Android permissions to check before installing a gaming app
Sideloaded apps ask for permissions outside the review process of an app store, so the review is yours to do. This is what to look at.
Plausible requests
- Network access — required for any online game.
- Storage or photos — only when you upload verification documents.
- Camera — only if document capture happens in-app.
- Notifications — optional, and safe to refuse.
Warning signs
- SMS read access, which exposes one-time codes.
- Contacts access, typically used for aggressive referral harvesting.
- Accessibility service access, which can read and control the whole screen.
- Device admin rights, which make removal difficult.
- Install unknown apps, letting the app install further software.
How to review after installing
Open Settings, then Apps, select the app, and open Permissions. Revoke anything you cannot connect to a feature you actually use. Android also lists recently used permissions in its privacy dashboard, which is a fast way to spot background access.