Android 15+ SEND_SMS Permission: How to Enable SMS Permissions on Android 15+

Android 15 introduced significant changes to how SMS permissions work, making it more difficult for apps installed from sources other than the Google Play Store to obtain the SEND_SMS and RECEIVE_SMS permissions. If you're having trouble granting SMS permissions for textbee.dev or any other SMS app installed from an APK or other source on Android 15 or 16, the SMS permission may appear disabled or cannot be granted through the standard runtime permission dialog.

What Changed in Android 15+?

In Android 15, Google made SEND_SMS and RECEIVE_SMS hard restricted permissions for apps not installed from the Play Store. This means:

• These permissions are now whitelisted and may not be granted through the standard runtime permission interface
• The "Allow" option may appear disabled in the app's permission settings
• Apps must go through an additional security step to enable these permissions

This change was implemented to enhance user security and prevent malicious apps from automatically gaining access to SMS functionality without explicit user consent.

How to Enable SMS Permissions on Android 15+

If you encounter permission issues (usually for apps installed from sources other than the Play Store), Android 15 and 16 provide a way to grant these restricted permissions, but it requires an additional step. Here's how to enable SMS permissions for textbee.dev or any other SMS app:

Step 1: Open App Info

1. Long press the textbee.dev app icon on your home screen or app drawer
2. Select "App info" from the context menu

Alternatively, you can navigate to:

• Settings → Apps → See all apps → textbee.dev (or your SMS app)

Step 2: Enable Restricted Settings

1. On the App Info page, look for the three-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner
2. Tap the menu button
3. Select "Allow restricted settings" or "All permissions" (the exact wording may vary by device manufacturer)

Note: On some devices (like Motorola), the three-dot menu may not be visible. If you don't see it, try tapping on "Permissions" first, then look for the menu button there.

Step 3: Grant SMS Permissions

1. Navigate to Permissions in the App Info page
2. Find "SMS" in the permissions list (it may be under "Not allowed")
3. Tap on "SMS"
4. Change the radio button from "Don't allow" to "Allow"

After completing these steps, the SMS permission should be enabled, and your app should be able to send and receive SMS messages.

Once permissions are enabled, your app should work normally, allowing you to send and receive SMS messages programmatically through your applications.

If you encounter any issues not covered in this guide, please refer to the textbee.dev documentation or reach out to our support team at support@textbee.dev for assistance.