Do you need signal on an android to just use apps?

[Newsh]

Just wondering if you the apps run off signal from a cell phone or can you have 0 bars and still download apps or just use apps?

[deepturkey964]

Depends on the app. If the app is entirely self-contained on your phone and doesn't need anything from a remote site, then you don't need service to run apps. However, apps like dictionaries don't install everything locally, so they have to constantly go out to their own remote databases, and therefore need bars to operate.

[puffin57]

You must have signal and mobile internet switched on (or use the WiFi instead) to view and download apps. If you have no mobile signal, then you can use WiFi instead to connect to internet.

As for using the apps, it will depend on what app you are using. Some apps require internet access - for example news apps need internet to update the news (although once updated, you can use it with no connection). Facebook and Twitter also require internet access. If an app needs internet connection, it will inform you - it will say on the description when you download it, it will also remind you while using app or switching on - if you aren't on internet, it will say no data, or connection required or something.

Other apps don't need internet to run. Games, for example, may only require internet to upload high scores, it isn't necessary to have internet on if you don't want to.

The apps run off the phone, not internet, so you can use many of them with no internet connection.