Permissions
Every permission and system role Nexa uses, what for, and when. Last updated: 11 November 2026
Nexa asks for each optional permission the first time you need it, with an explanation. Turning any of them off in Android settings only disables the feature that needs it.
See also the Privacy Policy.
Needed to work
| Permission | What it is used for | When |
|---|---|---|
MicrophoneRECORD_AUDIO |
To hear what you say to Nexa. With the online brain, the audio of the conversation is sent to Google’s Gemini API with your key; with the offline brain it is processed on the phone. | During a conversation, and while listening for Nexa’s name if you turn that on. |
InternetINTERNET |
To talk to Google’s Gemini API (online brain) and to download the offline speech, voice and AI models once. | During online conversations and downloads. |
NotificationsPOST_NOTIFICATIONS |
To show the permanent notification Android requires while Nexa listens for its name, and download progress. | While the name listener runs or a download is in progress. |
Foreground service (microphone)FOREGROUND_SERVICE, FOREGROUND_SERVICE_MICROPHONE |
Optional “call Nexa by name”: a service with a visible notification listens offline, on the phone for the name you chose (for example “Hey Nexa”). Nothing is recorded or sent while it waits. It stops inside sensitive apps and when you turn the feature off. | Only if you turn on calling by name. |
System roles
| Role / service | What it is used for | Versions |
|---|---|---|
Default digital assistantBIND_VOICE_INTERACTION, voice recognition service |
Lets you choose Nexa as the phone’s assistant, so a long press of the home button or the assist gesture opens it. You choose this yourself in Android settings. | All |
Accessibility serviceBIND_ACCESSIBILITY_SERVICE |
Lets Nexa carry out voice requests inside apps for you: read the screen, tap, type, scroll and go back, and show its floating avatar. It is used only for the task you asked for; nothing on screen is recorded or stored; notification contents are hidden unless you ask once; Nexa asks before sending, paying, buying, deleting or posting; and it switches itself off in banking, payment, password and 2-factor apps. Off until you enable it in Android settings. | Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei, direct Not in Google Play |
| Screen content from the assistant feature (part of the default-assistant role) |
When you open Nexa as your assistant, Android hands it the text and a picture of the screen you are on. Nexa keeps them in memory for up to 10 minutes and sends them to Gemini only if you ask about the screen (“what is this?”, “how do I do this here?”). Nothing is stored. | Google Play |
Display over other appsSYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW, FOREGROUND_SERVICE_SPECIAL_USE |
Shows Nexa’s floating avatar over other apps while Nexa is on, so you can start it with one tap. A foreground service with a visible notification keeps the avatar on screen. It does not read or record the screen. Off until you allow it. | Google Play |
Optional, for everyday skills
| Permission | What it is used for | When |
|---|---|---|
CameraCAMERA (fully optional) |
“Look at this”: Nexa looks through the camera so you can ask about what it sees. An orange “Nexa is looking” label is shown; images go to Gemini only while this screen is open. | Only when you ask Nexa to look. |
ContactsREAD_CONTACTS |
To find the number of the person you ask Nexa to call or text. Contacts are read on the phone and not stored by Nexa. The call or message app is opened with the number filled in; you press call or send. | When you ask to call or message someone. |
AlarmsSET_ALARM |
To create alarms and timers in your clock app. | When you ask for an alarm or timer. |
Do not disturb accessACCESS_NOTIFICATION_POLICY |
To turn Do Not Disturb on or off when you ask. | When you ask. |
Modify system settingsWRITE_SETTINGS |
To change the screen brightness when you ask. | When you ask. |
| See installed apps package visibility ( <queries> for launcher apps) |
To open the app you name (“open Telegram”). Nexa only sees which apps can be launched; the list stays on the phone. | When you ask to open an app. |
Google Play Billingcom.android.vending.BILLING |
To buy coin packs for the built-in game. Payment is handled by Google Play; Nexa only receives the confirmation. | Google Play version only |
What Nexa does not ask for
Nexa does not use location, SMS sending or reading, call placing or call logs, storage/media access, the phone’s identifiers, or an advertising ID. Calls, messages, calendar events and maps are opened in their own apps for you to confirm.