diff --git a/app/src/main/java/com/emanuelef/remote_capture/AppsLoader.java b/app/src/main/java/com/emanuelef/remote_capture/AppsLoader.java
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..a0f8440c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/app/src/main/java/com/emanuelef/remote_capture/AppsLoader.java
@@ -0,0 +1,184 @@
+package com.emanuelef.remote_capture;
+
+import android.content.pm.ApplicationInfo;
+import android.content.pm.PackageInfo;
+import android.content.pm.PackageManager;
+import android.graphics.drawable.Drawable;
+import android.os.Bundle;
+import android.util.Log;
+
+import androidx.annotation.NonNull;
+import androidx.annotation.Nullable;
+import androidx.appcompat.app.AppCompatActivity;
+import androidx.core.content.ContextCompat;
+import androidx.loader.app.LoaderManager;
+import androidx.loader.content.AsyncTaskLoader;
+import androidx.loader.content.Loader;
+
+import com.emanuelef.remote_capture.interfaces.AppsLoadListener;
+import com.emanuelef.remote_capture.model.AppDescriptor;
+
+import java.util.HashMap;
+import java.util.List;
+import java.util.Map;
+
+public class AppsLoader implements LoaderManager.LoaderCallbacks<HashMap<Integer, AppDescriptor>> {
+    private static final String TAG = "AppsLoader";
+    private static final int OPERATION_LOAD_APPS_INFO = 23;
+    private static final int OPERATION_LOAD_APPS_ICONS = 24;
+    private AppsLoadListener mListener;
+    private final AppCompatActivity mContext;
+    private final Drawable mVirtualAppIcon;
+
+    public AppsLoader(AppCompatActivity context) {
+        mContext = context;
+        mVirtualAppIcon = ContextCompat.getDrawable(mContext, android.R.drawable.sym_def_app_icon);
+    }
+
+    public AppsLoader setAppsLoadListener(AppsLoadListener listener) {
+        mListener = listener;
+        return this;
+    }
+
+    private HashMap<Integer, AppDescriptor> asyncLoadAppsInfo() {
+        final PackageManager pm = mContext.getPackageManager();
+        HashMap<Integer, AppDescriptor> apps = new HashMap<>();
+
+        Log.d(TAG, "Loading APPs...");
+        List<PackageInfo> packs = pm.getInstalledPackages(0);
+        String app_package = mContext.getApplicationContext().getPackageName();
+
+        Log.d(TAG, "num apps (system+user): " + packs.size());
+        long tstart = Utils.now();
+
+        // NOTE: these virtual apps cannot be used as a permanent filter (via addAllowedApplication)
+        // as they miss a valid package name
+        apps.put(0, new AppDescriptor("Root",
+                mVirtualAppIcon,"root", 0, true, true));
+        apps.put(1000, new AppDescriptor("Android",
+                mVirtualAppIcon,"android", 1000, true, true));
+        apps.put(1051, new AppDescriptor("netd",
+                mVirtualAppIcon,"netd", 1051, true, true));
+
+        // NOTE: a single uid can correspond to multiple apps, only take the first one
+        for (int i = 0; i < packs.size(); i++) {
+            PackageInfo p = packs.get(i);
+            boolean is_system = (p.applicationInfo.flags & ApplicationInfo.FLAG_SYSTEM) != 0;
+
+            String package_name = p.applicationInfo.packageName;
+
+            if(!apps.containsKey(p.applicationInfo.uid) && !package_name.equals(app_package)) {
+                String appName = p.applicationInfo.loadLabel(pm).toString();
+
+                int uid = p.applicationInfo.uid;
+                apps.put(uid, new AppDescriptor(appName, null, package_name, uid, is_system, false));
+
+                //Log.d(TAG, appName + " - " + package_name + " [" + uid + "]" + (is_system ? " - SYS" : " - USR"));
+            }
+        }
+
+        Log.d(TAG, packs.size() + " apps loaded in " + (Utils.now() - tstart) +" seconds");
+        return apps;
+    }
+
+    private void asyncLoadAppsIcons(HashMap<Integer, AppDescriptor> apps) {
+        final PackageManager pm = mContext.getPackageManager();
+        long tstart = Utils.now();
+
+        Log.d(TAG, "Loading " + apps.size() + " app icons...");
+
+        for (Map.Entry<Integer, AppDescriptor> pair : apps.entrySet()) {
+            AppDescriptor app = pair.getValue();
+            PackageInfo p;
+
+            if(app.getIcon() != null)
+                continue;
+
+            try {
+                p = pm.getPackageInfo(app.getPackageName(), 0);
+            } catch (PackageManager.NameNotFoundException e) {
+                Log.w(TAG, "could no retrieve package: " + app.getPackageName());
+                continue;
+            }
+
+            // NOTE: this call is expensive
+            Drawable icon = p.applicationInfo.loadIcon(pm);
+
+            app.setIcon(icon);
+        }
+
+        Log.d(TAG, apps.size() + " apps icons loaded in " + (Utils.now() - tstart) +" seconds");
+    }
+
+    @NonNull
+    @Override
+    public Loader<HashMap<Integer, AppDescriptor>> onCreateLoader(int opid, @Nullable Bundle args) {
+        return new AsyncTaskLoader<HashMap<Integer, AppDescriptor>>(mContext) {
+            @NonNull
+            @Override
+            public HashMap<Integer, AppDescriptor> loadInBackground() {
+                if(opid == OPERATION_LOAD_APPS_INFO)
+                    return asyncLoadAppsInfo();
+                else if (opid == OPERATION_LOAD_APPS_ICONS) {
+                    if(args == null) {
+                        Log.e(TAG, "Bad bundle");
+                        return null;
+                    }
+
+                    HashMap<Integer, AppDescriptor> apps = (HashMap<Integer, AppDescriptor>) args.getSerializable("apps");
+
+                    if(apps == null) {
+                        Log.e(TAG, "Bad apps");
+                        return null;
+                    }
+
+                    asyncLoadAppsIcons(apps);
+                    return apps;
+                }
+
+                Log.e(TAG, "unknown loader op: " + opid);
+                return null;
+            }
+        };
+    }
+
+    @Override
+    public void onLoadFinished(@NonNull Loader<HashMap<Integer, AppDescriptor>> loader, HashMap<Integer, AppDescriptor> data) {
+        boolean load_finished = (loader.getId() == OPERATION_LOAD_APPS_ICONS);
+
+        if(mListener != null) {
+            if(load_finished)
+                mListener.onAppsIconsLoaded(data);
+            else
+                mListener.onAppsInfoLoaded(data);
+        }
+
+        if(!load_finished)
+            runLoader(OPERATION_LOAD_APPS_ICONS, data);
+    }
+
+    @Override
+    public void onLoaderReset(@NonNull Loader<HashMap<Integer, AppDescriptor>> loader) {}
+
+    private void runLoader(int opid, HashMap<Integer, AppDescriptor> data) {
+        LoaderManager lm = LoaderManager.getInstance(mContext);
+        Loader<HashMap<Integer, AppDescriptor>> loader = lm.getLoader(opid);
+
+        Bundle bundle = new Bundle();
+        bundle.putSerializable("apps", data);
+
+        Log.d(TAG, "Existing loader " + opid + "? " + (loader != null));
+
+        if(loader==null)
+            loader = lm.initLoader(opid, bundle, this);
+        else
+            loader = lm.restartLoader(opid, bundle, this);
+
+        loader.forceLoad();
+    }
+
+    public void loadAllApps() {
+        // will run OPERATION_LOAD_APPS_ICONS when finished
+        runLoader(OPERATION_LOAD_APPS_INFO, null);
+    }
+}
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/app/src/main/java/com/emanuelef/remote_capture/Utils.java b/app/src/main/java/com/emanuelef/remote_capture/Utils.java
index d477365c..df0870ad 100644
--- a/app/src/main/java/com/emanuelef/remote_capture/Utils.java
+++ b/app/src/main/java/com/emanuelef/remote_capture/Utils.java
@@ -21,10 +21,6 @@ package com.emanuelef.remote_capture;
 
 import android.app.Service;
 import android.content.Context;
-import android.content.pm.ApplicationInfo;
-import android.content.pm.PackageInfo;
-import android.content.pm.PackageManager;
-import android.graphics.drawable.Drawable;
 import android.net.ConnectivityManager;
 import android.net.LinkProperties;
 import android.net.Network;
@@ -35,18 +31,14 @@ import android.os.Build;
 import android.util.Log;
 import android.widget.Toast;
 
-import com.emanuelef.remote_capture.model.AppDescriptor;
-
 import java.math.BigInteger;
 import java.net.Inet4Address;
 import java.net.InetAddress;
 import java.net.NetworkInterface;
 import java.net.UnknownHostException;
 import java.nio.ByteOrder;
-import java.util.ArrayList;
 import java.util.Calendar;
 import java.util.Collections;
-import java.util.HashSet;
 import java.util.List;
 import java.util.Locale;
 
@@ -91,43 +83,6 @@ public class Utils {
             return String.format("> %d h", seconds / 3600);
     }
 
-    public static List<AppDescriptor> getInstalledApps(Context context) {
-        PackageManager pm = context.getPackageManager();
-        List<AppDescriptor> apps = new ArrayList<>();
-        List<PackageInfo> packs = pm.getInstalledPackages(0);
-        String app_package = context.getApplicationContext().getPackageName();
-        HashSet<Integer> uids = new HashSet<>();
-
-        Log.d("APPS", "num apps (system+user): " + packs.size());
-        long tstart = now();
-
-        // NOTE: a single uid can correspond to multiple apps, only take the first one
-        for (int i = 0; i < packs.size(); i++) {
-            PackageInfo p = packs.get(i);
-            boolean is_system = (p.applicationInfo.flags & ApplicationInfo.FLAG_SYSTEM) != 0;
-
-            String package_name = p.applicationInfo.packageName;
-
-            if(!uids.contains(p.applicationInfo.uid) && !package_name.equals(app_package)) {
-                String appName = p.applicationInfo.loadLabel(pm).toString();
-
-                // NOTE: this call is expensive
-                Drawable icon = p.applicationInfo.loadIcon(pm);
-
-                int uid = p.applicationInfo.uid;
-                apps.add(new AppDescriptor(appName, icon, package_name, uid, is_system));
-                uids.add(uid);
-
-                Log.d("APPS", appName + " - " + package_name + " [" + uid + "]" + (is_system ? " - SYS" : " - USR"));
-            }
-        }
-
-        Collections.sort(apps);
-
-        Log.d("APPS", packs.size() + " apps loaded in " + (now() - tstart) +" seconds");
-        return apps;
-    }
-
     public static String proto2str(int proto) {
         switch(proto) {
             case 6:     return "TCP";
diff --git a/app/src/main/java/com/emanuelef/remote_capture/activities/MainActivity.java b/app/src/main/java/com/emanuelef/remote_capture/activities/MainActivity.java
index 54e5d303..ea725e8f 100644
--- a/app/src/main/java/com/emanuelef/remote_capture/activities/MainActivity.java
+++ b/app/src/main/java/com/emanuelef/remote_capture/activities/MainActivity.java
@@ -29,16 +29,12 @@ import android.net.Uri;
 import android.net.VpnService;
 
 import androidx.annotation.NonNull;
-import androidx.annotation.Nullable;
 import androidx.appcompat.app.AlertDialog;
 import androidx.appcompat.app.AppCompatActivity;
 import androidx.appcompat.widget.SearchView;
 import androidx.core.content.ContextCompat;
 import androidx.fragment.app.Fragment;
 import androidx.fragment.app.FragmentActivity;
-import androidx.loader.app.LoaderManager;
-import androidx.loader.content.AsyncTaskLoader;
-import androidx.loader.content.Loader;
 import androidx.localbroadcastmanager.content.LocalBroadcastManager;
 import androidx.preference.PreferenceManager;
 import androidx.viewpager2.adapter.FragmentStateAdapter;
@@ -52,8 +48,10 @@ import android.view.MenuItem;
 import android.view.View;
 import android.widget.TextView;
 
+import com.emanuelef.remote_capture.AppsLoader;
 import com.emanuelef.remote_capture.ConnectionsRegister;
 import com.emanuelef.remote_capture.fragments.AppsFragment;
+import com.emanuelef.remote_capture.interfaces.AppsLoadListener;
 import com.emanuelef.remote_capture.model.AppDescriptor;
 import com.emanuelef.remote_capture.model.AppState;
 import com.emanuelef.remote_capture.interfaces.AppStateListener;
@@ -68,13 +66,15 @@ import com.google.android.material.tabs.TabLayout;
 import com.google.android.material.tabs.TabLayoutMediator;
 
 import java.util.ArrayList;
+import java.util.Collections;
 import java.util.List;
+import java.util.Map;
 import java.util.Objects;
 import java.util.Set;
 
 import cat.ereza.customactivityoncrash.config.CaocConfig;
 
-public class MainActivity extends AppCompatActivity implements LoaderManager.LoaderCallbacks<List<AppDescriptor>> {
+public class MainActivity extends AppCompatActivity implements AppsLoadListener {
     SharedPreferences mPrefs;
     Menu mMenu;
     MenuItem mMenuItemStats;
@@ -91,12 +91,8 @@ public class MainActivity extends AppCompatActivity implements LoaderManager.Loa
     List<AppStateListener> mStateListeners;
     AppsListView.OnSelectedAppListener mTmpAppFilterListener;
     AppDescriptor mNoFilterApp;
-    AppDescriptor mRootApp;
-    AppDescriptor mAndroidApp;
-    AppDescriptor mNetdApp;
 
     private static final String TAG = "Main";
-    private static final String APPS_LOADER_TAG = "AppsLoader";
 
     public static final int POS_STATUS = 0;
     public static final int POS_APPS = 1;
@@ -104,11 +100,6 @@ public class MainActivity extends AppCompatActivity implements LoaderManager.Loa
     private static final int TOTAL_COUNT = 3;
 
     private static final int REQUEST_CODE_VPN = 2;
-    public static final int OPERATION_SEARCH_LOADER = 23;
-
-    private static final String virtual_root_package = "root";
-    private static final String virtual_android_package = "android";
-    private static final String virtual_netd_package = "netd";
 
     public static final String TELEGRAM_GROUP_NAME = "PCAPdroid";
     public static final String GITHUB_PROJECT_URL = "https://github.com/emanuele-f/PCAPdroid";
@@ -144,7 +135,7 @@ public class MainActivity extends AppCompatActivity implements LoaderManager.Loa
         super.onCreate(savedInstanceState);
 
         Drawable icon = ContextCompat.getDrawable(this, android.R.color.transparent);
-        mNoFilterApp = new AppDescriptor("", icon, this.getResources().getString(R.string.no_filter), -1, false);
+        mNoFilterApp = new AppDescriptor("", icon, this.getResources().getString(R.string.no_filter), -1, false, true);
 
         mFilterApp = CaptureService.getAppFilter();
 
@@ -158,20 +149,6 @@ public class MainActivity extends AppCompatActivity implements LoaderManager.Loa
         mTmpAppFilterListener = null;
         mStateListeners = new ArrayList<>();
 
-        // NOTE: these virtual apps cannot be used as a permanent filter (via addAllowedApplication)
-        // as they miss a valid package name
-        mRootApp = new AppDescriptor("Root",
-                ContextCompat.getDrawable(this, android.R.drawable.sym_def_app_icon),
-                virtual_root_package, 0, true);
-
-        mAndroidApp = new AppDescriptor("Android",
-                ContextCompat.getDrawable(this, android.R.drawable.sym_def_app_icon),
-                virtual_android_package, 1000, true);
-
-        mNetdApp = new AppDescriptor("netd",
-                ContextCompat.getDrawable(this, android.R.drawable.sym_def_app_icon),
-                virtual_netd_package, 1051, true);
-
         CaocConfig.Builder.create()
                 .errorDrawable(R.drawable.ic_app_crash)
                 .apply();
@@ -200,7 +177,9 @@ public class MainActivity extends AppCompatActivity implements LoaderManager.Loa
 
         mPrefs = PreferenceManager.getDefaultSharedPreferences(this);
 
-        startLoadingApps();
+        (new AppsLoader(this))
+                .setAppsLoadListener(this)
+                .loadAllApps();
 
         LocalBroadcastManager bcast_man = LocalBroadcastManager.getInstance(this);
 
@@ -245,6 +224,38 @@ public class MainActivity extends AppCompatActivity implements LoaderManager.Loa
             initAppState();
     }
 
+    @Override
+    public void onAppsInfoLoaded(Map<Integer, AppDescriptor> apps) {
+        // TODO optimize: show the apps even when icon not loaded
+    }
+
+    @Override
+    public void onAppsIconsLoaded(Map<Integer, AppDescriptor> apps) {
+        mInstalledApps = new ArrayList<>();
+        AppDescriptor filterApp = null;
+
+        for (Map.Entry<Integer, AppDescriptor> pair : apps.entrySet()) {
+            AppDescriptor app = pair.getValue();
+
+            if(!app.isVirtual()) {
+                mInstalledApps.add(app);
+
+                if (app.getPackageName().equals(mFilterApp))
+                    filterApp = app;
+            }
+        }
+
+        Collections.sort(mInstalledApps);
+
+        if (filterApp != null) {
+            /* An filter is active, try to set the corresponding app image */
+            setSelectedApp(filterApp);
+        }
+
+        if (mOpenAppsWhenDone)
+            openAppSelector();
+    }
+
     private void notifyAppState() {
         for(AppStateListener listener: mStateListeners)
             listener.appStateChanged(mState);
@@ -407,91 +418,6 @@ public class MainActivity extends AppCompatActivity implements LoaderManager.Loa
         }
     }
 
-    @NonNull
-    @Override
-    public Loader<List<AppDescriptor>> onCreateLoader(int id, @Nullable Bundle args) {
-        return new AsyncTaskLoader<List<AppDescriptor>>(this) {
-
-            @NonNull
-            @Override
-            public List<AppDescriptor> loadInBackground() {
-                Log.d(APPS_LOADER_TAG, "Loading APPs...");
-                return Utils.getInstalledApps(getContext());
-            }
-        };
-    }
-
-    @Override
-    public void onLoadFinished(@NonNull Loader<List<AppDescriptor>> loader, List<AppDescriptor> data) {
-        Log.d(APPS_LOADER_TAG, data.size() + " APPs loaded");
-        mInstalledApps = data;
-
-        if (mFilterApp != null) {
-            /* An filter is active, try to set the corresponding app image */
-            AppDescriptor app = findAppByPackage(mFilterApp);
-
-            setSelectedApp(app);
-        }
-
-        for(AppStateListener listener: mStateListeners)
-            listener.appsLoaded();
-
-        if (mOpenAppsWhenDone)
-            openAppSelector();
-    }
-
-    @Override
-    public void onLoaderReset(@NonNull Loader<List<AppDescriptor>> loader) {
-    }
-
-    public AppDescriptor findAppByUid(int uid) {
-        if((mInstalledApps == null) || (uid == -1))
-            return (null);
-
-        if(uid == 0) // root
-            return mRootApp;
-        else if(uid == 1000) // android system
-            return mAndroidApp;
-        else if(uid == 1051) // netd
-            return mNetdApp;
-
-        for (int i = 0; i < mInstalledApps.size(); i++) {
-            AppDescriptor app = mInstalledApps.get(i);
-
-            if (app.getUid() == uid) {
-                return (app);
-            }
-        }
-
-        return (null);
-    }
-
-    public AppDescriptor findAppByPackage(String package_name) {
-        if (mInstalledApps == null)
-            return (null);
-
-        if(package_name.equals(virtual_root_package))
-            return mRootApp;
-        if(package_name.equals(virtual_android_package))
-            return mAndroidApp;
-        else if(package_name.equals(virtual_netd_package))
-            return mNetdApp;
-
-        for (int i = 0; i < mInstalledApps.size(); i++) {
-            AppDescriptor app = mInstalledApps.get(i);
-
-            if (app.getPackageName().equals(package_name)) {
-                return (app);
-            }
-        }
-
-        return (null);
-    }
-
-    public boolean appsLoaded() {
-        return(mInstalledApps != null);
-    }
-
     private void initAppState() {
         boolean is_active = CaptureService.isServiceActive();
 
@@ -540,20 +466,6 @@ public class MainActivity extends AppCompatActivity implements LoaderManager.Loa
         return(mState);
     }
 
-    private void startLoadingApps() {
-        LoaderManager lm = LoaderManager.getInstance(this);
-        Loader<List<AppDescriptor>> loader = lm.getLoader(OPERATION_SEARCH_LOADER);
-
-        Log.d(APPS_LOADER_TAG, "Loader? " + (loader != null));
-
-        if(loader==null)
-            loader = lm.initLoader(OPERATION_SEARCH_LOADER, null, this);
-        else
-            loader = lm.restartLoader(OPERATION_SEARCH_LOADER, null, this);
-
-        loader.forceLoad();
-    }
-
     public void setTmpAppFilterListener(AppsListView.OnSelectedAppListener listener) {
         mTmpAppFilterListener = listener;
     }
@@ -563,7 +475,9 @@ public class MainActivity extends AppCompatActivity implements LoaderManager.Loa
         if((mFilterApp == null) || !canApplyTmpFilter())
             return null;
 
-        return findAppByPackage(mFilterApp);
+        // TODO: fixme
+        return null;
+        //return findAppByPackage(mFilterApp);
     }
 
     public void setSelectedApp(AppDescriptor app) {
@@ -577,9 +491,12 @@ public class MainActivity extends AppCompatActivity implements LoaderManager.Loa
             mFilterApp = app.getPackageName();
 
             // clone the drawable to avoid a "zoom-in" effect when clicked
-            Drawable drawable = Objects.requireNonNull(app.getIcon().getConstantState()).newDrawable();
-            mMenuItemAppSel.setIcon(drawable);
-            mMenuItemAppSel.setTitle(R.string.remove_app_filter);
+            Drawable drawable = (app.getIcon() != null) ? Objects.requireNonNull(app.getIcon().getConstantState()).newDrawable() : null;
+
+            if(drawable != null) {
+                mMenuItemAppSel.setIcon(drawable);
+                mMenuItemAppSel.setTitle(R.string.remove_app_filter);
+            }
         } else {
             // no filter
             mFilterApp = null;
@@ -621,7 +538,7 @@ public class MainActivity extends AppCompatActivity implements LoaderManager.Loa
 
         View dialogLayout = getLayoutInflater().inflate(R.layout.apps_selector, null);
         SearchView searchView = dialogLayout.findViewById(R.id.apps_search);
-        AppsListView apps = (AppsListView) dialogLayout.findViewById(R.id.apps_list);
+        AppsListView apps = dialogLayout.findViewById(R.id.apps_list);
         TextView emptyText = dialogLayout.findViewById(R.id.no_apps);
 
         apps.setApps(appsData);
diff --git a/app/src/main/java/com/emanuelef/remote_capture/adapters/AppsStatsAdapter.java b/app/src/main/java/com/emanuelef/remote_capture/adapters/AppsStatsAdapter.java
index 443783c9..257cf11c 100644
--- a/app/src/main/java/com/emanuelef/remote_capture/adapters/AppsStatsAdapter.java
+++ b/app/src/main/java/com/emanuelef/remote_capture/adapters/AppsStatsAdapter.java
@@ -40,6 +40,7 @@ import com.emanuelef.remote_capture.model.AppStats;
 import java.util.ArrayList;
 import java.util.Collections;
 import java.util.List;
+import java.util.Map;
 import java.util.Objects;
 
 public class AppsStatsAdapter extends RecyclerView.Adapter<AppsStatsAdapter.ViewHolder> {
@@ -49,6 +50,7 @@ public class AppsStatsAdapter extends RecyclerView.Adapter<AppsStatsAdapter.View
     private final Drawable mUnknownIcon;
     private View.OnClickListener mListener;
     private List<AppStats> mStats;
+    private Map<Integer, AppDescriptor> mApps;
 
     public static class ViewHolder extends RecyclerView.ViewHolder {
         ImageView icon;
@@ -63,13 +65,13 @@ public class AppsStatsAdapter extends RecyclerView.Adapter<AppsStatsAdapter.View
             traffic = itemView.findViewById(R.id.traffic);
         }
 
-        public void bindAppStats(MainActivity activity, AppStats stats, Drawable unknownIcon) {
+        public void bindAppStats(MainActivity activity, AppStats stats, Map<Integer, AppDescriptor> apps, Drawable unknownIcon) {
             Drawable appIcon;
 
             // NOTE: can be null
-            AppDescriptor app = activity.findAppByUid(stats.getUid());
+            AppDescriptor app = (apps != null) ? apps.get(stats.getUid()) : null;
 
-            appIcon = (app != null) ? Objects.requireNonNull(app.getIcon().getConstantState()).newDrawable() : unknownIcon;
+            appIcon = ((app != null) && (app.getIcon() != null)) ? Objects.requireNonNull(app.getIcon().getConstantState()).newDrawable() : unknownIcon;
             icon.setImageDrawable(appIcon);
 
             String info_txt = (app != null) ? app.getName() : Integer.toString(stats.getUid());
@@ -114,7 +116,7 @@ public class AppsStatsAdapter extends RecyclerView.Adapter<AppsStatsAdapter.View
         if(stats == null)
             return;
 
-        holder.bindAppStats(mActivity, stats, mUnknownIcon);
+        holder.bindAppStats(mActivity, stats, mApps, mUnknownIcon);
     }
 
     @Override
@@ -133,10 +135,10 @@ public class AppsStatsAdapter extends RecyclerView.Adapter<AppsStatsAdapter.View
     }
 
     public void setStats(List<AppStats> stats) {
-        if(mActivity.appsLoaded()) {
+        if(mApps != null) {
             Collections.sort(stats, (o1, o2) -> {
-                AppDescriptor a1 = mActivity.findAppByUid(o1.getUid());
-                AppDescriptor a2 = mActivity.findAppByUid(o2.getUid());
+                AppDescriptor a1 = mApps.get(o1.getUid());
+                AppDescriptor a2 = mApps.get(o2.getUid());
 
                 if((a1 == null) && (a2 == null))
                     return 0;
@@ -154,4 +156,9 @@ public class AppsStatsAdapter extends RecyclerView.Adapter<AppsStatsAdapter.View
         mStats = stats;
         notifyDataSetChanged();
     }
+
+    public void setApps(Map<Integer, AppDescriptor> apps) {
+        mApps = apps;
+        notifyDataSetChanged();
+    }
 }
diff --git a/app/src/main/java/com/emanuelef/remote_capture/adapters/ConnectionsAdapter.java b/app/src/main/java/com/emanuelef/remote_capture/adapters/ConnectionsAdapter.java
index 9f903933..f4030e68 100644
--- a/app/src/main/java/com/emanuelef/remote_capture/adapters/ConnectionsAdapter.java
+++ b/app/src/main/java/com/emanuelef/remote_capture/adapters/ConnectionsAdapter.java
@@ -21,7 +21,6 @@ package com.emanuelef.remote_capture.adapters;
 
 import android.content.Context;
 import android.graphics.drawable.Drawable;
-import android.util.Log;
 import android.view.LayoutInflater;
 import android.view.View;
 import android.view.ViewGroup;
@@ -40,6 +39,7 @@ import com.emanuelef.remote_capture.R;
 import com.emanuelef.remote_capture.Utils;
 import com.emanuelef.remote_capture.activities.MainActivity;
 
+import java.util.Map;
 import java.util.Objects;
 
 public class ConnectionsAdapter extends RecyclerView.Adapter<ConnectionsAdapter.ViewHolder> {
@@ -49,6 +49,7 @@ public class ConnectionsAdapter extends RecyclerView.Adapter<ConnectionsAdapter.
     private final Drawable mUnknownIcon;
     private int mItemCount;
     private View.OnClickListener mListener;
+    private Map<Integer, AppDescriptor> mApps;
     int mUidFilter;
 
     public static class ViewHolder extends RecyclerView.ViewHolder {
@@ -68,11 +69,11 @@ public class ConnectionsAdapter extends RecyclerView.Adapter<ConnectionsAdapter.
             statusInd = itemView.findViewById(R.id.status_ind);
         }
 
-        public void bindConn(MainActivity activity, ConnectionDescriptor conn, Drawable unknownIcon) {
-            AppDescriptor app = activity.findAppByUid(conn.uid);
+        public void bindConn(MainActivity activity, ConnectionDescriptor conn, Map<Integer, AppDescriptor> apps, Drawable unknownIcon) {
+            AppDescriptor app = (apps != null) ? apps.get(conn.uid) : null;
             Drawable appIcon;
 
-            appIcon = (app != null) ? Objects.requireNonNull(app.getIcon().getConstantState()).newDrawable() : unknownIcon;
+            appIcon = ((app != null) && (app.getIcon() != null)) ? Objects.requireNonNull(app.getIcon().getConstantState()).newDrawable() : unknownIcon;
             icon.setImageDrawable(appIcon);
 
             if(conn.info.length() > 0)
@@ -127,7 +128,7 @@ public class ConnectionsAdapter extends RecyclerView.Adapter<ConnectionsAdapter.
         if(conn == null)
             return;
 
-        holder.bindConn(mActivity, conn, mUnknownIcon);
+        holder.bindConn(mActivity, conn, mApps, mUnknownIcon);
     }
 
     @Override
@@ -160,4 +161,8 @@ public class ConnectionsAdapter extends RecyclerView.Adapter<ConnectionsAdapter.
     public int getUidFilter() {
         return mUidFilter;
     }
+
+    public void setApps(Map<Integer, AppDescriptor> apps) {
+        mApps = apps;
+    }
 }
diff --git a/app/src/main/java/com/emanuelef/remote_capture/fragments/AppsFragment.java b/app/src/main/java/com/emanuelef/remote_capture/fragments/AppsFragment.java
index 592ff795..328dbaf9 100644
--- a/app/src/main/java/com/emanuelef/remote_capture/fragments/AppsFragment.java
+++ b/app/src/main/java/com/emanuelef/remote_capture/fragments/AppsFragment.java
@@ -14,19 +14,23 @@ import androidx.annotation.Nullable;
 import androidx.fragment.app.Fragment;
 import androidx.recyclerview.widget.LinearLayoutManager;
 
+import com.emanuelef.remote_capture.AppsLoader;
 import com.emanuelef.remote_capture.CaptureService;
 import com.emanuelef.remote_capture.ConnectionsRegister;
 import com.emanuelef.remote_capture.R;
 import com.emanuelef.remote_capture.activities.MainActivity;
 import com.emanuelef.remote_capture.adapters.AppsStatsAdapter;
 import com.emanuelef.remote_capture.interfaces.AppStateListener;
+import com.emanuelef.remote_capture.interfaces.AppsLoadListener;
 import com.emanuelef.remote_capture.interfaces.ConnectionsListener;
 import com.emanuelef.remote_capture.model.AppDescriptor;
 import com.emanuelef.remote_capture.model.AppState;
 import com.emanuelef.remote_capture.model.AppStats;
 import com.emanuelef.remote_capture.views.EmptyRecyclerView;
 
-public class AppsFragment extends Fragment implements AppStateListener, ConnectionsListener {
+import java.util.Map;
+
+public class AppsFragment extends Fragment implements AppStateListener, ConnectionsListener, AppsLoadListener {
     private EmptyRecyclerView mRecyclerView;
     private AppsStatsAdapter mAdapter;
     private static final String TAG = "AppsFragment";
@@ -34,6 +38,7 @@ public class AppsFragment extends Fragment implements AppStateListener, Connecti
     private Handler mHandler;
     private boolean mRefreshApps;
     private boolean listenerSet;
+    private Map<Integer, AppDescriptor> mApps;
 
     @Override
     public void onAttach(@NonNull Context context) {
@@ -81,7 +86,7 @@ public class AppsFragment extends Fragment implements AppStateListener, Connecti
             AppStats item = mAdapter.getItem(pos);
 
             if(item != null) {
-                AppDescriptor app = mActivity.findAppByUid(item.getUid());
+                AppDescriptor app = mApps.get(item.getUid());
 
                 if(app != null) {
                     mActivity.setSelectedApp(app);
@@ -92,6 +97,10 @@ public class AppsFragment extends Fragment implements AppStateListener, Connecti
 
         registerListener();
         mActivity.addAppStateListener(this);
+
+        (new AppsLoader(mActivity))
+                .setAppsLoadListener(this)
+                .loadAllApps();
     }
 
     private void registerListener() {
@@ -123,12 +132,6 @@ public class AppsFragment extends Fragment implements AppStateListener, Connecti
         }
     }
 
-    @Override
-    public void appsLoaded() {
-        // refresh the icons
-        mAdapter.notifyDataSetChanged();
-    }
-
     // NOTE: do not use synchronized as it could cause a deadlock with the ConnectionsRegister lock
     private void doRefreshApps() {
         mRefreshApps = false;
@@ -168,4 +171,18 @@ public class AppsFragment extends Fragment implements AppStateListener, Connecti
     public void connectionsUpdated(int[] positions) {
         refreshAppsAsync();
     }
+
+    @Override
+    public void onAppsInfoLoaded(Map<Integer, AppDescriptor> apps) {
+        // refresh the names
+        mApps = apps;
+        mAdapter.setApps(apps);
+    }
+
+    @Override
+    public void onAppsIconsLoaded(Map<Integer, AppDescriptor> apps) {
+        // refresh the icons
+        mApps = apps;
+        mAdapter.setApps(apps);
+    }
 }
diff --git a/app/src/main/java/com/emanuelef/remote_capture/fragments/ConnectionsFragment.java b/app/src/main/java/com/emanuelef/remote_capture/fragments/ConnectionsFragment.java
index 56d26b0e..dbee83e5 100644
--- a/app/src/main/java/com/emanuelef/remote_capture/fragments/ConnectionsFragment.java
+++ b/app/src/main/java/com/emanuelef/remote_capture/fragments/ConnectionsFragment.java
@@ -36,6 +36,8 @@ import androidx.fragment.app.Fragment;
 import androidx.recyclerview.widget.LinearLayoutManager;
 import androidx.recyclerview.widget.RecyclerView;
 
+import com.emanuelef.remote_capture.AppsLoader;
+import com.emanuelef.remote_capture.interfaces.AppsLoadListener;
 import com.emanuelef.remote_capture.model.AppDescriptor;
 import com.emanuelef.remote_capture.model.AppState;
 import com.emanuelef.remote_capture.CaptureService;
@@ -50,7 +52,9 @@ import com.emanuelef.remote_capture.activities.MainActivity;
 import com.emanuelef.remote_capture.interfaces.AppStateListener;
 import com.emanuelef.remote_capture.interfaces.ConnectionsListener;
 
-public class ConnectionsFragment extends Fragment implements AppStateListener, ConnectionsListener, AppsListView.OnSelectedAppListener {
+import java.util.Map;
+
+public class ConnectionsFragment extends Fragment implements AppStateListener, ConnectionsListener, AppsListView.OnSelectedAppListener, AppsLoadListener {
     private static final String TAG = "ConnectionsFragment";
     private MainActivity mActivity;
     private Handler mHandler;
@@ -59,6 +63,7 @@ public class ConnectionsFragment extends Fragment implements AppStateListener, C
     private EmptyRecyclerView mRecyclerView;
     private boolean autoScroll;
     private boolean listenerSet;
+    private Map<Integer, AppDescriptor> mApps;
 
     @Override
     public void onAttach(@NonNull Context context) {
@@ -132,7 +137,7 @@ public class ConnectionsFragment extends Fragment implements AppStateListener, C
 
             if(item != null) {
                 Intent intent = new Intent(getContext(), ConnectionDetailsActivity.class);
-                AppDescriptor app = mActivity.findAppByUid(item.uid);
+                AppDescriptor app = (mApps != null) ? mApps.get(item.uid) : null;
                 String app_name = null;
 
                 if(app != null)
@@ -164,6 +169,10 @@ public class ConnectionsFragment extends Fragment implements AppStateListener, C
 
         mActivity.addAppStateListener(this);
         mActivity.setTmpAppFilterListener(this);
+
+        (new AppsLoader(mActivity))
+                .setAppsLoadListener(this)
+                .loadAllApps();
     }
 
     private void recheckScroll() {
@@ -217,13 +226,6 @@ public class ConnectionsFragment extends Fragment implements AppStateListener, C
         }
     }
 
-    @Override
-    public void appsLoaded() {
-        // Refresh the adapter to load the apps icons
-        // Don't use notifyDataSetChanged as connectionsAdded/connectionsRemoved may be pending
-        mAdapter.notifyItemRangeChanged(0, mAdapter.getItemCount());
-    }
-
     // This performs an unoptimized adapter refresh
     private void refreshUidConnections() {
         ConnectionsRegister reg = CaptureService.getConnsRegister();
@@ -324,4 +326,18 @@ public class ConnectionsFragment extends Fragment implements AppStateListener, C
             registerListener();
         }
     }
+
+    @Override
+    public void onAppsInfoLoaded(Map<Integer, AppDescriptor> apps) {
+        mApps = apps;
+    }
+
+    @Override
+    public void onAppsIconsLoaded(Map<Integer, AppDescriptor> apps) {
+        // Refresh the adapter to load the apps icons
+        // Don't use notifyDataSetChanged as connectionsAdded/connectionsRemoved may be pending
+        mApps = apps;
+        mAdapter.setApps(apps);
+        mAdapter.notifyItemRangeChanged(0, mAdapter.getItemCount());
+    }
 }
diff --git a/app/src/main/java/com/emanuelef/remote_capture/fragments/StatusFragment.java b/app/src/main/java/com/emanuelef/remote_capture/fragments/StatusFragment.java
index 1c98d094..d667c7b5 100644
--- a/app/src/main/java/com/emanuelef/remote_capture/fragments/StatusFragment.java
+++ b/app/src/main/java/com/emanuelef/remote_capture/fragments/StatusFragment.java
@@ -191,7 +191,4 @@ public class StatusFragment extends Fragment implements AppStateListener {
                 break;
         }
     }
-
-    @Override
-    public void appsLoaded() {}
 }
diff --git a/app/src/main/java/com/emanuelef/remote_capture/interfaces/AppStateListener.java b/app/src/main/java/com/emanuelef/remote_capture/interfaces/AppStateListener.java
index f330bbcc..1fa98273 100644
--- a/app/src/main/java/com/emanuelef/remote_capture/interfaces/AppStateListener.java
+++ b/app/src/main/java/com/emanuelef/remote_capture/interfaces/AppStateListener.java
@@ -23,5 +23,4 @@ import com.emanuelef.remote_capture.model.AppState;
 
 public interface AppStateListener {
     void appStateChanged(AppState state);
-    void appsLoaded();
 }
diff --git a/app/src/main/java/com/emanuelef/remote_capture/interfaces/AppsLoadListener.java b/app/src/main/java/com/emanuelef/remote_capture/interfaces/AppsLoadListener.java
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..ba82778c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/app/src/main/java/com/emanuelef/remote_capture/interfaces/AppsLoadListener.java
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+package com.emanuelef.remote_capture.interfaces;
+
+import com.emanuelef.remote_capture.model.AppDescriptor;
+
+import java.util.Map;
+
+public interface AppsLoadListener {
+    // uid -> AppDescriptor
+    void onAppsInfoLoaded(Map<Integer, AppDescriptor> apps);
+    void onAppsIconsLoaded(Map<Integer, AppDescriptor> apps);
+}
diff --git a/app/src/main/java/com/emanuelef/remote_capture/model/AppDescriptor.java b/app/src/main/java/com/emanuelef/remote_capture/model/AppDescriptor.java
index 6e98fdeb..c13c83f2 100644
--- a/app/src/main/java/com/emanuelef/remote_capture/model/AppDescriptor.java
+++ b/app/src/main/java/com/emanuelef/remote_capture/model/AppDescriptor.java
@@ -21,28 +21,36 @@ package com.emanuelef.remote_capture.model;
 
 import android.graphics.drawable.Drawable;
 
+import androidx.annotation.Nullable;
+
 import java.io.Serializable;
 
 public class AppDescriptor implements Comparable<AppDescriptor>, Serializable {
     private final String name;
-    private final Drawable icon;
     private final String package_name;
     private final int uid;
     private final boolean is_system;
+    private final boolean is_virtual;   // the app does not have a package name (e.g. uid 0 is android system)
+    private Drawable icon;
 
-    public AppDescriptor(String name, Drawable icon, String package_name, int uid, boolean is_system) {
+    public AppDescriptor(String name, Drawable icon, String package_name, int uid, boolean is_system, boolean is_virtual) {
         this.name = name;
         this.icon = icon;
         this.package_name = package_name;
         this.uid = uid;
         this.is_system = is_system;
+        this.is_virtual = is_virtual;
     }
 
     public String getName() {
         return name;
     }
 
-    public Drawable getIcon() {
+    public void setIcon(Drawable _icon) {
+        icon = _icon;
+    }
+
+    public @Nullable Drawable getIcon() {
         return icon;
     }
 
@@ -56,6 +64,8 @@ public class AppDescriptor implements Comparable<AppDescriptor>, Serializable {
 
     public boolean isSystem() { return is_system; }
 
+    public boolean isVirtual() { return is_virtual; }
+
     @Override
     public int compareTo(AppDescriptor o) {
         int rv = getName().toLowerCase().compareTo(o.getName().toLowerCase());