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Android devices usually come with a set of permissions that help users control access to smartphone features and data. If an app wants to use features such as camera, microphone or storage, it needs to request permission from the user. Sometimes, while using an Android app, you might face an issue where the app requests access to storage but you are not able to grant the permission. This can be frustrating, especially if you need to use the app urgently. In this post, we’ll discuss the methods to enable storage permission in Android and help you troubleshoot any issues that you might face.
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The Challenge of Enabling Storage Permission in Android
The main challenge while enabling storage permission in Android is that sometimes the permission toggle is greyed out which means that you cannot grant or deny access to storage. This can happen because of a system bug or due to a third-party app interfering with the system. It’s important to note that even if you experience this issue, you can still enable storage permission by using different methods.
Things You Should Prepare For
Before we proceed to different methods to enable storage permission in Android, there are a few things that you should be prepared for. Firstly, make sure that your Android device has the latest software updates installed. This will help in keeping your device running smoothly and will solve any bugs associated with the system. Secondly, ensure that the app for which you require storage permission is up to date. Updating the app might solve any issues because of outdated versions. Finally, back up your data before proceeding with any method. This is a precautionary measure to ensure that you do not lose any important data if something goes wrong.
Method 1: Enabling Storage Permission Via App Settings
This is the first method that you can try if you face issues with enabling storage permission for an app.
- Step 1: Go to Settings on your Android device.
- Step 2: Scroll down to find "Apps" and tap on it.
- Step 3: Locate the app for which you require storage permission.
- Step 4: Tap on the app and select "Permissions".
- Step 5: Toggle on "Storage" permission.
Pros:
- Easy and quick method to enable storage permission for an app.
- No technical expertise required.
Cons:
- This method might not be effective for some devices that have bugs associated with the system.
- The storage toggle might still be greyed out even after following these steps which makes this method ineffective.
Method 2: Enabling Storage Permission Via Third-Party Apps
There are some third-party apps that allow you to manage different permissions on your Android device. You can download these apps from the Google Play Store and use them to enable storage permission for the app in question.
- Step 1: Go to Google Play Store and search for permission managing apps.
- Step 2: Install any app that has good reviews and ratings.
- Step 3: Once the app is installed, open it and look for storage permission.
- Step 4: Toggle on storage permission for the app in question.
Pros:
- Third-party apps offer a wider range of functionalities to manage different permissions.
- If the system has bugs, third-party apps can solve the issue.
Cons:
- You need to trust the third-party app developer to use these apps as they have access to your device’s settings.
- You need to find a reliable app on the Google Play Store among the numerous apps with mixed reviews.
Method 3: Enabling Storage Permission Via ADB Commands
This method is the most technical method and involves using ADB (Android Debug Bridge) commands. This method is not recommended for someone who is not technically skilled and should be done with caution.
- Step 1: Enable developer mode on your Android device by going to settings and tapping on "About Phone".
- Step 2: Tap on "Build number" repeatedly until you see the message "You are now a developer".
- Step 3: Connect your Android device to your computer using a USB cable.
- Step 4: Download and install ADB on your computer.
- Step 5: Open a command prompt on your computer and enter the following command.
adb shell pm grant "packagename" android.permission.READ_EXTERNAL_STORAGE - Replace "packagename" with the package name of the app for which you need storage permission.
Pros:
- Effective method to enable storage permission for an app.
- Once you learn the technique, it’s easy to execute ADB commands.
Cons:
- This method involves using technical commands which poses a risk to your device if not executed correctly.
- People who are not technically skilled might find this method difficult to understand.
Why Can’t I Enable Storage Permission in Android?
There could be multiple reasons why you are not able to enable storage permission in Android. Here are a few reasons and fixes that you can try:
1. App bug:
If the app’s code is not up to date and has bugs, then you might not be able to enable storage permission for the app. The solution for this would be to install the latest version of the app which should fix any issues.
2. System bug:
Sometimes, there are bugs associated with the Android system and these can interfere with enabling storage permission for an app. To fix this, you can try methods such as clearing cache or updating your device’s software.
3. Third-party interference:
If you have installed third-party apps that interfere with the Android system, then you might not be able to enable storage permission. Uninstalling these apps should solve the issue.
Additional Tips
- Ensure that you are connected to a stable internet connection while enabling permissions for an app.
- Make sure that your Android device is charged enough before enabling permissions for an app as these processes can drain your battery.
- Always back-up your data before trying any method to enable permissions for an app.
5 FAQs about Enabling Storage Permission in Android
Q1: How do I know if an app requires storage permission?
A: You can check the required permissions for an app on the Google Play Store. Go to the app’s page on the Google Play Store and scroll down to the "Permissions" section. Here, you’ll see all the permissions that the app requires.
Q2: Can I enable storage permission for multiple apps at once?
A: Yes, you can enable storage permission for multiple apps at once using the method mentioned in "Method 1: Enabling Storage Permission Via App Settings".
Q3: Will enabling storage permission for an app grant access to my personal data?
A: No, enabling storage permission for an app will only allow the app to access data that is stored in the device’s public directory such as images, videos, and music. Your personal data such as contacts and messages will not be accessible by the app.
Q4: What should I do if the storage toggle is still greyed out after trying all methods?
A: You should contact the app developer or Android Support for further assistance.
Q5: Can I disable storage permission for an app if I no longer need it?
A: Yes, you can disable storage permission for an app by going to Settings > Apps > Permission > Storage. Here, you can toggle off storage permission for the app in question.
In Conclusion
Enabling storage permission in Android is necessary to use various apps. While it might seem like a daunting task, the methods mentioned in this post ensure that you can enable storage permission easily. Always remember to back-up your data and take precautionary measures before trying any method. Try to always keep your Android device up to date and avoid installing third-party apps that interfere with the Android system. We hope this post was helpful!