What is the 'query all packages' permission?

QUERY_ALL_PACKAGES is an Android permission that lets an app see the full list of apps installed on the phone, instead of only the few apps it declares it needs to interact with.

It applies to apps that target Android 11 or later. Most apps do not get it: they see only a limited set of other apps.

Why it matters on Android

The list of apps on a phone can say a lot about the person using it. Google Play treats the installed-app inventory as personal and sensitive information. Its policy allows this permission only when an app’s core purpose needs to see all installed apps. Examples it gives include device search, antivirus apps, file managers and browsers. Apps must declare their use in the Play Console, and apps that do not meet the policy may be removed from Google Play. [1]

How Applore uses it

Applore declares this permission for two core features:

• The stalkerware check. Needs your review has to look at every installed app, because a monitoring app is, by design, an app nobody expects and may hide its icon. The check runs on your phone.
• The app manager. Uninstalling several apps, backing up app files, finding rarely used apps and choosing apps for App Lock all need the full list. See the app manager.

The list of installed apps is not sent to analytics or used for advertising. When you open App Category, the names of your installed apps are sent to Applore’s server so it can group them. The privacy policy and why Applore asks for each permission explain this.