How to Request and Handle Android Permissions (Camera, Location, Storage)

Requesting permissions in your Android app seems simple – until it tanks your approval, ruins the user experience, or breaks a feature mid-flow.

If you’re a DTC founder or building your app with a no code builder like Twinr, this Android permissions guide is your edge.

We’ll break down how to request Android permissions properly and handle the three most business-critical Android permissions-Location, Camera, and Storage-so your app gets approved, retains users, and unlocks the features that drive growth.

Let’s clear the fog for you. 

Android Permissions Aren’t Just Popups. They’re Gatekeepers.

Android doesn’t give you access. It makes you earn it. So, how do you handle Android permissions?

Back in the day, permissions were granted at install. You’d declare them in your manifest, users would accept them blindly, and everyone moved on.

Not anymore.

Since Android 6.0 (Marshmallow), dangerous permissions-anything involving user data or hardware-require runtime approval.

There are two steps to every permission:

1. Manifest Declaration

You must declare the permission in your AndroidManifest.xml.
Example:

<uses-permission android:name=”android.permission.ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION” />

This tells Android what you intend to request.

2. Runtime Request: Android Runtime Permissions Explained

You must ask the user at the moment you need the permission.
This is the system dialog users interact with. And you only get one shot.

If they deny it-especially with “Don’t ask again”-you’re stuck unless you guide them to manually enable it via settings.

That’s the game:
Declare. Request. Justify. Respect.
Miss any of those steps, and the feature fails-or worse, your app gets rejected.

Read More:- How to Drive App Installs from Your Website

Not All App Permissions Are Equal

What happens if permission is denied on Android? The following will unfold the facts. 

Android sorts permissions into two main categories:

• Normal permissions (like internet access or Bluetooth): These are granted automatically on install.
• Dangerous permissions (like location, camera, mic, and storage): These require runtime approval.

What qualifies as “dangerous” changes with every Android release.

As of Android 13+:

• READ_EXTERNAL_STORAGE has been split into three:
  • READ_MEDIA_IMAGES
  • READ_MEDIA_VIDEO
  • READ_MEDIA_AUDIO

Request all three at once? You’ll get three separate dialogs, and risk overwhelming the user.

Storage permission is no longer one big door. It’s multiple small, specific doors, and your app needs a good reason for each.

Same goes for location:

• ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION: general area (city-level)
• ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION: precise GPS
• ACCESS_BACKGROUND_LOCATION: persistent tracking when the app is closed (requires policy approval)

Request FINE and BACKGROUND without a strong user-facing reason? Expect a rejection email from Google.

Android Is Watching How You Ask

This part matters.

Google doesn’t just care about what permissions you ask for. They care about:

• When you ask (timing)
• How you ask (UI/UX)
• Why you ask (feature justification)
• What you do if the user says no

During Play Store review, your permissions are cross-checked against:

• Your app description
• Your onboarding flow
• Your feature access logic
• Your privacy policy

If your app requests camera access but has no obvious photo feature? Red flag.

If your app asks for background location on launch? Red flag.

If the permission is required for a feature, but there’s no fallback if denied? Rejection likely.

In short: Google will evaluate whether your permission usage makes sense.

“But I’m Using No-Code. Doesn’t the Platform Handle Android Permissions Automatically?”

Yes – and no.

Android runtime permissions explained: If you’re using Twinr, the heavy lifting is done for you:

• Runtime prompts are embedded into core flows
• Twinr automatically scopes media and storage access per Android guidelines
• If a user declines a permission, fallback logic (like ZIP entry for location) is in place

But no platform – not even ours – can explain your app’s value better than you.

You’re still responsible for:

• Timing the request intelligently
• Explaining why the permission matters (in soft prompts)
• Designing the flow to keep users moving, even if they say no

Think of Twinr as the safe scaffolding.
You still have to build the experience on top of it.

Location, Camera, and Storage-The Three You Can’t Afford to Mess Up

If you’re building an Android app for your eCommerce business, these three permissions – location, camera, and storage – aren’t just optional. They’re often tied directly to your app’s core features.

But they’re also the easiest to screw up.

Let’s break them down to understand how to request Android permissions properly.

How to Request Location Permission on Android?

Location is the most misused permission in mobile apps. And it’s the one Google watches like a hawk.

There are three levels to it:

• ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION → ~3km accuracy (good enough for city-based offers)
• ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION → GPS-level precision
• ACCESS_BACKGROUND_LOCATION → used when your app needs location even when it’s not open

Here’s the thing:
Requesting background location now requires a separate prompt and a strong justification during app review. You can’t just sneak it in.

So don’t ask for everything upfront. Most apps only need fine location and only when the user triggers a location-based feature.

With Twinr, we already separate foreground and background handling, and we default to safe, GPS-only usage unless you opt in to more.

How to Request Camera Permission on Android?

Users are protective of their camera. And they should be.

If your app asks for camera access, Google expects two things:

1. That the permission is declared properly
2. That the camera is clearly used in-app

As of Android 14, you must also include camera usage justification in your privacy policy and metadata.

Best practices:

• Don’t ask on app launch
• Don’t ask until the user taps something like “Take Photo” or “Scan QR”
• Always offer a fallback: file upload, gallery picker, etc.

If the user declines? Don’t dead-end them. That’s lazy design.
A “Choose from Gallery” option or “Skip this step” works fine.

How to Request Storage Permission on Android?

Gone are the days when you could just ask for full access to the user’s files.

Since Android 10, storage access is scoped, meaning your app only gets access to files it created, or to specific media types (like images or videos) the user allows.

In Android 13 and above, the system splits media access into three separate permissions:

• READ_MEDIA_IMAGES
• READ_MEDIA_VIDEO
• READ_MEDIA_AUDIO

Ask for all three? You get three separate prompts.
Ask too soon? You get three quick declines, and a user who never comes back.

Only request the permission when you need it. If the user taps “Upload Product Image,” that’s your moment.

Also, unless you’re building a file manager or a serious offline catalog app, you don’t need MANAGE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE. That’s a Play Store red flag, and your app will get flagged unless you’re on their exceptions list.

One More Thing, What Happens If They Say No?

This is the part most no code builders gloss over.

If a user denies permission – especially with “Don’t ask again” – you need a plan. You can’t just show an error or block the feature.

If they denied Location-
Fallback to ZIP code input or ask them to select a city.

If they denied Camera-
Let them upload an image instead.

If they denied Storage-
Give them clear feedback and offer other ways to view or import content.

And yes, the Android permissions guide can direct them to the system settings to re-enable it later, but do it with tact. Never nag. Never corner.

When and How to Ask Without Killing the Experience

You wouldn’t walk up to someone and ask for their home address before even introducing yourself.

But that’s exactly how most apps handle Android permissions.

They hit you with the “Allow access to location, camera, and files?” dialog the moment you open the app, before you’ve even figured out what the app does.

It’s tone-deaf. It’s lazy. And it’s a fast track to getting denied or deleted.

Let’s talk about how to ask like a human being, and get a yes.

Rule #1: Never Ask on Launch

Just because Android lets you request a permission at any time doesn’t mean you should ask the second the app loads.

This is the classic mistake. App opens → permission prompt → confused user → deny.

The user doesn’t know what the app is, what it does, or why you need access. They just know you’re being pushy.

Instead, delay the ask until there’s context.
Wait until the moment the feature is actually triggered.

Examples:

• Ask for location only when the user taps “Show Nearby Deals”
• Ask for camera only when they choose “Take a Photo”
• Ask for media access when they try to upload something

This keeps the permission request tied to intent. And when the user understands the value, they’re far more likely to say yes.

Rule #2: Soft Prompts Before System Prompts

Never go straight to the Android system dialog. It’s jarring.

Instead, lead with a soft in-app explanation.

Example:
User taps “Enable personalized alerts”
→ You show:
“To send alerts based on your area, we’ll need location access. We’ll never track you in the background.”
→ Then trigger the Android prompt.

This does two things:

1. It gives users a moment to opt out without panic.
2. It prepares them for the system dialog, increasing approvals.

This isn’t theory, it’s backed by data. Apps that use pre-permission modals see significantly higher opt-in rates compared to those that don’t.

On Twinr, our prebuilt permission prompts already include soft UI messaging. You can customize the copy, delay the trigger, and control when it shows, without coding anything.

Rule #3: One at a Time. Always.

Never stack permission requests.

You’ve probably seen it, an app hits you with three requests in a row: location, then camera, then storage.

It feels like a privacy assault. And users just start hitting “Deny, Deny, Deny.”

Here’s the better approach:

• Ask for one permission per feature
• Space them out over the user journey
• Prioritize the one that unlocks immediate value

If location is core to your app, ask for that first. If UGC is your hook, lead with camera.

Think in terms of trust checkpoints. One door at a time.

Rule #4: Don’t Make It a Dead End

If the user says no, your job isn’t to punish them, it’s to pivot.

Bad apps block access, throw an error, or stop the user cold.
Good apps degrade gracefully.

Location declined? Let them enter a ZIP code.
Camera declined? Let them upload from gallery.
Storage denied? Explain what’s missing and move on.

The goal isn’t 100% permission approval. It’s 100% usable experience, no matter what the user decides.

Rule #5: Track Permission Drop-Offs Like You Track Cart Abandonment

This one’s overlooked.

Most founders obsess over cart abandonment rates-but never track where users bounce during onboarding or feature flows due to permission prompts.

You should.

Every permission is a funnel.
If 40% of users deny location access, that’s a product metric-not just a tech problem.

With Twinr, you can pair our Engage analytics with permission-triggered events. So you’ll know exactly where users opt out-and where to improve the flow.

What to Do When Users Say No (And They Will)

Some users will always say no.

They won’t share their location. They won’t turn on the camera. They’ll deny every permission your app asks for-and not always because they don’t want to use the feature. Sometimes they’re in a rush. Sometimes they’re cautious. Sometimes your timing just caught them off guard.

That’s normal.

The real problem is what happens next. Because too many apps treat “no” like a dead end.

The permission is denied. The screen fails. The user is blocked-and now they’re annoyed, confused, or gone.

This is avoidable. A denied permission isn’t a dead stop, it’s a design challenge. Here’s how to handle Android permissions the best way.

Build Fallbacks Like They’re Part of the Feature

Every permission in your app should have a backup plan. Not just in case of denial, but as part of the user journey.

Let’s say a user denies location access. Instead of hiding the entire feature, offer them a way to enter their ZIP code or city manually. It’s not as seamless, sure-but it keeps the experience going. Better yet, store their input so they don’t have to do it again.

Camera access blocked? Give them the option to upload from their gallery instead. Or let them skip that step and return later.

Storage permission denied? Let them know why the file action didn’t work. The Android permissions guide can direct them toward another method, maybe uploading through a form or sending content via email.

This isn’t just good UX. It’s risk control. Because when permissions become blockers, users become churn.

Let Users Know What They’re Missing, Without Guilt-Tripping Them

A “no” today doesn’t mean “never.” If users decline a permission, they may still allow it later, if the value becomes clear.

That’s your moment.

You can gently remind users what they’re missing out on, especially when they interact with a related feature. For example, if location was denied and they land on the homepage, show a soft message:
“Turn on location to see local deals near you.”

The key is tone. Don’t nag. Don’t guilt. Just inform.

You can even incentivize it. A small offer-like a discount for enabling location, or early access to features for camera uploads—can push opt-ins higher without feeling manipulative.

Re-Prompt Smartly-Or Deep Link to Settings

If the user didn’t check “Don’t ask again,” you can trigger the system prompt a second time. But don’t just fire it off.

Wait until there’s context. When users are engaging with a relevant feature-and they understand the value-that’s your moment to re-ask.

If they did check “Don’t ask again,” Android blocks future prompts. Then the Android permissions guide can only direct them to the app’s system settings using a deep link.

Good apps do this with empathy.
They explain what to do and why, not just dump the user into settings and hope for the best.

Twinr’s permission-aware UI handles this case natively. You can show different states based on whether a permission is granted, denied, or permanently blocked.

Treat Denials Like Product Feedback

If 70% of your users are declining location access, that’s not just a tech issue, it’s a product signal.

Track it.

Add analytics to your permission prompts. See where users drop off. Watch what happens after a denial. Did they keep using the app? Did they bounce?

This tells you if the problem is timing, messaging, or trust.

Once you know that, you can test different flows. Maybe your copy needs rewriting. Maybe the ask comes too early. Maybe the feature isn’t valuable enough yet.

You A/B test your checkout flow, right?
Permission flows deserve the same attention.

Read More:- How to Track User Behavior in Your WooCommerce App?

What Google Actually Checks Before Approving Your App

Getting Android permissions wrong doesn’t just annoy users, it gets your app rejected.

Google doesn’t play around anymore. If you request a dangerous permission, you need to justify it clearly. And not just with a sentence in your code, across your entire submission package.

Let’s break down what triggers rejections, and how to stay on the safe side.

Dangerous Permissions = Deeper Scrutiny

As a quick refresher, here’s what Google considers dangerous:

• Location (coarse, fine, background)
• Camera
• Microphone
• Storage/media access
• Contacts, calendar, call logs (rare in eComm, but still high-risk)

Request any of these, and the Play Store’s review team will:

• Scan your app description
• Check your feature screenshots
• Review your privacy policy
• Analyze when and how the permission is requested

If there’s any mismatch-or no clear reason-you’ll get flagged.

Common Reasons Apps Get Rejected on Play Store

These are real, recurring issues in the Play Console:

• Requesting background location without foreground first
  You must ask for fine location before background. Background also requires a valid use case and policy justification.

• Camera requested but not clearly used
  If users can’t see the camera feature in your UI, reviewers assume it’s a mistake-or worse, a privacy risk.

• Storage access requested without scoped handling
  Using deprecated READ_EXTERNAL_STORAGE or MANAGE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE triggers rejections fast. You need to use scoped storage, and only request the specific media types you need.

• Permission prompts appear before user context
  If the app asks for permissions immediately on launch, especially multiple ones in a row, that’s often a reason for denial.

• Missing metadata in the Play Store listing
  If your app uses location or camera, you need to disclose it in your listing. No exceptions.

What Google Expects Instead: Google Expects You Follow the Android Permission Best Practices

If you request Android permissions properly, here’s what you’ll show during review:

• 📝 A clear in-app moment tied to the permission (e.g., “Take Photo” button → camera request)
• 📄 A matching explanation in your app description (e.g., “This app allows users to upload product images using their camera or gallery.”)
• 🔐 A privacy policy that mentions how user data is collected and used
• 🎯 Scoped permissions that are necessary and relevant to your app’s core functions

One of the best ways to pass review fast is to include a dedicated “Permissions We Use” screen in-app. It builds transparency and makes Google’s job easier.

How Twinr Helps You Stay Compliant

If you’re building your app on Twinr, we’ve baked most of this into the platform:

• You get scoped storage handling by default
• Location permission requests are split by type, with built-in fallback. You might be thinking: How to request location permission on Android? Don’t worry, we have the solution. 
• Runtime permission flows are triggered only when users interact with the related feature
• Your app metadata is auto-populated to reflect your feature usage

And if your app uses something like camera uploads or location-based push? We’ll help you include it in your privacy policy and listing copy during app submission.

No guesswork. No surprises. Just clean, review-friendly flows.

What Founders Still Get Wrong About Permissions

The biggest mistake isn’t requesting too many permissions.

It’s treating permissions like a side quest-something you slap on after your app is built, handled by your builder, and forgotten until the Play Store rejects your submission. But, how do you handle Android permissions then?

But permissions aren’t a checkbox.

They’re part of your product experience. Part of your trust strategy. And part of the engine that powers high-retention, feature-rich apps.

Let’s look at a few places founders still get it wrong. Also, understand how to get it right and follow the Android permission best practices. 

They Don’t Design the Ask

A good permission request isn’t just “Allow access to camera?”

It’s:

• Timed intentionally
• Introduced with context
• Connected to immediate value
• Framed as a benefit, not a favor

When founders skip this design thinking, they get denied-and they lose the user’s momentum.

If your permission prompt feels like a system interruption, you’re doing it wrong.

They Depend Too Much on the Platform

No-code tools like Twinr handle Android permissions a lot-scoped storage, permission timing, fallback UI. That’s part of the value.

But they can’t write your soft prompt.
They can’t explain why your user should care.
They can’t build trust on your behalf.

That’s on you.

As a founder, your job is to design experiences that feel human, even when they’re powered by systems.

They Block Users Instead of Nudging Them Forward

Some users will always say no. That’s not failure, it’s normal.

What matters is how your app responds.

If you dead-end the user, you lose them. If you offer a helpful fallback, you keep them moving.

This applies across the board-location, camera, media. 

But, what happens if permission is denied? What’s the solution?

Answer: Every feature that relies on permission should also have a path forward when permission is denied. 

They Don’t Test Permission Flows Like They Test Checkout

Think about how much time you spend optimizing your checkout page.

Now ask yourself, have you ever A/B tested your location prompt?

Have you reviewed the opt-in rate for camera access on your UGC screen?

Most haven’t. And that’s the opportunity.

Permissions are quiet product bottlenecks. Improving them won’t just help you pass Play Store review. It will increase feature usage, retention, and trust.

Read More- 12 Ways to Reduce Cart Abandonment in Your Mobile App

Final Word: Respect First, Access Second, Always Follow the Android Permission Best Practices 

Permissions aren’t about asking. They’re about earning.

When you design every permission flow to feel clear, fair, and valuable, your users will say yes more often.
When you treat “no” as a chance to guide-not punish-you retain more people.
And when you understand how Android enforces the rules, you don’t just get approved. You build an app that’s built to last. It follows all the Android permission best practices. 

On Twinr, we’ve built the scaffolding to help you get this right. But the most powerful tool in your stack? Respect.

Design for trust. Build for permission. Grow with intention.

Summary: Build Trust Before You Ask for Access

Android permissions aren’t a technical footnote, they’re a design decision. How do you handle Android permissions? What are the wayarounds?

The facts explained:

Handled well, they unlock features your users actually care about: localized push, seamless uploads, richer personalization.
Handled poorly, they break the flow, kill trust, and put your app at risk of rejection.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Ask with purpose, not pressure. Time your requests based on user intent, not app launch.
• Explain before you ask. Use soft prompts that frame the value behind each permission.
• Build fallbacks like they’re part of the plan. Assume users will say no, and make sure your app still works.
• Treat denials as signals. Permission rejection rates are product feedback, not just friction.
• Stay Play Store-compliant. Match your permissions to real features, document them clearly, and avoid outdated APIs.

If you’re building your app with Twinr, you’ve already got the compliance scaffolding in place.
Now it’s about designing flows that feel respectful, intentional, and worth saying “yes” to.

Because when you earn permission, you don’t just get access, you get trust.
And in mobile, trust is everything.

FAQs: Android Permissions for No-Code Founders

1. When should I ask for Android permissions in my app?

You should only ask for permissions when they’re directly tied to a feature the user has just triggered, never on app launch. This builds trust and increases approval rates.

2. What happens if a user denies a permission?

Your app should still work. Design a fallback – ZIP code instead of GPS, gallery upload instead of camera, etc. A denied permission is not the end of the experience.

3. What permissions are considered dangerous by Android?

Permissions like location (fine/background), camera, microphone, and storage access are flagged as “dangerous” and require runtime approval plus clear justification in your app listing.

4. Can I re-ask for a permission if the user says no?

Yes-unless the user selected “Don’t ask again.” In that case, you’ll need to guide them to the system settings to manually enable the permission.

5. Does Twinr handle Android permissions automatically?

Yes. Twinr handles scoped storage, safe runtime requests, fallback logic, and Play Store-friendly metadata. But the when and why-the context-that’s where founders still need to think like product designers.