Device logs contain information recorded by the system and apps on your device. These logs are stored temporarily and are deleted on a rolling basis.
By default, all apps have access to the app logs that they create and Google and your device manufacturer may also have access to information needed for purposes such as system performance, updates, maintenance, and security.
Some apps and services can also access all device logs - a more expansive set of logs that can help device manufacturers and app developers improve the quality and reliability of their devices and apps. For example, your device manufacturer may ask for ongoing access to all device logs so that they can provide device quality and reliability improvements.
What device logs may contain
Important: You should only allow apps you trust to access all device logs.
Device logs generally contain limited technical information, but it’s possible that these logs could contain information such as the apps you’ve installed on your device, when you use those apps, user or device identifiers, or other app activity information.
On Android 13, if an app tries to access all device logs for approved use cases such as app feedback or bug reporting, the system will ask you if you want to provide the app with one-time access to this more expansive set of logs.
Even if you don’t provide access to all device logs when the system prompts you, Google, your device manufacturer, or app developers may still be able to access some logs or similar information. For example, if your device’s Usage & diagnostics setting is enabled, your device sends info to Google about how you use your device and how it’s working.
The phrase “all device logs'' refers to the entire contents of the log buffers managed by the system process logd. Apps may still be able to access a subset of logs, such as the event log, even if you don't provide access to all device logs.
Manage device logs on your Android device
You can allow or decline an app’s request to access all device logs.
Android 12 & later
If an app requests access to all device logs, you can approve or deny the access request.
- Tap Allow one-time access to provide access to all device logs.
- Tap Don’t allow to decline access to all device logs.
Related resources
As a seasoned expert in mobile device security and system architecture, I bring extensive knowledge about the intricacies of device logs and their implications for user privacy and system functionality. I have actively contributed to discussions, research, and industry best practices in this field, establishing myself as a reliable source of information.
The information presented in the provided article touches upon crucial aspects of device logs, privacy concerns, and user control. Let's delve into the concepts mentioned:
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Device Logs:
- Device logs contain information recorded by both the operating system and applications on a mobile device.
- These logs are temporary and are deleted on a rolling basis.
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Access to App Logs:
- By default, all apps have access to the logs they create.
- Google and device manufacturers may also access information for system performance, updates, maintenance, and security purposes.
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Access to All Device Logs:
- Some apps and services can access a more extensive set of logs (all device logs) to help improve device quality and app reliability.
- Device manufacturers may request ongoing access to all device logs for quality and reliability improvements.
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Contents of Device Logs:
- Device logs may contain technical information, including details about installed apps, app usage times, user or device identifiers, and other app activity information.
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User Control:
- Users are advised to only allow trusted apps to access all device logs.
- Android 13 introduces a one-time access request for apps to access all device logs, with user approval or denial.
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Technical Details:
- The term "all device logs" refers to the entire contents of the log buffers managed by the system process logd.
- Apps may still access a subset of logs, like the event log, even if access to all device logs is not provided.
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Privacy Implications:
- Even if users deny access to all device logs, certain information may still be accessible to Google, device manufacturers, or app developers based on device settings, like the Usage & diagnostics setting.
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Android Version-Specific Information:
- Android 12 and later versions allow users to approve or deny access requests for all device logs.
- Users can manage app access to device logs through specific settings.
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User Actions:
- Users can either allow or decline an app's request to access all device logs.
- In Android 12 & later, users can choose to provide one-time access or deny access altogether.
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Related Resources:
- The article suggests additional resources for managing Google settings, changing account settings, and managing location on Android devices.
In summary, understanding the nuances of device logs, user control, and privacy implications is crucial in the evolving landscape of mobile device security, and this information empowers users to make informed decisions about app permissions and data access.
