---
title: "Permissions HiFi needs and why"
url: https://support.hifiapp.com/en/articles/13-permissions-hifi-needs-and-why
collection: "Getting started"
updated: 2026-10-29
language: en
---

# Permissions HiFi needs and why

## Which permissions does HiFi ask for?

HiFi asks for a few permissions during setup so it can handle your calls and let you know what’s happening.

-   **Microphone:** Required. HiFi needs your microphone to make and answer calls. The permission screen says HiFi “values your privacy and will never record you without your consent.”
    
-   **Contacts:** HiFi uses your contacts to recognize and greet people you know. It also uses them for settings like **Unknown callers only**. On iPhone, you can share all contacts or only selected contacts.
    
-   **Notifications:** HiFi notifies you about new calls, voicemails, and messages, and when HiFi is on a call. You can tap **Skip for now** during setup. If you skip, turn notifications on later so you don’t miss these alerts.
    
-   **Phone (Android only):** Required. HiFi asks to **Make and manage calls** so it can place calls and turn on call forwarding with your carrier.
    

HiFi also asks for some access the first time you use a feature that needs it. For example, it asks for calendar access when you add an event from a call, and photo access when you save a photo from a message.

**On iPhone:** HiFi asks for microphone, then contacts, then notifications. **On Android:** HiFi asks for phone, then microphone, then contacts, then notifications.

## How do I change a permission later?

You can change HiFi’s permissions at any time in your phone’s settings.

### On iPhone

1.  Open the **Settings** app.
    
2.  Tap **Apps**.
    
3.  Tap **HiFi**.
    
4.  Tap **Microphone**, **Contacts**, or **Notifications**, and change the setting. For contacts, you can choose full or limited access.
    

### On Android

1.  Open the **Settings** app.
    
2.  Tap **Apps**.
    
3.  Tap **HiFi**.
    
4.  Tap **Permissions**, then change the permission you want.
    

Android settings menus vary by manufacturer, so the names might be slightly different on your phone.

## Troubleshooting

-   **Android says “Sorry, you must grant … permission in order to use HiFi”:** HiFi can’t work without the phone or microphone permission. Open your phone’s **Settings**, find **HiFi**, and allow the permission.
    
-   **Callers you know are treated as unknown:** HiFi can’t see those contacts. Give HiFi full contacts access, or add those people to your selected contacts on iPhone.
    
-   **You don’t get notified about calls or messages:** Turn on notifications for HiFi in your phone’s **Settings**.
    

## Related articles

-   “Give HiFi access to your contacts”
    
-   “Set up HiFi”
    
-   “Troubleshoot common problems”