Application permissions Android are the basis for the security of your smartphone. They determine what data and device functions can be accessed by which app, from accessing the camera and microphone to reading SMS or determining location. However, not all users understand how to properly manage these settings. Some blindly agree to all requests during installation, others block everything, risking breaking the functionality of the apps.

In this article we will look at not only standard ways of adding permissions through settings Android, but also little-known nuances: how to work with permissions for system applications, what to do if an application does not request the necessary rights, and how to automate the process using special utilities. We will pay special attention to security issues - which permissions can be safely disabled and which are better not to be limited.

The material is relevant for all modern versions Android (from Android 10 to Android 15), but some menu items may differ slightly depending on the manufacturer's shell (MIUI, One UI, ColorOS etc.). If you are using a device with highly customized firmware (for example, Huawei without services Google), some functions may not be available.

Why applications ask for permissions and what types are there

Each permission on Android applies one of three categories according to the level of risk:

  • 🔴 Dangerous permissions — give access to confidential data (for example, READ_CONTACTS, ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION, RECORD_AUDIO). They require explicit confirmation from the user.
  • 🟡 Normal permissions —needed for basic operation of the application (for example, access to the Internet or vibration). Automatically provided during installation.
  • 🟢 System permissions —used only by pre-installed applications (for example, BIND_DEVICE_ADMIN to control the device). The user cannot change them.

From version Android 6.0 Marshmallow the company Google has introduced a dynamic permissions model: now applications request critical rights not during installation, but at the time of the first use of the function. For example, the messenger will only ask for microphone access when you first want to send a voice message. This reduced the risk of “silent” data collection, but added headaches to users: many simply do not understand why the application suddenly stops working.

Important nuance: with Android 11 the concept of “one-time permissions” has appeared - the application receives access for only one session (for example, to a location). After closing the app, the permission is automatically reset. This feature is useful for applications that you do not trust 100%, but sometimes need their functionality (for example, taxis or navigators).

⚠️ Attention: Some manufacturers (for example, Xiaomi or Oppo) add their own permission layers on top of the standard ones. This can lead to conflicts when an application is authorized at the Androidlevel but blocked at the shell level. In such cases, check the settings in the "Autorun Permissions" or "Battery" section.

Method 1: Standard provision of permissions through Android settings

The most universal method is manual configuration through the device menu. It works on all smartphones, regardless of version Android or shell. Here are step-by-step guide:

  1. Open Settings → Applications (or Manage applications).
  2. Select the desired application from the list. If it is not in the main list, click "Show all applications" or use search.
  3. Tap on the item Permissions (in some firmware it may be called Rights or Accesses).
  4. You will see a list of all permissions requested by the application, divided into categories (for example, “Camera”, “Microphone”, “Storage”). Switch the toggle switches for the required rights.

On Android 12 and newer, it is possible to filter permissions by status:

  • 🔄 Allowed —already active rights.
  • ❌ Forbidden —permissions that you have disabled.
  • ⏳ Ask again —the application will request the right the next time you use the function.

Review the permission description (click on the "?" icon next to the name)

Check if the application is a system one (changes may cause crashes)

Make sure you have enough battery power (some changes require reboot)

Make a backup copy of important data (in case the application is unstable)-->

If the required permission is not in the list, this may mean:

  • 📱 The application has not yet requested this right (it will appear after the first call to the function).
  • 🔒 The permission is a system one and cannot be changed by the user.
  • 🛠️ The application uses workarounds (for example, through Accessibility Service), which are not displayed in the standard menu.

Method 2: Managing permissions through the request screen (runtime permissions)

Most modern applications ask for dangerous permissions directly during operation. For example, when you first launch the camera in Instagram or try to determine the location in Google Maps. Here's how to properly respond to such requests:

1. When a pop-up window appears asking you to grant access (for example, "Allow VK access to your contacts?"), read carefully:

- Application name (sometimes scammers disguise malware as popular services).

- Request type (exact name of the permission, for example, "Read SMS").

- Explanation (some applications give a brief description of why they need this).

2. You have three answer options:

- Allow — permanent access.

- Only this time (on Android 11+) - one-time permission.

- Do not allow - blocking the right.

3. If you accidentally pressed the wrong button, you can fix it through the app settings (see Method 1).

I agree to everything so that the application works

I read and selectively allow

Always I refuse, except for the most necessary

Depends on the application (I trust social networks more than games)-->

⚠️ Attention: Some applications (especially banking or instant messengers) can completely block their functionality if they are not given critical permissions. For example, SberBank Online will not work without access to SMS (needed for confirmation). payments), and WhatsApp will not be able to send voice messages without access to the microphone. In such cases, you will either have to accept restrictions or look for alternative apps.

Method 3: Using ADB for hidden permissions (for advanced users)

Some permissions are not displayed in the standard interface Android, but they can be changed through Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method is suitable for advanced users, since incorrect commands can disrupt the stability of the system:

1. Install ADB on your computer (you can download from the official website Google for developers).

2. Enable on your smartphone USB debugging in the menu Settings → About phone → Build number (tap 7 times on the build number, then return in Settings → System → For developers).

3. Connect the phone to the PC and run the command:

adb shell pm grant com.example.app android.permission.REQUESTED_PERMISSION

Where:

- com.example.app — application package name (can be found through App Inspector or website APKMirror).

- REQUESTED_PERMISSION — permission name (for example, WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS).

To revoke permission use:

adb shell pm revoke com.example.app android.permission.REQUESTED_PERMISSION
Resolution Description Risks
WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS Changing system settings (for example, brightness or volume) Can lead to unstable operation of the device
BIND_NOTIFICATION_LISTENER Reading notifications from other applications Leakage of confidential data (codes from SMS, messages)
SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW Display on top of other windows (for example, for chat bots) Can be used for phishing (fake password entry windows)
READ_LOGS Reading system logs Access to the history of actions on the device
What happens if you give the application permission BIND_ACCESSIBILITY_SERVICE?

This permission allows the application use Accessibility Service —a tool for people with disabilities. However, attackers often exploit it for:

- Stealing passwords (intercepting keyboard input).

- Automatic clicking on advertising or payment buttons.

- Bypassing two-factor authentication (for example, in banking applications).

If the application is not a visually impaired assistant or a keyboard (like Gboard), never do not grant it this right.

To mass reset permissions (for example, after installing custom firmware) use:

adb shell pm reset-permissions
⚠️ Attention: Changing system permissions can lead to:

- Loss of warranty (if the device is not officially unlocked).

- Unstable operation (for example, constant reboots).

- Blocking of some functions (for example, Google Pay will stop working if you change permissions for Google Play Services).

Before experimenting, create a backup via adb backup or TWRP.

Method 4: Automating permission management using applications

If you get tired to manually configure rights for each application, you can use specialized utilities. They allow you to:

  • 🔍 Massively revoke unnecessary permissions.
  • 📊 Visualize which applications are the most “gluttonous” in terms of access to data.
  • 🔄 Automatically reset permissions after use (for example, navigators).

Top 3 tested applications:

  1. AppOps (requires ADB):
    • Shows all operations that applications perform (including hidden ones).
    • Allows you to block access to specific functions (for example, only to the camera, but not to the microphone).
    • Works without root, but for full functionality you need ADB-commands.
  2. Permission Manager (from Rikkie):
    • Convenient interface with sorting by types of permissions.
    • Support for "one-time" permissions (even for Android 10).
    • Built-in search for applications and rights.
  • Bouncer (for temporary permissions):
    • Automatically revokes rights after closing the application.
    • Supports "white lists" for trusted apps.
    • Does not require root or ADB.
    💡

    Before using third-party permission managers, check their reputation on forums like XDA Developers or 4PDA. Some "optimizers" themselves collect user data under the guise of protection.

    Example of working with Bouncer:

    1. Install the application from Google Play.

    2. from Yandex.Navigator) select the "Temporarily allow" option.

    3. After closing the navigator, the right will be automatically revoked.

    Frequent problems and their solutions

    Problem 1: The application does not ask for the required permission, but does not work without it.

    Solution:

    • Check whether permissions are disabled at the shell level (for example, MIUI there is a separate "Autorun" section).
    • Update the application - in new versions there may be The request logic has been fixed.
    • Clear the application cache in the settings (Storage → Clear cache).
    • If all else fails, contact developer support - this may be a bug.

    Problem 2: After disabling the permission, the application is constantly disabled is asking.

    Solution:

    • In the permission settings, select the "Block and don't ask again" option (if available).
    • Use ADBto completely block request: 
      adb shell pm revoke --user 0 com.example.app android.permission.REQUESTED_PERMISSION
    • Uninstall and reinstall the application - sometimes this resets the request settings.

    Problem 3: A system application (for example Google Play Services) consumes too much battery due to permissions.

    Solution:

    • Limit background activity in the battery settings (Settings → Battery → Battery optimization).
    • Disable unnecessary permissions (for example, access to location if you are not using Google Maps).
    • Update services Google Play to the latest version - power consumption is often optimized in new releases.

    💡

    If after changing permissions the application stops working, first check the error logs through adb logcatOften the problem lies not in the lack of rights, but in a conflict with other settings (for example, background restrictions). activity).

    Security: which permissions can be disabled without risk

    Not all permissions are equally critical. Here is a list of rights that can be safely disabled for most applications (except for system and banking ones):

    Permission For which applications you can disable Exceptions
    READ_CONTACTS Games, news applications, most instant messengers (except those that synchronize contacts) WhatsApp, Telegram (needed to search for contacts)
    ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION Photo editors, games (except geolocation ones like Pokémon GO) Navigators, taxi ordering applications, weather widgets
    RECORD_AUDIO Browsers, file managers, most social networks (except those that support voice messages) VK, Telegram, Zoom
    CAMERA Games, news applications, most instant messengers (except those that support video calls) Instagram, Snapchat, Skype
    READ_SMS All applications except banking and instant messengers with confirmation via SMS SberBank Online, Tinkoff, WhatsApp (for verification)

    To check which applications are abusing permissions, use the built-in tools:

    1. Go to Settings → Privacy → Permission Manager (name may vary).

    2. Select a resolution (for example, "Location").

    3. what applications use it and how often.

    Critical point: if an application asks for permission REQUEST_INSTALL_PACKAGES (installing other applications) or BIND_DEVICE_ADMIN (device management), this is almost always a sign of malware. Delete such an application immediately.

    Is it possible to give the application permission for only one time?

    Yes, starting from Android 11 the "Only this time" function appeared. The next time you request the same permission, the application will again have to ask for your consent. On older versions, you can use the application Bouncer to automatically. revoking rights.

    Why do some applications work without permissions, and then suddenly ask for them?

    This is due to the dynamic permissions model introduced in Android 6.0Applications do not request critical rights during installation, but at the time of first use of the function. will ask for access to the camera until you try to take a photo directly in the application. Facebook won't ask for camera access until you try to take a photo directly in the app.

    How to find out what permissions the application requests before installation?

    Before installation, check the list of permissions:

    1. B Google Play scroll the application page to the "Permissions" block (click "Show all").
    2. Use sites like APKMirror, where all rights are detailed.
    3. Install APK analyzer (for example, APKLab) for deep scanning file.

    What to do if after disabling the permission the application stops working?

    First check if the problem is really in permissions:

    • Enable the right back and see if functionality is restored.
    • Check error logs via adb logcat | grep "permission denied".
    • Look for information about a specific application on the forums (it may be a known bug).

    If an application is critical but requires too many rights, consider alternatives with a more transparent privacy policy.

    Is it possible to completely disable all permissions for application?

    Technically yes, but this will lead to one of three scenarios:

    • 🟢 The application will work with limited functionality (for example, a browser without access to the storage will not be able to download files).
    • 🟡 The application will refuse to launch until you provide critical rights (typical for banking apps).
    • 🔴 The application will be unstable or crash (especially if it uses undocumented APIs).

    For experiments, use the "sandbox" - create a second user on the device (Settings → System → Multiple Users) and test there.