Android permissions that need a Play Console declaration
Google Play restricts a set of sensitive permissions to apps whose core feature needs them. If your app declares one, Play Console asks you to explain it, in the Permissions Declaration Form or on the App content page, and sometimes to show it in a short video. Google reviews the answer and decides.
Most apps that get flagged never meant to ask for the permission: a library declared it and the build merged it in. Each page below says what the permission allows, who Google allows to use it, what to use instead, and how to remove it or declare it. To find out which ones your app has, paste your manifest into the permission declaration checker. Permissions are one part of launch readiness; the Google Play pre-launch checklist covers the rest.
QUERY_ALL_PACKAGES and the Play Console declaration
See every installed app. Limited to device search, antivirus, file managers and browsers.
USE_EXACT_ALARM and SCHEDULE_EXACT_ALARM on Google Play
Exact alarms. USE_EXACT_ALARM is for alarm, timer and calendar apps; others ask the user.
READ_MEDIA_IMAGES, READ_MEDIA_VIDEO and the photo picker
Broad photo and video access. Most apps should use the Android photo picker instead.
ACCESS_BACKGROUND_LOCATION on Google Play
Location while the app is closed. Needs a core feature, a disclosure, a declaration and a video.
MANAGE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE (All files access) on Google Play
All files access. For file managers, backup, antivirus and similar apps only.
REQUEST_INSTALL_PACKAGES on Google Play
Ask to install other APKs. Never for self-updates; only when installing is a core feature.
USE_FULL_SCREEN_INTENT on Android 14 and Google Play
Notifications that take over the screen. Granted by default only to calling and alarm apps.
Foreground service types and the Play Console declaration
FOREGROUND_SERVICE_* types. Each needs a Play Console description and video on Android 14+.
The AD_ID permission and the Advertising ID declaration
The advertising ID. Usually added by an ads or analytics SDK; needs matching Play Console answers.
SMS and Call Log permissions on Google Play
SMS and call log access. For default SMS, phone and assistant apps, plus narrow exceptions.