Permissions PeerFlow Asks For and Why Each One Is Needed
When an app asks for permissions, it is fair to ask why. Here is what PeerFlow asks for the first time you open it, what each one is used for and what you lose by refusing.
The first time you open a new app, a series of prompts appears: allow notifications, allow the microphone, allow the camera. Most people tap whatever makes the prompt go away. That is understandable, and it is also how apps end up with access they do not need. PeerFlow asks for a short list, all at once, in a checklist, and each item has a plain-language reason. Here is the list and what each one means.
How the checklist works
The first time you open the app, a checklist shows what is missing: notifications, microphone, camera, a folder for your files, and, on Android, two battery and lock-screen settings. You can press Allow all to be taken through each one in turn, or deal with them one by one. Nothing is switched on in the background without your say. You can return to the same list in Settings at any time.
Notifications
What it does: lets PeerFlow tell you that a message has arrived, or that someone is calling.
When it is used: whenever something arrives while the app is not in front.
If you refuse: you will only see messages and missed calls when you open the app. Read why notifications do not arrive if they seem to be missing.
Microphone
What it does: lets people hear you in a call, a meeting, or a remote session with sound.
When it is used: only after you start or accept a call, or join a meeting with the microphone on. It is not listening at other times.
If you refuse: you can still read and write, and you can listen, but nobody can hear you.
Camera
What it does: lets people see you in a video call or a meeting, and lets you scan QR codes to connect.
When it is used: only when you start or accept a video call, join a meeting with video on, or choose to scan a code.
If you refuse: voice calls and chat still work, and you can type a code instead of scanning one. See camera not working? for what to do if it was refused by mistake.
Folder for your files
What it does: gives PeerFlow a folder, Downloads/PeerFlow on a computer or Documents/PeerFlow on Android, with subfolders for Received, Recordings and Screenshots, plus your encrypted chat backup.
When it is used: when you receive a file, record a meeting or a remote session, take a screenshot, or keep your chat backup up to date.
If you refuse: received files go to the usual downloads location, and recordings and backups cannot be kept in one place. See chat history backup.
Battery (Android)
What it does: lets the app receive messages and calls while the phone is idle, by excluding it from battery optimisation.
If you refuse: messages and calls may arrive late, or not at all, when the phone sleeps.
Lock screen calls (Android)
What it does: lets an incoming call appear on the lock screen as a full-screen call alert.
If you refuse: the call may appear only as a small notification that is easy to miss.
A summary
| Permission | Used for | Used when | If refused |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notifications | Messages and calls | Something arrives | You see things only when you open the app |
| Microphone | Being heard | In calls and meetings | Others cannot hear you |
| Camera | Being seen, scanning | In video calls, scans | Others cannot see you |
| Folder | Files, recordings, backup | Receiving, recording | Items scatter across folders |
| Battery | Background delivery | While idle | Late or missed alerts |
| Lock screen | Visible incoming calls | A call arrives | Calls are easy to miss |
Good permission habits
- Say yes to what you need and no to what you do not. The app tells you what each feature loses.
- Review them now and then. Phones keep a list of apps and their permissions.
- Be suspicious of permissions that do not make sense. A messenger does not need your location or contacts, and PeerFlow does not ask for them.
- Know how to switch things off. Every permission can be withdrawn in the phone's settings.
What PeerFlow does not ask for
PeerFlow does not read your address book, does not ask for your location, and does not look at your photos unless you choose files to send. Read the security page and the privacy page for more.
First-open routine
On first opening the app, run through the checklist, allow what you will use, and check the result in Settings. Spend two minutes now and you will not wonder later why a call did not ring. Install the Android or Windows app and try it.
Frequently asked questions
Does PeerFlow switch on my camera or microphone by itself?
No. They are used only when you start or accept a call, join a meeting with them on, or share a device in a session.
What if I refuse a permission?
The app still works, but the related feature does not. For example, without notifications you only see messages when you open the app.
Can I change my mind later?
Yes. The permissions list in Settings shows what is allowed, and lets you allow or fix each item at any time.
Why does it ask for a folder?
To keep received files, recordings, screenshots and your encrypted chat backup together in one place that you control.