Can’t remove permissions for unused apps in Android 13
Last updated August 28th, 2023
Categories:
Environment
- Knox Platform for Enterprise
- Android Enterprise
- Devices running Android 13 and higher
Overview
When trying to configure the Remove permissions if app isn’t used or Paused app activity if unused app settings on a device, device users may notice that both settings are disabled for certain apps.
Cause
Prior to Android 13, the Remove permissions if app isn’t used setting was accessible for every app. Starting with Android 13, the setting is restricted for some apps, or disabled completely depending on the device management mode.
| Device management mode | Restrictions |
|---|---|
| Company-owned device | No apps can set Remove permissions if app isn’t used |
| Work profile on company-owned device | No apps in the work profile, and certain system apps can’t set Remove permissions if app isn’t used |
| Dedicated device | No apps in the work profile, and certain system apps can’t set Remove permissions if app isn’t used |
| Unmanaged device | Certain system apps (Settings, Dialer, Camera) and certain post-installed apps can’t set Remove permission if app isn’t used |
Remove permissions if app isn’t used also can’t be set for the following apps, regardless of the device’s management mode:
- Apps not displayed on the launcher
- Work profile apps
- Device policy controller apps
- Privileged carrier apps
- Third-party installer apps
Pause app activity if unused and Remove permissions if app isn’t used share the same app restrictions and exceptions, but Pause app activity if unused takes precedence over Remove permissions if app isn’t used. Enabling it for an app will remove runtime permissions, delete temporary (cached) files and stop notifications for that app after 90 days of inactivity.
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