How do permissions work?

[barth2]

How do permissions work? Do devs have to declare what their apps will use, and android will step in and stop it from doing something not in the permission list? So for example if an app doesn't say upfront it will access your contact, android will not let it?

Or is it a voluntary self rating kind of thing?

Or do they have people or automated tools running the app and watch what it does?

Have you ever NOT installed an app because you don't like the permission list? I honestly haven't. I bet most people don't even bother reading it.

 

[AndroidHabit]

I know when I look for an app to do a certain thing, I look for one with less permissions or no permissions. Having your phone rooted means you can block permissions so if I can't find an app with limited permissions, I just block them. Right now I am using AppOpps which is built in android but hidden. True most people probably don't even read the permissions they are giving these apps and so their privacy is breeched. Think about it when a simple app that's a compass or note pad can read your contacts or texts or access your sd card and the worst when it has internet permissions, but if the app doesn't have internet permissions then it doesn't really matter what other permissions it has. Some apps have hidden permissions also and do NOT state them, these are apps to keep away from.

 

[Simwer]

Devs do have to declare permissions and it's not voluntary. If an app doesn't have a declared permission for, say, internet access, when it tries to connect, the system will block this request and will issue a security exception.

I have ignored lots of apps (popular also) when i don't like the permission list.

 

[codyoehl]

Remember now, look at what you're installing
If you are installing a messaging app, expect a lot of permissions. Think about why the app would need those permissions. If it needs access to use your camera and it is a messaging/camera app of some sort, then it makes sense.
The problem is if you are installing a solitaire from some random dude and it needs access to like every permission there is.
Also look at how many downloads the app has, and the reviews. If it has good reviews and millions of downloads, most likely it is fine.

Posted via Android Central App with my Samsung Galaxy S5

 

[AndroidHabit]

Try this https://forums.androidcentral.com/e...droid.hidden.permissions&hl=en&token=c_nf3NL-
Then tell me if the permissions match against what the play store is showing.
Trust me there ARE hidden permissions like "device administrator" and "super user"

I have used that app to see if any apps have extra permissions that are not shown in play store.
So far it works and there are apps with extra permissions.

 

[AndroidHabit]

You do know that there are fake ratings and reviews right?
I wouldn't install something simply because it looks like it had a lot of users and reviews.
There are plenty of good apps with low amount of users and reviews so it doesn't mean anything.
Use caution no matter what and always find a similar app with less permissions or none.

 

[codyoehl]

You do know that there are fake ratings and reviews right?
I wouldn't install something simply because it looks like it had a lot of users and reviews.
There are plenty of good apps with low amount of users and reviews so it doesn't mean anything.
Use caution no matter what and always find a similar app with less permissions or none.

I say that because if an app has like 10 million installs and 2 million reviews, chances are it's legit

Posted via Android Central App with my Samsung Galaxy S5

 

[AndroidHabit]

You would hope so...