
Native Libs Monitor for PC
Reviewed by Stuart Dredge · Updated
What's New
Version 2.0.1 · · 1.6 MBLatest
This release updates the app's signing key for enhanced security. Native Libs Monitor continues to let you explore the libraries inside your installed apps, see what CPU architectures they target, check their dependencies, and understand how they connect to Java code.

You're reviewing a new app's permissions and want to know exactly which native libraries it's bundling before you install it. Native Libs Monitor gives you that breakdown in seconds. This tools app, built by Xavier Hallade, lists every native library inside distributed APKs and shows you the CPU architecture, file size, dependencies, and callable methods for each one. On a full computer, you can keep Native Libs Monitor open alongside your browser, cross-checking apps against the Play Store and building a record of what's installed and why.
Native Libs Monitor turns the opaque task of inspecting native libraries into straightforward reading. When you install or update an app, a notification arrives immediately telling you whether it uses native libraries and which CPU architectures they target. The app maintains a local database of all installed applications: populated on first launch and refreshed automatically whenever you add or remove software. This makes it simple to audit your system on a desktop where you might keep the app running alongside your development tools or file manager.
Core Library Information at a Glance
For every native library an application uses or contains inside its APK, Native Libs Monitor delivers four key details: the target CPU architecture, the library's size on disk, its dependencies, and the list of methods callable from Java code. The app also performs a static check to identify well-known frameworks and libraries bundled inside. This transparency is especially valuable for developers aware of the power of NDK libraries: you can verify that questionable apps remain confined to the Java sandbox and spot when a library architecture changes between app versions.
Session-Based Monitoring and Export
The app runs quietly in the background, monitoring installations and removals without requiring you to manually scan your system each time. When an app is upgraded, Native Libs Monitor sends a notification if the ABIs of the installed or packaged libraries have shifted, so you're never left wondering what changed. You can export your findings in two formats: a comma-separated database file for analysis and a text export of individual application details. On a desktop computer, these exports let you maintain a searchable archive of your library audit trail across multiple machines or over time.
Tablet Support and Multi-Window Workflow
Native Libs Monitor extends beyond phones with full tablet support, making it useful if you manage multiple Android devices from one workspace. The interface scales across screen sizes, though some users note that landscape layouts in certain views compress the scrolling area for library lists. Running Native Libs Monitor on a larger desktop display lets you keep your library inspection tools visible while you browse the Play Store, read documentation, or manage development environments in adjacent windows: all without toggling between apps.
How to Download and Install Native Libs Monitor for PC or MAC:
Select an Android emulator:  There are many free and paid Android emulators available for PC and MAC, few of the popular ones are Bluestacks, Andy OS, Nox, MeMu and there are more you can find from Google.
Compatibility:  Before downloading them take a look at the minimum system requirements to install the emulator on your PC.
For example,  BlueStacks requires OS: Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista SP2, Windows XP SP3 (32-bit only), Mac OS Sierra(10.12), High Sierra (10.13) and Mojave(10.14), 2-4GB of RAM, 4GB of disk space for storing Android apps/games, updated graphics drivers.
Finally, download and install the emulator which will work well with your PC's hardware/software.
- Open the emulator software from the start menu or desktop shortcut in your PC.
- Associate or set up your Google account with the emulator.
- You can either install the app from Google PlayStore inside the emulator or download Native Libs Monitor APK file and open the APK file with the emulator or drag the file into the emulator window to install Native Libs Monitor for PC.
You can follow above instructions to install Native Libs Monitor for PC with any of the Android emulators available.
Download Native Libs Monitor

Native Libs Monitor for PC
FAQ
What exactly does Native Libs Monitor show me about each app?
For every native library an app uses or includes in its APK, you get the target CPU architecture, file size, dependencies, methods callable from Java, and identification of well-known frameworks via static analysis. This detail helps you understand what low-level code an app is running.
Does Native Libs Monitor tell me when an app's libraries change?
Yes. When you install an app or update an existing one, the app sends a notification right away if native libraries are present or if the CPU architectures (ABIs) of the installed or packaged libraries have changed between versions.
Can I keep records of what I've inspected?
The app maintains a local database of all installed applications, updated automatically as you install and remove software. You can export this data as a CSV file for your own analysis or export details about individual applications as text.
Is Native Libs Monitor useful for regular users or mainly for developers?
Both. Regular users can verify that apps aren't bundling suspicious native code. Developers find it invaluable for ensuring that questionable applications stay confined to the Java sandbox and for tracking NDK library usage across their own work.
Does the app work on tablets?
Yes, Native Libs Monitor includes full tablet support and scales to larger screens, making it useful if you monitor native libraries across multiple Android devices from a desktop environment.
Stuart founded Apps Playground in 2010 to help readers find the best apps for iPhone, iPad, Android and PC. The site has never charged developers for coverage.
