How Google uses permissions in Docs, Sheets, and Slides

Select one of the topics below to learn how Google uses permissions in the Docs, Sheets, and Slides Android app.

Note: Over time, Google may change the way permissions work, including adding or reclassifying certain permissions.

Calendar

An app can use your device's calendar information, which may include the ability to:

  • Read calendar events plus confidential information: This is used to join Meet from calendar invites.
Camera

An app can use your device's camera, which may include the ability to:

  • Take pictures and videos: This is used for camera mode in Meet and to insert images taken with the camera.
Contacts

An app can use your device's contacts, which may include the ability to:

  • Find accounts on the device: This is used to give suggestions of people to add to files.
  • Read your contacts: This is used to give suggestions of people to add to files and share with.
Identity

An app can use your account or profile information on your device. This may include the ability to:

  • Find accounts on the device: This allows you to use and switch between accounts.
  • Add or remove accounts: This allows you to use and switch between different accounts.
Microphone

An app can use your device's microphone, which may include the ability to:

  • Record audio: This is used to transmit audio in Meet.
Other

An app can use custom settings provided by your device manufacturer or other permissions.

Important: If an app adds a permission that is in the "Other" group, you'll always be asked to review the change before downloading an update.

Other access may include the ability to:

  • Read/Write subscribed feeds: This is used to get push notifications.
  • Use accounts on the device: This is used to allow you to switch between accounts.
  • Download files without notification: This allows Microsoft Office files to be saved to device's Downloads folder without a notification.
  • Access all/other Google services: This is used to access Google services like print or PDF conversion.
  • View configured accounts and Read Google service configuration: This is used to know which account to use when a file is opened.
  • Create accounts and set passwords: This is used to suggest when to create an account.
  • Add words to user-defined dictionary: This is used to add words to the dictionary when spell-check is used.
  • Read terms you add to the dictionary: This is used so that terms you add aren't seen as errors during spell-check.
Photos/Media/Files

An app can use files or data stored on your device. Photos/Media/Files access may include the ability to:

  • Read the contents of your USB storage: This is used to insert images.
  • Modify or delete the contents of your USB storage: This is used to insert and store images from the camera.
Storage
  • Modify or delete the contents of your USB storage: This is used to save files to USB storage.
  • Read the contents of your USB storage: This is used to open files from USB storage.
Wi-Fi connection

An app can access your device's Wi-Fi connection information. This may include the ability to:

  • View Wi-Fi connections: This is used to test video quality for Meet.

Note: Because apps typically access the Internet, you'll only see the Wi-Fi connection information permission group on the download screen when installing an app.

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