How to show an Activity BEFORE my app is uninstalled (Android)

android android-activity uninstallation
robsf picture robsf · Apr 19, 2012 · Viewed 19.5k times · Source

I though it was not possible but I noticed that NQ Mobile Security is able to show a message after I click on Uninstall and before the PackageUninstaller is called. I would like to replicate this behavior in my App.

I tried with an Activity listening to "android.intent.action.DELETE" Intent, as suggested here: How to know my app is uninstalled from the device...?

But as I'm about to uninstall my app, the chooser pops up asking to pick my application or the package uninstaller. How can I avoid this?

Is there a different way to intercept your application UNINSTALL event? (before answering that it is not possible, please try to uninstall NQ Mobile Security and see what happens. On my Android 2.3.4 it shows a nice screen saying that is not safe to go without a security app).

Answer

CommonsWare picture CommonsWare · Apr 19, 2012

I noticed that NQ Mobile Security is able to show a message after I click on Uninstall and before the PackageUninstaller is called

They must be exploiting some security flaw in Android. I will research it and see if I can get it fixed. Apps are not supposed to get control at uninstall time.

Thanks for pointing this out!

Is there a different way to intercept your application UNINSTALL event?

I sure hope not.

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