R8 vs ProGuard: Shrinking, Optimization and Compatible Rules
R8 is the optimizer used by modern Android builds; ProGuard is a separate Java bytecode shrinker and obfuscator. Their configuration languages overlap, but.
Decompile & reverse engineering
ProGuard / R8 Obfuscation Checker
Inspect a heuristic ratio of short package names in recovered JADX output. APKTool-only extraction does not provide this ratio, and the result cannot prove which obfuscator was used.
ProGuard / R8 Obfuscation Checker is part of APKLint, an online toolkit for inspecting Android APK files. Inspect a heuristic ratio of short package names in recovered JADX output. APKTool-only extraction does not provide this ratio, and the result cannot prove which obfuscator was used. Upload an APK in your browser to view the relevant details; results reflect what the file itself exposes.
Drop your file here
or click to choose from your device
Accepts: .APK · up to 1 GB
Deleted after your scan. Files you upload are processed on our servers over an encrypted connection, then removed by the next hourly cleanup after analysis finishes (long scans are protected while they run). We never share them, and need no account.
About ProGuard / R8 Obfuscation Checker
Inspect a heuristic ratio of short package names in recovered JADX output. APKTool-only extraction does not provide this ratio, and the result cannot prove which obfuscator was used.
ProGuard / R8 Obfuscation Checker is part of APKLint’s decompile & reverse engineering toolkit — Turn a built app back into readable code and resources. It’s free to use and needs no account.
Your privacy is the default: files you upload are processed on our servers over an encrypted connection and permanently deleted by a scheduled hourly cleanup after analysis finishes, and never shared.
What ProGuard / R8 Obfuscation Checker checks
- Measures short package-name segments in recovered JADX output
- Counts short package-name segments such as a, b and c
- Reports the measured numerator, denominator and short-name ratio when JADX output is available
- Reports an unavailable ratio for APKTool-only or missing package output
Good to know: This package-name heuristic is not a measure of complete obfuscation strength, proof a mapping file exists, or evidence that secrets are hidden.
When to use ProGuard / R8 Obfuscation Checker
- Best for
- Inspecting a short package-name heuristic from recovered JADX output, while keeping extraction failures and unavailable ratios explicit.
- Not the right tool for
- Not proof that secrets are hidden or that R8/ProGuard was used. Its heuristic depends on the selected decompiler's recovered output.
- What you get back
- A bounded package-name heuristic from recovered JADX output, or an explicit reason the ratio is unavailable. Optional extraction downloads follow the selected output setting.
- How it differs from related APKLint tools
- This view adds a short package-name heuristic to recovered JADX output; it does not predict how difficult all code will be to read.
- Limitations
- Only recovered JADX package-name segments are measured; this does not establish complete name-obfuscation strength, mapping-file availability or hidden-data protection.
How to use ProGuard / R8 Obfuscation Checker
- Choose your APK file — Drop an .apk file onto the page, or click to select it from your device.
- Send securely — The file is uploaded over an encrypted connection to our analysis servers.
- Read your report — APKLint unpacks and inspects the package and lays out the results on screen.
- Your file is removed — It's deleted by an hourly cleanup job after analysis finishes.
Why use APKLint
Always free
Every tool is free with no login and no paywall. Reasonable file and input limits keep the free service stable.
No on-page ad banners
A clean, focused interface with no third-party ad banners cluttering your results.
Privacy-first
Files you upload are deleted by a scheduled hourly cleanup after analysis finishes, and never shared.
Open-source engines
Built on jadx and apktool for decompiling and disassembly.
No sign-up
Start immediately — no account, login, or email required.
Works anywhere
Runs in any modern browser, on desktop or mobile.
Frequently asked questions
What does ProGuard / R8 Obfuscation Checker do?
Inspect a heuristic ratio of short package names in recovered JADX output. APKTool-only extraction does not provide this ratio, and the result cannot prove which obfuscator was used.
Why does obfuscation matter?
Readable names may make recovered code easier to inspect, but name length alone does not measure protection or prove which obfuscator was used.
Is it free to use?
Yes. Every tool on APKLint is completely free, with no sign-up and no account.
How is my data handled?
Your uploaded file and its result are processed on our servers over an encrypted connection, then removed by the next hourly cleanup after analysis finishes. We never share them.
What files can I send?
An Android APK — a .apk file — up to 1 GB.
Related tools
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