Unraveling the Mystery: Check permission USE_FULL_SCREEN_INTENT always returns GRANTED on Android 14

Are you frustrated with the pesky permission issues on Android 14? Specifically, do you find yourself scratching your head over the USE_FULL_SCREEN_INTENT permission always returning GRANTED, even when you’re certain you’ve implemented everything correctly? You’re not alone! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the world of Android permissions and explore the reasons behind this seemingly inexplicable behavior.

The Quest for Answers

Before we dive into the solution, let’s set the stage. You’ve developed an Android app that requires the USE_FULL_SCREEN_INTENT permission to function properly. You’ve added the necessary declaration to your AndroidManifest.xml file:

<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.USE_FULL_SCREEN_INTENT" />

You’ve also implemented the check for the permission in your code:

if (checkSelfPermission(Manifest.permission.USE_FULL_SCREEN_INTENT) == PackageManager.PERMISSION_GRANTED) {
    // Permission granted, proceed with full-screen intent
} else {
    // Permission denied, handle the error
}

However, whenever you run your app on Android 14, the permission check always returns GRANTED, even when you’ve revoked the permission in the device’s settings. What’s going on?

The Android 14 Conundrum

The culprit behind this behavior lies in the changes introduced in Android 14. With the release of Android 14, Google introduced a new permission model that affects the way apps request and manage permissions. Specifically, the USE_FULL_SCREEN_INTENT permission is now considered a “normal” permission, rather than a “dangerous” one.

What does this mean? In Android 14 and later, the system automatically grants normal permissions to apps, without requiring user intervention. This means that, even if you’ve revoked the permission in the device’s settings, the system will still report GRANTED when you check for the permission.

The Solution: A Deeper Dive into Permission Management

So, how do you ensure your app behaves correctly on Android 14 and later? The answer lies in understanding the nuances of permission management and adapting your code accordingly.

Requesting Permissions at Runtime

Instead of relying solely on the permission declaration in your AndroidManifest.xml file, you need to request the permission at runtime using the requestPermissions() method:

ActivityCompat.requestPermissions(this, new String[]{Manifest.permission.USE_FULL_SCREEN_INTENT}, REQUEST_CODE_FULL_SCREEN_INTENT);

When requesting the permission, you’ll receive a callback via the onRequestPermissionsResult() method:

@Override
public void onRequestPermissionsResult(int requestCode, @NonNull String[] permissions, @NonNull int[] grantResults) {
    if (requestCode == REQUEST_CODE_FULL_SCREEN_INTENT) {
        if (grantResults.length > 0 && grantResults[0] == PackageManager.PERMISSION_GRANTED) {
            // Permission granted, proceed with full-screen intent
        } else {
            // Permission denied, handle the error
        }
    }
}

Checking for Permission Revocation

Even if you’ve requested the permission at runtime, you still need to check for revocation in your code. You can do this by using the checkSelfPermission() method, as before:

if (checkSelfPermission(Manifest.permission.USE_FULL_SCREEN_INTENT) == PackageManager.PERMISSION_GRANTED) {
    // Permission granted, proceed with full-screen intent
} else {
    // Permission denied, handle the error
}

However, keep in mind that this check will always return GRANTED on Android 14 and later, if the permission is considered normal. To ensure correct behavior, you need to combine this check with the runtime permission request.

Best Practices for Permission Management

To avoid common pitfalls and ensure your app behaves correctly on Android 14 and later, follow these best practices:

• Always request permissions at runtime, using the requestPermissions() method.
• Check for permission revocation, using the checkSelfPermission() method, even if you’ve requested the permission at runtime.
• Handle permission denials, by providing a clear explanation to the user and guiding them through the permission-granting process.
• Test your app on different Android versions, to ensure correct behavior across various platforms.

Conclusion

The USE_FULL_SCREEN_INTENT permission always returning GRANTED on Android 14 might seem like a mystery, but it’s simply a result of the changes to the permission model. By understanding the nuances of permission management and adapting your code accordingly, you can ensure your app behaves correctly on Android 14 and later.

Remember, permission management is an essential aspect of Android app development. By following best practices and staying up-to-date with the latest changes, you can create secure, user-friendly apps that provide an exceptional experience.

Android Version	Permission Behavior
Android 13 and earlier	USE_FULL_SCREEN_INTENT permission is considered “dangerous” and requires user intervention.
Android 14 and later	USE_FULL_SCREEN_INTENT permission is considered “normal” and is automatically granted by the system.

Stay ahead of the curve and master the intricacies of Android permission management. Your users will thank you!

1. Check out the official Android documentation on permissions.
2. Explore the AndroidManifest.permission class for more information on available permissions.
3. Read up on the Android 14 behavior changes to stay informed about the latest updates.

Happy coding, and remember to always prioritize user security and experience!

Frequently Asked Question

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