Extensive permissions list?

[MrWalker0988]

A friend of mine brought it my attention how long and what seems to be unnecessary list of permissions the shell app on my Samsung S23 Plus has. He's an iPhone guy so I didn't think he knew what he was talking about. However, after looking more closely and doing some quick google searching. I am now worried 

Please help, i know the function of the app and what purpose it serves. But trying to understand why it needs all of the listed permissions kinda has me baffled. Or maybe I'm just trippin 🤷🏽 

[meself]

Think some would be surprised by some of the permissions a app or game can request i would select the minimum needed

[MrWalker0988]

Very true however, these permissions are greyed out. I can not toggle any of them.

[meself]

Here's what I found

[mccaberk]

Like all the apps on android.  It's all just smoke and mirrors, the permissions "you control" means nothing on googles android and Samsung paying them to be able to create their own UI. There is so much unnecessary permissions, it's just another way to obtain more data on the open source operating system google rules with an iron fist.  

Just fall in line, let it happen, don't worry about things like permissions.  At least not on a stock device.  Minimize what u can and accept that you have no real privacy, you gave that away when using the OS and agreeing to the TOS. Which you should have read 😏 and should have handed to a lawyer before ticking the agree box. 😉

But besides that the you need not worry about ALL the permissions. Just the DANGEROUS ONES! 

[meself]

Yes, all Android apps, including shell-type applications, need specific permissions to access device features and data to function correctly. Users must grant these permissions, which can be changed in the device's Settings > Apps > [App Name] > Permissions menu. The specific permissions required depend on the app's purpose, with some apps needing access to contacts, location, or messaging, and others requiring advanced root access for system-level commands. 

How Permissions Work

Runtime Requests: When an app needs to perform an action that requires a new permission (like accessing your location), it will display a prompt asking for your permission.

User Choice: You can choose to allow or deny the request.

Granting Permissions: If you grant the permission, the app can access the requested data or feature.

Denying Permissions: If you deny it, the app will not be able to access that data. 

How to Check and Change Permissions

Open Settings: On your Android device, open the Settings app.

Go to Apps: Tap on the Apps or Apps & Notifications option.

Select the App: Find and tap on the specific app you want to manage (e.g., the "Shell" app).

Tap Permissions: Select the Permissions option.

Adjust Settings: Here, you can see a list of all the permissions the app has requested and toggle them on or off. 

Why the Shell App Needs Permissions

Accessing Operating System Features:The app requires permissions to interact with the device's operating system and other features, such as your contacts, calendars, and more. 

Specific Functionality:For example, the Shell app might need permissions to call phone numbers or send SMS messages to function correctly. 

Root Access (for System-Level Commands):If the shell app is designed to run system-level commands, it would require root access, which is a different type of permission than standard app permissions and often requires rooting your phone. 

Important Considerations

Understanding the Need:The Shell app will explain why it needs these permissions for the app to work properly. 

Rooting:If you see an error related to "god permissions" or needing root access, it means the app requires system-level privileges that are not granted to standard apps, according to a Reddit thread. 

Handle Denials Gracefully:Apps should be designed to handle situations where users deny permissions, providing alternative functionality without the protected data. 

[MrWalker0988]

Thanks for that. I noticed it states You have an option on what to allow. Once again. I had no options to allow or disallow. Talking with Ai it stated this is a HUGE red flag. I just need a definitive answer.

[meself]

Conundrum some can't be changed

[MrWalker0988]

Understandable, KEYWORD some. NONE Of these can be toggled

[mccaberk]

Handle Denials Gracefully:Apps should be designed to handle situations where users deny permissions, providing alternative functionality without the protected data.

Yeah especially apps that don't even need the permission to properly function.  Looking at you Samsung camera and the location permission.  So graceful you can't use the app if you deny that permission!