Android device owners need to delete SafetyCore app now to protect privacy

Android devices have a new system app called SafetyCore that's causing some serious privacy issues. Designed to protect against certain types of content, SafetyCore has broad access to your device — which is exactly why you should delete it.

What is Android System SafetyCore app?

SafetyCore is a system app developed by Google for Android devices running Android 9 and above, starting in November 2024. Since it's a system app that works in the background, you won't find it in the app drawer. You'll need to go to Settings > Apps > System Apps to check if it's installed on your device.

SafetyCore's primary function is to warn you about potentially sensitive images in Google Messages. If you receive an image that might contain nudity, SafetyCore will automatically blur it to avoid accidentally seeing something you don't want to see.

Before viewing, you'll see a warning with options to continue or ignore. Likewise, if you try to send or forward a nude photo, SafetyCore will alert you to the risks to prevent accidental or unsafe sharing.

Google ensures that SafetyCore processes everything locally on your device, meaning no data is uploaded to external servers. Additionally, the app only scans images sent or received via Google Messages, so you don't have to worry about the app scanning every photo or video on your device.

Still, the fact that SafetyCore scans images—even if it's limited to messages—raises concerns. It's natural to feel uncomfortable about a system-level app analyzing images, especially one that installs itself in the background, doesn't ask for permissions, and has near-complete access to your device.

How to Stop Android System SafetyCore from Scanning Your Photos

While Google positions SafetyCore as a security feature, privacy-conscious people may find it unsettling, regardless of how restrictive or well-intentioned the app claims to be (installing anything without warning is never a pleasant experience). Thankfully, SafetyCore is optional, meaning you can uninstall or disable it like any other app on your phone. Doing so won’t affect the functionality of your phone in any way.

To remove the Android System SafetyCore app from your device, follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings menu on your Android phone.
2. Scroll down to tap Apps .
3. Tap the filter and sort icon and turn on the Show system apps toggle . On some devices, you'll need to tap the three-dot menu and select Show system apps .
4. Scroll through the list or use the search tool to find Android System SafetyCore in the list and tap on it.
5. Click Uninstall at the bottom and click OK to confirm.

That's it! Once you delete the SafetyCore app, you won't have to worry about it scanning your private messages or files.

Keep in mind that Android SafetyCore may reinstall itself or re-enable itself, especially after a system update. To make sure that the app is no longer on your device, you should regularly check the list of apps installed on your phone and disable or delete it if necessary.