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What permissions do I need and how do I set them up?

On this page

    Tap Out needs multiple system permissions to reliably block distracting apps and websites. This page explains what each permission does, why it’s needed, how to turn it on, and what to do if it doesn’t work on your device.

    1. Accessibility Service

    Accessibility allows Tap Out to react instantly when you open a blocked app or website. This is the most important permission for reliable blocking. Most digital wellbeing apps rely on the same mechanism.

    How to enable Accessibility Service

    1. Open Settings
    2. Search “Accessibility”
    3. Tap Accessibility → Installed services (or “Downloaded apps”, "Installed Apps", or similar)
    4. Choose Tap Out
    5. Turn on the Accessibility service and confirm the system prompt.=

    Troubleshooting

    If you cannot find the service:

    • Search for “Accessibility” in Settings
    • Look under “Installed Services,” “Downloaded apps,” or “Additional settings” depending on device
    • Restart your phone and check again

    If the toggle doesn’t activate:

    • Toggle it off, restart your device, then toggle it on again
    • Make sure no device security policy is blocking Accessibility
    • Some office-managed phones may restrict Accessibility entirely

    If the Accessibility Service turns off by itself:

    • Disable battery optimization for Tap Out

      • Samsung: Settings → Battery → Background usage → Allow background activity
      • Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO: Settings → Battery → App battery saver → Tap Out → No restrictions
      • OnePlus/Oppo/Realme: Settings → Battery → App battery management → Don’t restrict
      • Huawei: Settings → Apps → App Launch → Tap Out → Manage manually (enable all three options)

    General Troubleshooting (All Permissions)

    If Tap Out still reports missing permissions:

    Try this sequence

    1. Turn the problematic permission off
    2. Restart your phone
    3. Turn the permission on again
    4. Open Tap Out and check status

    Search instead of navigating

    Different manufacturers rename settings. Use the search bar in Settings to find:

    • “Usage Access”
    • “Appear on top”
    • “Draw over other apps”
    • “Accessibility”
    • “Special app access”

    If you’re on Xiaomi, Huawei, Oppo, or Realme

    These brands aggressively kill background services. Make sure Tap Out is set to:

    • “No restrictions” for battery saving
    • Allowed to run in background
    • Allowed to auto-start if available

    Need Help?

    If you're still having trouble after completing the steps on this page, contact us at:
    support@tapoutcompany.com

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