Android Applications Permissions Explained

android app permissions

Everytime when you install any Android Application, System prompts about accepting permissions to use that particular app. It is must required feature to install application but lot of guys don’t even know what these meant for. So Guys what do these Permissions mean?

You’re not given a lot of information on exactly what these permissions mean, so below we’ve rounded up the most common to offer some more insight into how the software will be interacting with your phone.

Make Phone Calls

It means an App can dial a number on your phone and connect. Google Voice and Google Maps use this.

In Real

Apps with this permission could call premium rate numbers, this is rare but to do be sure that you trust an app before you download. Those from recognised developers are likely to be fine.

[divider]

Modify/ Delete SD Card Contents

It means applications can read, write and delete anything which is stored in your device and make additions to them.

In real

This permission allow apps to store data on the SD Card will ask for this permission and again, you need to be sure of the integrity of the app developer and that access is necessary.

[divider]

Read Contact Data, Write Contact Data

This will allow your app to access the contacts stored in your device and make additions to them

In real

Some applications need this – social networks, contact management apps, SMS apps – but a lot do not, so if you don’t feel an app should access your contacts, do not allow it.

[divider]

Read Calendar Data, Write Calendar Data

The app will access your calendar, read it and have the ability to make additions to it.

In Real

Calendar events can track your whereabouts and they can also contain contact information so if you do not want this to be known to an app, disallow it.

[divider]

Read Sensitive Logs

Access is granted to read what any other applications have written as debugging/logging code.

In Real

No app should be given this permission than those you absolutely trust. The word sensitive is in there for a reason so take care.

[divider]

Find (GPS) Location

An app will be able to access or locate the exact position of your phone and, in many cases, yourself.

In Real

Location based services and advertising use this, and it is typical for cinema, restaurant and map apps to ask for permission to access your location via GPS.

[divider]

Full Internet Access

An app will be able to access the internet for any means such as saving files to the cloud.

In Real

Granting this gives an app the potential to be able to transfer off your phone, but there are many legitimate uses such as weather, social networking, web browsers and more.

[divider]

View Network State/ WiFi State

The app will be able to find out if you are connected to the internet via 3G or WiFi.

In real

You need to not to worry about this because the app is only working out whether you have network access at that particular moment of time.

[divider]

Manage Accounts

Apps will be able to manage the accounts on your Android Smartphone.

In Real

There is a potential for apps to be able to delete accounts but they can certainly add them. Facebook will ask for this permission.

[divider]

Prevent Phone From Sleeping

If an App needs to be always on in order to work, it may ask to be prevented from sleeping.

In Real

Ensuring a phone does not sleep means they remain useful. An Alarm Clock which goes to sleep is no good and neither is a video player which closes halfway through a clip.

The key thing to remember is that these permissions are intended to be used as a guide to what the application will be doing on your phone. Use a bit of common sense with these as an app that takes pictures needs to control your hardware. With your common sense you can save your phone from Android Malware.

Simranpal Singh
Simranpal Singh
With a decade-long journey in the tech industry, I've been actively engaged in tech reporting across various reputable publications. He currently works as a Web Developer at RightNode Media and pursues his hobby of writing on GoAndroid. Enjoy travelling, and always excited about new tech trends. He actively contributes on GizmoChina and GChromecast Hub.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

You Might Like

Thing you should check

How To

Best Of