Help Controlling App Permissions

[Lana30]

Hi Friends,
Is it possible to deny certain permissions if your device is not rooted. I have searched and all the apps that help you modify permissions are for rooted phones only. Any suggestions? Is it even possible? Thanks in advance.

 

[Brian706]

Hi Lana,

What version of Android are you running? If you are on Lollipop or Marshmallow, you don't need any sort of 3rd party app to control permissions. There are couple ways to access the app info:

1.) Settings > Applications > All > [your app] > permissions
2.) From app drawer, longpress the app and drag to "app info" at the top of the screen. Select permissions.

 

[AZgl1500]

Well, if Marshmallow ever arrives on my Note 4,

there are going to be some changes made to a lot of apps on mine.

 

[Hadron]

Brian, are you sure about that being available on Lollipop? I've 2 Lollipop devices, and neither has that option - view permissions, yes, but not control them without an add-on.

 

[Brian706]

Brian, are you sure about that being available on Lollipop? I've 2 Lollipop devices, and neither has that option - view permissions, yes, but not control them without an add-on.

Hmm, I am not sure. I thought that Lollipop introduced permission control but It's been awhile since I've used it. I will have to see if my N5 is still on LP and take a peek later.

 

[Hadron]

As I recall it first appeared as a hidden option (revealed by an "app ops" app) in 4.3, somewhere in the 4.4.x it began to require root, but I'm fairly sure it only became an open feature in 6.

 

[Brian706]

You might be right. I don't change permissions much. I generally tend to avoid apps with permissions I find unnecessary. Occasionally I install one with a permission I don't think it needs and just disable that permission, but I'm on MM. Now that you've mentioned it, that sounds right...

So, if OP isn't on Marshmallow, we will have to come see what we can come up with.

 

[Lana30]

Hi,
Thanks for the info. I have Android 4.4 on one phone and Lollipop on the other. So, its not possible to modify app permissions without root?

 

[scary alien]

Outside of what's been discussed so far (above) [i.e., for the later versions of Android], then no, it does not sound possible without having/needing root.