Is it possible to kill a “android:persistent=true” system-level app?

Question

I have an app that is just a service that launches on boot. I am developing at the system level, so I am using android:persistent=true in order to ensure my service

Answer 1

android:persistent=true

Works for preloaded applications, doesn't work for downloaded applications (e.g. APPs from Play Store, installed from apk or AS) Suggest to use foreground service method - The highest priority process. Official example here, Another full-code example here

Answer 2

Figured it out. Most methods of stopping the service will not stop the persistent flag from restarting it. This includes stopService, killBackgroundService, and even System.exit(0);

There is a hidden function called forceStopPackage in ActivityManagerService that you can invoke through the ActivityManager interface by reflection. Requires system privileges, but that shouldn't be an issue if you are using persistent.

In Manifest:

<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.FORCE_STOP_PACKAGES" tools:ignore="ProtectedPermissions"></uses-permission>

This will kill the process. Give it name of process/package.

try {
        Class c;
        c = Class.forName("android.app.ActivityManager");
        Method m = c.getMethod("forceStopPackage", new Class[]{String.class});
        Object o = m.invoke(null, new Object[]{"com.your.process"});
    }catch (Exception e){
            Log.e(TAG, "Failed to kill service", e);
}