Why does Android say "Restricted setting" when I try to turn on accessibility for an app?
It's a protection added in Android 13. If an app was installed from a downloaded file, for example through a browser, a messaging app or a file manager, Android blocks it from turning on its accessibility service, because malware often tricks people into granting that access.
An accessibility service can read what's on your screen and tap buttons for you, in every app. That's exactly what screen readers need, and exactly what banking malware wants.
You can override the block: open the app's App info page, tap the three-dot menu and choose Allow restricted settings. But if an app, a message or a caller is walking you through doing that, treat it as a red flag. A battery booster, a parcel tracker or a flashlight has no accessibility need.
- Only override it for a genuine accessibility tool you chose yourself
- If you were coached to override it, don't, and uninstall the app
- Check Settings, Accessibility for services you don't recognize
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Accessibility Services
From the Permissions in Depth course. Why the most helpful kind of access is also malware's favorite.
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