When you download an app from the Google Play store, you have the peace of mind that it’s been tested for safety and won’t harm your device. But what happens if you discover a new app that you just can’t resist installing? Do you risk installing it directly? What if someone sends it to you in a message or via social media? You may be surprised at how many people are downloading modified apps these days. FMWhatsApp Modified apps could come from anywhere, even your friend or family member. With these risks in mind, here’s what you need to know about modified apps before hitting that download button.
What Is A Modified App?
A modified app is an app that has been altered by a third party. The change could be as simple as adding an ad to the app or as drastic as completely rewriting the code behind the app. These types of apps have become more common as the Google Play store continues to grow. The developer behind the app you want to download may have released the app with the intention of charging money for it. But sometimes the developer will release the app for free, only to find that people are not downloading it as often as expected. In this situation, the developer may opt to modify the app by adding in a form of advertising or even changing the app’s source code to force the app to send you to a different website. The developer could also be hacked or be a scammer. Once you install the app, it sends the developer your information and could even take control of your device.
Why Do Developers Modify Apps?
As mentioned above, there are many reasons why a developer would choose to modify their app. Most of the time, modified apps stem from money-making intentions. The developer may be trying to increase their app’s visibility, drive traffic to a different website, or even make a quick buck by adding in ads. However, there are also some situations in which developers modify their apps out of necessity. For example, if they’re creating a translation app, they’ll need to alter the source code of the app to include the relevant dictionaries. In other cases, apps may need to be modified in order to circumvent certain rules or regulations.
How To Detect A Modified App
Detecting a modified app can be tricky. As mentioned above, the developer could be completely altering the app’s code or just adding a few ads to the app. In the case of the latter, the app should still function as it did before the developer made the changes. However, if the app is completely different, you won’t be able to tell. Here are a few things you can look for that might indicate a modified app. - Source Code Check: The most obvious telltale sign that you’re dealing with a modified app is when you browse through the source code of the app and see a URL you don’t recognize. If you see an odd URL that starts with a “http://” or “https://”, you may be dealing with a modified app. - Unexpected Behavior: You’ll want to make sure that the app is actually doing what it’s supposed to be doing. If the app seems to be taking you to different websites than it should, this could be another sign that it’s been modified. - Unusual Access To Your Information: If the app accesses your contacts, photos, or other private information that it shouldn’t need, you may want to re-think whether or not you want to install it.
Are There Any Benefits To Installing A Modified App?
There are some benefits to installing a modified app, particularly if the app is going to provide you with a service that’s beneficial. For example, if an app is designed to translate text within the app, you can expect it to translate the entire app to a different language. If you have a modified app installed, you could translate the app’s source code from English to another language. Keep in mind, though, that this type of activity is against Google’s terms of service. You may also be at risk of downloading a virus, worm, or Trojan horse.
Should You Install A Modified App?
As a general rule, you should avoid installing modified apps wherever possible. While the app may appear to function as it should, you won’t know what information the developer is collecting from you. You also don’t know how secure it is, as the developer may not have had your best interests at heart when creating the app. If you’re desperate to use the app, you could try rooting your Android device. Rooting involves using a website called a “cracking site” to download a modified app and then rooting your device to install the app. However, this process can be risky, and rooting your device could void your warranty and could even damage your device.
Final Words
Unfortunately, the Google Play store has become a breeding ground for modified apps. This is largely due to the fact that the store is open to all developers, even those outside of the US. As such, many of the apps available in the Google Play store are from non-US developers. Because non-US developers don’t have to register with the Federal Trade Commission, there’s no guarantee that the apps you download from these developers are safe. Keep these things in mind, and always take the time to research an app before you install it.
