We are deploying a special version (MyPhones v1.6) for our long-time golden customer who has been using our app.
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Android Permission

✅ Android Permissions Explained

Each data collection feature in the MyPhones Agent app requires specific Android permissions. These permissions must be granted by the user during or after installation to enable proper functionality.

Feature
Required Android Permission(s)
Purpose

GPS Location Tracking

ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION, ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION

Get device's precise or approximate location

Phone Contacts

READ_CONTACTS

Access and sync contact list

Call History (Phone Logs)

READ_CALL_LOG, READ_PHONE_STATE

Retrieve call records including time and duration

SMS Messages

READ_SMS, RECEIVE_SMS (if applicable)

Read inbound and stored SMS messages

Photos / Media

READ_EXTERNAL_STORAGE (or MANAGE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE on Android 11+)

Access photos and media files for backup

Browser History

Depends on browser type – may require PACKAGE_USAGE_STATS or special access

Read recent browser activity (Chrome, Samsung Internet, etc.)

Ambient Voice Recording

RECORD_AUDIO

Record background audio using microphone

Background Operation

FOREGROUND_SERVICE, REQUEST_IGNORE_BATTERY_OPTIMIZATIONS

Keep app running reliably in background

⚠️ Some permissions, like SMS or Call Logs, are considered “sensitive” by Google and may require user consent screens or setup via Accessibility Services in modern Android versions.

❓ FAQs – Permissions in MyPhones Agent App

1. Why does the app ask for so many permissions? Each permission corresponds to a specific feature (GPS, calls, photos, etc.). We only request the permissions necessary for the features you choose to enable.

2. What happens if I deny a permission? If you deny permission, the related feature will not work. For example, if location permission is rejected, GPS tracking will be disabled.

3. Can I enable or disable permissions later? Yes. You can go to your Android device settings: Settings → Apps → MyPhones Agent → Permissions From there, toggle individual permissions at any time.

4. Why do I see background or battery-related permission requests? To function reliably in the background (e.g., send GPS updates every 15 minutes), the app may request battery optimization exemptions or background running permissions.

5. Is granting RECORD_AUDIO safe? Will the app record secretly? The app will only record ambient audio if you explicitly enable that feature from the Admin dashboard. All recordings are encrypted and tied to your account. Nothing is recorded without user control.

6. What is the PACKAGE_USAGE_STATS permission used for? This permission allows the app to access usage information, such as app activity or browser history. It’s optional and only used for specific features.

7. How do I grant permissions that Android blocks? Some permissions (especially SMS, call logs) may be blocked by default on Android 10+. You may need to enable them via Accessibility Settings or use a guided setup process provided in the app.

8. Are these permissions legal to request? Yes — when installed on a device you own or manage, and with consent, requesting these permissions is allowed under Android’s app guidelines. Unauthorized use, however, is strictly prohibited.

🔐 Android Device Owner Mode

Some advanced features in MyPhones Agent require the app to be installed as a Device Owner. This is a special Android management mode that grants full control over the device, typically used by enterprise IT admins, parental control tools, or kiosk devices.

✅ Benefits of Device Owner Mode:

Feature
Without Device Owner
With Device Owner

Silent uninstallation via push

❌ Not allowed

✅ Supported

Remotely toggle GPS

❌ User must enable manually

✅ Admin can force GPS on

Prevent app uninstallation

❌ User can uninstall

✅ App is uninstall-proof

Read phone logs on Android 10+

❌ Restricted

✅ Allowed via enterprise APIs

Lock or restrict Settings / Play Store

❌ No control

✅ Can enforce policies

Run in kiosk (single-app) mode

❌ Not possible

✅ Supported

Apply policy to reset factory settings

❌ No control

✅ Supported (e.g. factory reset protection)

⚠️ How to enable Device Owner mode?

MyPhones must be installed using one of the following provisioning methods:

  • QR Code Setup

  • ADB Command:

    pgsqlCopyEditadb shell dpm set-device-owner com.myphones.agent/.DeviceAdminReceiver

  • Zero-Touch / EMM enrollment (for enterprise users)

⚠️ Device Owner cannot be enabled after normal APK installation or via Play Store. It must be set during initial setup or provisioning.

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