Is Quickstep App A Spy App? Unravel The Truth

Have you ever come across the Quickstep app in your apps list? Are you wondering about its purpose? Do you think it may be a spy app monitoring your activities? I know how disturbing it can be to discover such a strange app on your device.  

Just last week, my neighbor also complained about seeing the Quickstep app (which looks like a house-like icon) on his Android phone when he didn’t install it. He was frantic, citing that it could be spyware that somehow got onto his device when he connected to a public Wi-Fi hotspot. 

I understood his concern, knowing how dangerous spyware is to mobile devices. So, I did a little homework on the Quickstep app, and I will share my findings in this guide. Sit tight and read through to get answers to all your questions about the Quickstep app. 

Key Takeaways 

• Quickstep app is not a spy app but a system launcher that works in the background to improve the functionality of Android phones.
• You cannot uninstall Quickstep if it is the default launcher of your phone. 
• Quickstep app is only for devices with Android version 9.0 and older. 

The Verdict: Is The Quickstep App A Spy App? 

Quickstep App is not a spy app. Rather, it is a pre-installed default launcher designed for Android devices running on Android 9 Pie and older. I also found out that the Quickstep app’s code is hosted on Google Git, as it is an open-source platform, so I asked our in-house mobile programming experts to examine the code, and they confirmed it is not a spy app. 

For clarity, an open-source app is software with source code available to the public that anyone can inspect, modify, and enhance. Google Git is a free control system that helps mobile programmers and non-technical users manage software projects more efficiently. 

What Does The Quickstep App Do?

The Quickstep app primarily serves as a default, built-in app launcher that facilitates the entire GUI (Graphics User Interface) for stock Android operating systems and Nokia smartphones. It incorporates gesture navigation as a core feature, enabling Android users to switch between recent apps and navigate their device’s interface more easily. 

To access the app launcher/switcher, swipe up from the bottom of your phone’s screen. This action triggers the Quickstep app, which reveals a vertical list of recently used apps (system or third-party apps). You can then scroll through the list by swiping left or right to switch between apps.  

There is currently no evidence to prove that QuickStep secretly spies on users, tracks activity/data, or poses a security risk. Plus, seeing that it is from Google itself, the parent company behind the Android operating system, this should put your mind at ease that the Quickstep app is not a spy app and is safe and secure for your Android device. 

Can I Uninstall/DeleteThe Quickstep App?

No, you cannot uninstall the Quickstep on your Android device. The Quickstep app is not something that is installed separately on your phone that you can get rid of at will. In other words, it is an integral part (the default app switcher/navigator) of most Android devices running on Android 9 Pie or older. 

Since it is a core component of the stock Android OS, it cannot be uninstalled or deleted permanently. However, you can disable it by using the “Force Stop” option when you tap on the icon in your apps list. 

When you do this, you can then select an alternative, a third-party launcher from the Google Play Store, like Nova Launcher. Nova Launcher has a 4.7/5 rating on Uptodown, a reputable app review site, and a 4.5/5 rating and over 50 million downloads on Google Play Store. 

Do I Need The Quickstep App?

Yes, you need the Quickstep app on your phone, especially if you use Android Pie or older. The Quickstep app helps you customize and navigate your phone’s interface with little or no hassle. You can change your wallpaper, arrange apps, and use widgets more seamlessly with this app.

Is Quickstep App Launcher Available On The Google Play Store For Android Phones? 

The Quickstep app is available on the Google Play Store, but it is available as an alternative app known as “Launcher <3” by Jason Kung.  I learned about this app after thoroughly checking the Play Store and talking to our software experts. They vetted the app’s source code and also examined its icon (a house-like icon), creating a similarity between it and the stock Quickstep app. 

The app has over one million downloads and is currently rated 4.5/5 on the Play Store and 4.9/5 on Uptodown. It is also worth noting that the Launcher <3 app is also only available for Android version 9.0 and older (8.0 and below), except for Android version 10. 

If you’re using a newer Android version (above Android 10.0), you may receive an error message like the one in the image below, indicating that the app is not compatible with your operating system. 

How To Install The Quickstep Alternative App — Launcher <3

If your Android phone is compatible with the Launcher <3 app like I discussed above, here is how to download it:

1. Download Launcher <3, the alternate Quickstep app.

2. Click on “Install” to download the app.

3. Then, go to your “Settings.” 

4. Click on “Apps” or “Apps management” depending on your device.

5. Click on “default apps.” 

6. Select “Home app.”

7. Afterward, select “Launcher <3” as your home app.

Things To Look Out For When Investigating The Quickstep App 

There are a couple of things you should look out for when investigating the Quickstep app. There is its potential to cause battery drain, overheating/lagging, and the occasional error message while it’s running in the background. To this point, my neighbor reported that his phone was heating up frequently and his battery power was declining, which are all signs that someone could be tracking his phone. 

Upon checking his device to find out what the problem was, he stumbled on the Quickstep app and so he strongly believed it was the cause of these issues. To be honest, I didn’t fault him because I’d think the same. 

He also kept getting an error notification that said, “Quickstep keeps stopping.” This mostly happens when you’re running low on space or running too many other apps simultaneously. These kinds of constant pop-ups can be frustrating, especially while you’re watching a movie or playing games. But these issues don’t mean that someone is using the Quickstep app to track his phone, as it is not a spy app. 

If you’re experiencing the same issue, and since you cannot delete the Quickstep app, I advise you to check your apps list for any unfamiliar apps and declutter your device (remove unwanted applications, files, etc.) to minimize the workload on your RAM. You can also install the Launcher <3 app as a plausible alternative by following the installation steps I provided above. 

Note: This solution is only for people using Android phones with an operating system 9.0 or older and 10.0. People with newer Android versions will not be able to install Launcher <3 on their phones. 

What I Do Not Recommend: Downloading An Unverified App Launcher As An Alternative To Quickstep

I strongly recommend that you do not download just any unverified app launcher to serve as a substitute for Quickstep. Who knows, you may download spyware in disguise, which can harm your device. Make sure to scrutinize any app launcher to ensure it is safe and secure before downloading it. 

You can also search for the source code, if it’s an open-source platform, to determine if it is a spy app. 

Now You Know More About The Quickstep App  

Considering the heightened awareness surrounding privacy and security in this digital age, your concerns about potential spyware are valid. But, rest assured that Quickstep is not a spy app.

So, you’re free to use your phone to its full potential and improve your digital well-being. Feel free to drop your comment/question, I’ll be glad to offer more insight. Also, share this article across all digital platforms to help others know the truth about the Quickstep app.