# Permissions (/en/docs/platform/android/permissions)



The child app asks for as little as it can. Only the first two items need you to do something.

| Permission                               | When                                      | Why                                                                                                                                                       |
| ---------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Accessibility Service**                | Setup, step 4                             | Lets the app read the text visible on screen in the [supported apps](/en/docs/platform/android/supported-apps). Without it the app can't detect anything. |
| **Notifications** (Android 13 and later) | Setup, step 4                             | Download progress while a model is downloading, and the **SafeCircle update available** notice when a newer AI model exists.                              |
| **Camera**                               | Pairing, when you choose **Scan QR code** | Android asks the first time you scan the pairing QR code. It isn't used for anything else.                                                                |
| **Internet**                             | Always                                    | Pair with your account, send alerts and download or check for AI model updates.                                                                           |
| **Foreground service (data sync)**       | During model downloads                    | Keeps a model download running if you leave the app. You see a **Downloading safety model** notification while it runs.                                   |

The app also declares the **NFC** permission for a tap-to-pair option that isn't active yet.

The app doesn't ask for access to contacts, location, SMS, the microphone, photos or files.

## The Accessibility Service [#the-accessibility-service]

Android treats this as a sensitive permission, so you grant it yourself in Android settings and Android shows a warning before you can enable it. In **Settings › Accessibility**, SafeCircle appears as **SafeCircle Protection**.

* **What it can read** — text visible in WhatsApp, Instagram, Telegram, Snapchat and TikTok.
* **What it does with it** — analyses it on the phone and keeps only the latest few lines in memory. See [How the child app works](/en/docs/platform/android/how-it-works).
* **What happens if it's off** — the status screen shows **PERMISSION MISSING** and **Not protected.** Tap the status to open Android's accessibility settings, or tap **Open Settings** in the **Permission required** dialog, and enable the toggle again.

<Callout type="warn">
  Android can turn the Accessibility Service off after you reinstall the app. If protection stops, check this first.
</Callout>

## Turning permissions off [#turning-permissions-off]

Switching a permission off in Android settings takes effect immediately. Turning off the Accessibility Service stops monitoring. Turning off notifications only hides download and update notices.

To stop monitoring for good, uninstall the app and revoke the device in the dashboard — see [Children and devices](/en/docs/platform/dashboard/children-devices).