Use of All files access (MANAGE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE) permission
Google Play restricts the use of high risk or sensitive permissions, including a special app access calledAll files access.This is only applicable to apps that target Android 11 (API level 30) and declare the MANAGE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE permission, which is added in Android 11. Also, this policy does not impact the usage of the READ_EXTERNAL_STORAGE permission.
If your app does not require access to the MANAGE_EXTERNAL_STORAGEpermission, you must remove it from your app's manifest in order to successfully publish your app. Details on policy-compliant alternative implementations are also detailed below.
If your app meets the policy requirements for acceptable use or is eligible for an exception, you will be required todeclare this and any other high risk permissions using the Declaration Form inPlay Console.
Apps that fail to meet policy requirements or do not submit a Declaration Form may be removed from Google Play.
When should you request the All files accesspermission?
You should only access the all files access permission when your app cannot effectively make use of the more privacy friendly best practices, such as using the Storage Access Framework or the Media Store API.
Additionally, the apps usage of the permission must fall within permitted uses, and must be directly tied to the core functionality of the app. Core functionality is defined as the main purpose of the app. Without this core functionality, the app is "broken" or rendered unusable. The core functionality, as well as any core features that comprise this core functionality, must all be prominently documented and promoted in the app's description.
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Permitted uses of the all files access permissionFor apps requesting access to the all files access permission, intended and permitted use includesfile managers, backup and restore apps, anti-virus apps, and document management apps.
Apps granted access to this permission may not extend its use to undisclosed or invalid purposes.
Use
Eligible permission*
File management
Apps core purpose involves the access, editing, and management (including maintenance) of files and folders outside of its app-specific storage space
MANAGE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE
Backup and restore apps
App must have a need to automatically access multiple directories outside of its app-specific storage space for the purpose of backup and restore
Anti-virus apps
Apps core purpose is to scan the device and provide anti-virus security features to the device user
Document management apps
Apps that must locate, access, and edit compatible file types outside of its app-specific or shared storage
App must justify in their Console declaration why the solutions documented in the Access app-specific files or Storage Access Framework documentation are not sufficient for their purpose.Search (On Device)
Apps core purpose is to search through files and folders across the devices external storage
Disk/Folder Encryption and Locking
Apps core purpose is to encrypt files and folders
Device Migration/Phone transfer
Apps core purpose is to help the user migrate to a new device
* Subject to Google Play review and approval.
Google Play may provide a temporary exception to apps that do not qualify as permitted use designated above, when;
- Use of the permission enables the apps core functionality; and
- There is currently no alternative method to provide the core functionality; or
use of the privacy friendly alternatives (e.g.,MediaStore API, or Storage Access Framework) has a substantially detrimental impact on the critical features of the app that are tied to the core functionality.
- The impact on user privacy is mitigated by security and privacy best practices
The developer must justify in their Console declaration why the Storage Access Framework or MediaStore API is not sufficient for their apps purpose.
In some cases, apps may wish to access sensitive user data for purposes where a safer and more secure alternative exists, or where risk of data exposure doesn't warrant access.
Below is a list of common use cases that won't be permitted to request the MANAGE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE permission
- Media Files access (see Alternatives below)
- Any File selection activity where the user manually selects individual files (see Alternatives below)
Note: This list is not exhaustive. For in depth guidance, please refer to the All Files Access documentation and Scoped Storage best practices guidance for developers.
Use
Alternatives
Access of Media Files
With the MediaStore API, apps can contribute and access media thats available on an external storage volume without the need for the access all files permission.
User selects files for importing/transferring/processingDevelopers should consider using Storage Access Framework as theprivacy friendly optionfor accessing files in shared storage, such as using the Storage Access Framework.
Important:If you change how your app uses these restricted permissions, you must submit the form again with updated and accurate information. Deceptive and non-declared uses of these permissions may result in a suspension of your app and/or termination of your developer account.