What is PeopleStrip on my Galaxy S6?

Question

Can Someone tell me what PeopleStrip is? I didn't put it on my phone (knowingly) but it is showing up as one of my highest power using apps with access that states it can

1. Directly call phone numbers and read phone status and identity.
2. Modify and read my contacts
3. Disable my lock screen
4. Limit number of running processes and modify secure settings.
5. Retrieve running apps
6. Draw over other apps
7. Control vibration
8. Expand/collapse status bar
9. Modify system settings
10. Write diagnostic information

I cannot find any information about this.

Answer 1

PeopleStrip is a component of your Samsung Galaxy S6 and it's part of the operating system. The application has all the permissions above because it's used to handle contacts and the operations available for contacts. You will have to keep it installed on your phone. Additionally, to clear it from any errors, go to Settings > Apps > All tab > PeopleStrip. Tap on it then tap on Clear Data and Clear Cache. You can Force Stop it as well, but reboot the phone afterwards.

Answer 2

It's just yet more bloatware by Samsung, the worst bloatware company ever.

Of course you can uninstall it.

1 install android studio (free) 2 install ADB (Android debug bridge) 3 use ADB Shell to enter command prompt on the device and uninstall all the crapware you don't want, like Bixby and Galaxystore and all the other Samsung nonsense.

Worst that may happen is you won't have a contacts app anymore and will need to download a new one.

Comments

Before disabling uninstalling with adb, perform a search using a browser on the phone for F-Droid. Download and install. Then when the app opens, search for Fossify Contacts. (FOSSI is the Free and Open Source Silicon Foundation Foundation.) Install and select it as your default. All contacts will appear. There is also an option in Settings of Contacts to export/import the contacts to a .vcf file to various locations such as the phone, sim or memory card, connected computer, etc. No ads or trackers in the app like most apps in the Google and Samsung Play Stores; the stores themselves have ads and trackers, F-Droid does not.

Do not become dependent on a cloud, Samsung or Google backup service which do not always work. Keep you contacts confidential and safe from searches. F-Droid is just one alternative place for good safe software/apps.