privacyguides.org/docs/android/general-apps.md

---
title: "General Apps"
description: The apps listed here are Android-exclusive and specifically enhance or replace key system functionality.
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    "@context": http://schema.org
    "@type": WebPage
    name: General Android Apps
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  -
    "@context": http://schema.org
    "@type": MobileApplication
    name: Shelter
    applicationCategory: Utilities
    operatingSystem: Android
  -
    "@context": http://schema.org
    "@type": MobileApplication
    name: Secure Camera
    applicationCategory: Utilities
    operatingSystem: Android
  -
    "@context": http://schema.org
    "@type": MobileApplication
    name: Secure PDF Viewer
    applicationCategory: Utilities
    operatingSystem: Android
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---
<small>Protects against the following threat(s):</small>

- [:material-bug-outline: Passive Attacks](../basics/common-threats.md#security-and-privacy){ .pg-orange }

We recommend a wide variety of Android apps throughout this site. The apps listed here are Android-exclusive and specifically enhance or replace key system functionality.

### Shelter

If your device is on Android 15 or greater, we recommend using the native [Private Space](../os/android-overview.md#private-space) feature instead, which provides nearly the same functionality without needing to place trust in and grant powerful permissions to a third-party app.

<div class="admonition recommendation" markdown>

![Shelter logo](../assets/img/android/shelter.svg){ align=right }

**Shelter** is an app that helps you leverage Android's Work Profile functionality to isolate or duplicate apps on your device.

Shelter supports blocking contact search cross profiles and sharing files across profiles via the default file manager ([DocumentsUI](https://source.android.com/devices/architecture/modular-system/documentsui)).

[:octicons-repo-16: Repository](https://gitea.angry.im/PeterCxy/Shelter#shelter){ .md-button .md-button--primary }
[:octicons-code-16:](https://gitea.angry.im/PeterCxy/Shelter){ .card-link title="Source Code" }
[:octicons-heart-16:](https://patreon.com/PeterCxy){ .card-link title=Contribute }

</div>

<div class="admonition warning" markdown>
<p class="admonition-title">Warning</p>

When using Shelter, you are placing complete trust in its developer, as Shelter acts as a [Device Admin](https://developer.android.com/guide/topics/admin/device-admin) to create the Work Profile, and it has extensive access to the data stored within the Work Profile.

</div>

Shelter is recommended over [Insular](https://secure-system.gitlab.io/Insular) and [Island](https://github.com/oasisfeng/island) as it supports [contact search blocking](https://secure-system.gitlab.io/Insular/faq.html).

### Secure Camera

<small>Protects against the following threat(s):</small>

- [:material-account-search: Public Exposure](../basics/common-threats.md#limiting-public-information){ .pg-green }

<div class="admonition recommendation" markdown>

![Secure camera logo](../assets/img/android/secure_camera.svg#only-light){ align=right }
![Secure camera logo](../assets/img/android/secure_camera-dark.svg#only-dark){ align=right }

**Secure Camera** is a camera app focused on privacy and security which can capture images, videos, and QR codes. CameraX vendor extensions (Portrait, HDR, Night Sight, Face Retouch, and Auto) are also supported on available devices.

[:octicons-repo-16: Repository](https://github.com/GrapheneOS/Camera){ .md-button .md-button--primary }
[:octicons-info-16:](https://grapheneos.org/usage#camera){ .card-link title=Documentation}
[:octicons-code-16:](https://github.com/GrapheneOS/Camera){ .card-link title="Source Code" }
[:octicons-heart-16:](https://grapheneos.org/donate){ .card-link title=Contribute }

<details class="downloads" markdown>
<summary>Downloads</summary>

- [:simple-googleplay: Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=app.grapheneos.camera.play)
- [:simple-github: GitHub](https://github.com/GrapheneOS/Camera/releases)
- [:material-cube-outline: GrapheneOS App Store](https://github.com/GrapheneOS/Apps/releases)

</details>

</div>

Main privacy features include:

- Auto removal of [Exif](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exif) metadata (enabled by default)
- Use of the new [Media](https://developer.android.com/training/data-storage/shared/media) API, therefore [storage permissions](https://developer.android.com/training/data-storage) are not required
- Microphone permission not required unless you want to record sound

<div class="admonition note" markdown>
<p class="admonition-title">Note</p>

Metadata is not currently deleted from video files but that is planned.

The image orientation metadata is not deleted. If you enable location (in Secure Camera) that **won't** be deleted either. If you want to delete that later you will need to use an external app such as [ExifEraser](../data-redaction.md#exiferaser-android).

</div>

### Secure PDF Viewer

<small>Protects against the following threat(s):</small>

- [:material-target-account: Targeted Attacks](../basics/common-threats.md#attacks-against-specific-individuals){ .pg-red }

<div class="admonition recommendation" markdown>

![Secure PDF Viewer logo](../assets/img/android/secure_pdf_viewer.svg#only-light){ align=right }
![Secure PDF Viewer logo](../assets/img/android/secure_pdf_viewer-dark.svg#only-dark){ align=right }

**Secure PDF Viewer** is a PDF viewer based on [pdf.js](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PDF.js) that doesn't require any permissions. The PDF is fed into a [sandboxed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandbox_(software_development)) [WebView](https://developer.android.com/guide/webapps/webview). This means that it doesn't require permission directly to access content or files.

[Content-Security-Policy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Content_Security_Policy) is used to enforce that the JavaScript and styling properties within the WebView are entirely static content.

[:octicons-repo-16: Repository](https://github.com/GrapheneOS/PdfViewer){ .md-button .md-button--primary }
[:octicons-code-16:](https://github.com/GrapheneOS/PdfViewer){ .card-link title="Source Code" }
[:octicons-heart-16:](https://grapheneos.org/donate){ .card-link title=Contribute }

<details class="downloads" markdown>
<summary>Downloads</summary>

- [:simple-googleplay: Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=app.grapheneos.pdfviewer.play)
- [:simple-github: GitHub](https://github.com/GrapheneOS/PdfViewer/releases)
- [:material-cube-outline: GrapheneOS App Store](https://github.com/GrapheneOS/Apps/releases)

</details>

</div>

## Criteria

**Please note we are not affiliated with any of the projects we recommend.** In addition to [our standard criteria](../about/criteria.md), we have developed a clear set of requirements to allow us to provide objective recommendations. We suggest you familiarize yourself with this list before choosing to use a project, and conduct your own research to ensure it's the right choice for you.

- Applications on this page must not be applicable to any other software category on the site.
- General applications should extend or replace core system functionality.
- Applications should receive regular updates and maintenance.