysterious application called "Feedback"** (English Feedback or Google Feedback). It does not have a desktop shortcut, does not send notifications, and generally behaves extremely modestly. But why is it taking up space in memory, and can it be deleted? In this article, we will take a detailed look at what this application is, how it works and what data it collects about your device.
At first glance, it may seem that "Feedback"** is just a tool for sending complaints or suggestions to developers. However, in fact, its functions are much broader and are closely related to the operation of the operating system Android. Moreover, this application can affect the stability of your phone, software updates, and even interaction with services Google. Let's see why you shouldn't ignore it.
What is the "Feedback" app on Android?
Application "Feedback"** (package com.google.android.feedback) is a system component developed by company Google to collect data on the operation of the device. Its main task is to automatically record failures, errors and malfunctions in the system, and then send this data to servers Google for analysis. This helps engineers quickly identify bugs, optimize performance and release fixes in new versions. You will not find it in Android.
It is important to understand that this not a custom application, but a system service. You won't find it in Google Playand it is not intended to be started manually. It works in the background, activating only when critical errors occur or when requested by the system. For example, if the application suddenly closed (crash), you could see a pop-up window asking you to send a report - this is the work "Feedback"**.
- ๐ฑ System component: built into the firmware Android, does not require separate installation.
- ๐ Automatic data collection: records crashes, freezes and errors without user intervention.
- ๐ค Sending reports: data is transferred to Google for improvement OS stability.
- ๐ Minimal impact on performance: works only when necessary, without loading the processor.
Interestingly, in some firmware (for example, on devices Samsung or Xiaomi) there may be a similar application from the manufacturer - for example, Samsung Members or Mi Feedback. However, "Feedback"** from Google is responsible specifically for system errors Android, and not for brand settings.
What data does the application collect?
Many users are worried that "Feedback"** may collect personal information. In fact, it focuses solely on technical dataneeded to diagnose problems. Here's what exactly is recorded:
- ๐ Error logs: information about application and system failures (for example, exception codes
ANRorCrash). - ๐ฑ Device model and Android version: to understand which phones are having problems.
- ๐ Battery and memory status: charge level, free disk space at the time of failure.
- ๐ Network parameters: connection type (Wi-Fi, mobile network), strength signal.
- โ๏ธ System settings: language, region, firmware version.
Important: the application does not collect your photos, messages, passwords or browser history All data is anonymized and is used only for. technical analysis. However, if you still want to limit the collection of information, this can be done in the settings - we will talk about this further.
In rare cases, "Feedback"** it may request additional data - for example, a screenshot of the screen at the time of the error. But this happens only with your explicit consent through a pop-up window, without user confirmation. no data is transferred.
Is it possible to delete the Feedback application?
Technically, you can delete "Feedback"** but this is not recommended. system, uninstalling it may lead to unstable operation of the device. Here's what can happen:
- โ ๏ธ Lack of reports about failures: Google will not receive data about problems on your device, which may slow down the release of fixes.
- โ ๏ธ Errors when updating Android: some firmware checks the integrity of system components before installation.
- โ ๏ธ Unpredictable OS behavior: freezes or spontaneous reboots are possible.
If you still want to get rid of the application, there are two ways:
- Disable (without deleting): go to
Settings โ Applications โ Show system โ Feedback โ Disable. This will stop it from working, but will not delete the files. - Delete via ADB (for advanced users): requires connection to a computer and the command:
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.feedbackโ ๏ธ Attention: After deleting, you will not be able to restore the application without resetting the phone to factory settings.
An alternative option is restrict Internet access for the application. This will prevent data from being sent, but will not affect the stability of the system. You can do this in the mobile data or Wi-Fi settings for a specific application.
How to disable data collection in โFeedbackโ?
If you are concerned about privacy, you can configure data collection settings or completely prohibit their sending. Here's how to do it:
- Disable automatic sending of reports:
- Go to
Settings โ Google โ Services on the device โ Error reporting. - Select "Do not send" or "Ask before sending".
- Go to
- Limit diagnostic data:
- In the same settings, disable the option "Improve Android"** (Improve Android).
On some devices (for example, Samsung or Huawei), the path to the settings may be different. If you do not find the item you need, use the search in the settings for the request "error report"**.
Disable automatic sending reports|Prohibit Internet access for the application|Check settings after updating Android|Use alternative firmware (for example, LineageOS)-->
Please note: even after disabling data collection, the application "Feedback"** can be activated during critical system failures. You can completely block its operation only by deleting it (with all the risks).
Does "Feedback" affect the performance of the phone?
One of the common misconceptions is that system applications seem to slow down the phone. In fact, its effect on performance is minimal for several reasons. reasons: "Feedback"** slow down the phone. In fact, its impact on performance is minimal for several reasons:
- ๐ Works only in case of failures: activated only when an error occurs, and not constantly.
- ๐ Low resource consumption: does not load the processor and RAM in the background.
- ๐๏ธ Small data volume: takes up less
10 MBon disk (compared to Facebook weighs ~200 MB).
To check how many resources the application consumes, open Settings โ Applications โ Feedback โ Memory and cache. You will see that it uses a small amount of RAM and does not consume battery power.
| Option | "Feedback" | Average user application |
|---|---|---|
| Disk space | 5โ10 MB |
50โ500 MB |
| RAM usage | 10โ30 MB (only with failure) |
100โ800 MB (permanent) |
| Impact on battery | Minimal | Moderate/high |
| Background activity | Only with errors | Continuous (notifications, synchronization) |
If your phone has become slower, most likely the problem is not in "Feedback"**, and in other factors: overloaded memory, background software or viruses. For diagnostics, use the built-in tools (Settings โ Device maintenance on Samsung) or applications like AccuBattery.
What is the difference between "Feedback" and others system apps?
Android has several system apps that may seem similar to "Feedback"**but perform different functions. Let's look at the differences:
- ๐ง Google Play Services: responsible for the operation of services Google (authorization, geolocation, push notifications). Without it, many applications will not work.
- ๐ก Android System WebView: ensures the display of web content within applications (for example, in Instagram or banking apps).
- ๐ Device Health Services: collects data on battery status and performance to optimize energy consumption.
- ๐ฌ Google Feedback (our topic): captures only errors and failures without affecting the operation of other services.
Unlike the listed components, "Feedback" is not critical for everyday use of the phone. For example, without Google Play Services you will not be able to use YouTube or Gmail, and without "Feedback" bug reports will simply stop being sent - but the phone will work.
On devices with custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or GrapheneOS) this application may be missing or replaced with an open source equivalent. In such cases, failure data is collected through alternative mechanisms.
Problems with the Feedback application and their solutions
Although "Feedback"** usually works quietly, sometimes problems can arise with it. Let's look at typical situations and ways to eliminate them:
- โ Continuous notifications about failures:
If the application prompts you to send a report too often, this may indicate system instability. Check if the phone is overheating, or reset the cache in
Settings โ Storage โ Cached data. - โ ๏ธ Error โFeedback has stoppedโ**:
This message appears if system files are damaged. Try clearing the application cache in the settings or updating services Google Play.
- ๐ The application does not send reports:
Check your Internet connection and date/time settings. If the problem persists, the device may have unofficial firmware installed that blocks sending data.
If after the update Android "Feedback"** starts to behave incorrectly, try the following steps:
Restart the phone|Clear cache applications|Check for updates on Google Play|Reset network settings-->
As a last resort, you can reset your phone to factory settings, but before that, be sure to back up your data. If the problem is related to a specific update Android, follow the news on the forums (for example, XDA Developers) - a patch may already be released.
โ ๏ธ Attention: on some devices (especially with firmware from manufacturers, for example, MIUI or One UI) the operation of โFeedbackโ may depend on branded services. After deleting system applications, conflicts are possible - be careful!
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the "Feedback" application
Is it possible to completely remove "Feedback" without root access?
No, complete removal requires rights superuser (root) or connection via ADB. Without this, you can only disable the application in the settings, but its files will remain in the system.
Will the phone work normally after deleting this application?
In most cases, yes, but there may be problems with receiving updates Android or the operation of some functions (for example, battery diagnostics). The risk of instability is minimal, but not zero.
How can I check if Feedback is sending my location data?
The application does not collect geolocation by default. However, if the bug report indicates that the crash occurred in a specific application (for example, Google Maps), an approximate location (country/city) can be provided to analyze the problem.
Why does Feedback ask for permission to access files?
This is necessary to create error logs, which may include file paths, that caused the failure (for example, a damaged media file). The contents of the files themselves are not transferred.
Is it possible to use โFeedbackโ to send complaints about applications from Google Play?
No, these are different systems. To complain about applications, use the feedback form in Google Play (on the application page โ "Complaint"**). "Feedback" on Android collects only technical data about failures.