How Permissions Work in Spanner

Permissions in plain language

Spanner only asks for a permission when an App feature needs it. For example, if an App needs to scan something with your camera, Spanner will ask for Camera access at the moment you try to use that feature—not just because you installed the app.

Choosing Don’t Allow won’t break Spanner overall. It only means that the specific feature that needs that permission won’t work until you allow it.

What happens when you tap “Don’t Allow”

The feature that needs it won’t run. Example: a “Scan receipt” button can’t open your camera without Camera permission.
Spanner should offer a workaround when possible. Example: you can often type information in manually instead of scanning.
You can keep using other Apps and features. Denying Photos access doesn’t affect an App that’s just a checklist.
You may see the permission prompt again later. Usually this happens only if you try the same feature again.

If you previously tapped “Don’t Allow,” Spanner can’t override that choice. You’re always in control of what you share.

Common permissions Spanner may ask for

Below are the most common permissions you might see. Your device may show slightly different wording, but the idea is the same.

What it’s for: Taking photos or scanning items as part of an App you’re using.

Examples of features that may need it:

Scan a receipt, barcode, label, or document
Add a photo to an entry (for example, a pantry item or a home repair log)
Capture an image to reference later (for example, “before/after” photos)

If you choose “Don’t Allow”: Spanner won’t be able to open the camera. You can still use the App by typing details manually, or by using another option like uploading an existing photo (if that App supports it).

What it’s for: Letting you pick photos you already have, or saving images created by an App.

Examples of features that may need it:

Attach an existing photo to a list item or log entry
Upload a picture for reference (for example, a product label or a pet’s medication)
Save an image your App generates (like a summary card or printable checklist)

If you choose “Don’t Allow”: You won’t be able to pick from your photo library (and Spanner may not be able to save images to it). You can usually continue without photos, or use the camera only (if Camera is allowed) depending on the App.

If your device offers options like “Select Photos…” or “Limited Access”, you can share only a few photos instead of your whole library.

What it’s for: Recording audio or using voice-based input in an App.

Examples of features that may need it:

Voice notes inside an App (for example, a quick journal entry)
Hands-free input while cooking, driving, or working

If you choose “Don’t Allow”: Voice-based features won’t work. You can still type as usual.

What it’s for: Letting an App use your location for features that depend on where you are.

Examples of features that may need it:

Tagging entries with a place (for example, where you parked, or where you bought something)
Location-based reminders (when supported by your device)
Filling in local info (like showing relevant nearby context)

If you choose “Don’t Allow”: The App won’t be able to use your current location. You may need to type a location manually or skip location-based features.

Spanner should only request location when an App feature clearly needs it. If you’re not using a location-related feature, you typically won’t see this prompt.

What it’s for: Sending reminders, alerts, or updates related to your Apps.

Examples of features that may need it:

Reminders (for example, taking medication, watering plants, or checking a routine)
Time-based nudges from an App you created

If you choose “Don’t Allow”: Spanner won’t be able to send notifications. Your Apps can still work when you open them, but they won’t be able to tap you on the shoulder at the right time.

What it’s for: Letting you pick people from your contacts for features like sharing or quickly filling in names.

Examples of features that may need it:

Selecting a person to share something with (when an App supports it)
Filling in a name/phone/email without retyping it

If you choose “Don’t Allow”: You’ll need to type names or contact details manually, and some “pick from contacts” screens may be unavailable.

Spanner should not read or message your contacts automatically just because you granted access—it simply enables contact-picking features.

What it’s for: Helping an App create or read items in your calendar or reminders (only when a feature is designed to do that).

Examples of features that may need it:

Add a task to your reminders list
Create a calendar event from something you entered in an App

If you choose “Don’t Allow”: Spanner won’t be able to add or read calendar/reminder items for you. You can still copy the details and add them yourself.

Why Spanner asks at the moment you need it

Different Apps need different things. A grocery list App may need no permissions at all, while a “scan pantry items” App may need Camera.
It keeps access limited. Spanner can work without many permissions, so it’s better to ask only when a feature truly needs it.

If a permission request surprises you, cancel the action and keep using Spanner. You can still run most Apps without granting extra access.

Quick examples

“Scan a receipt” → asks for Camera. If denied: you can type the purchase details manually.
“Attach a photo to this item” → asks for Photos. If denied: you can skip the photo (or use another method the App offers).
“Remind me tomorrow at 9” → asks for Notifications. If denied: you’ll need to open the App yourself to see the reminder.

If an App feature depends on a permission (like camera scanning), it may look like the feature is “not working” until that permission is allowed. That’s expected behavior—not a sign your App is broken.

Privacy basics (what to expect)

You’re in control. You can allow or deny each permission.
Permissions are feature-specific. Denying one permission won’t stop Spanner from doing unrelated tasks.
Spanner should be clear. A permission prompt should match something you just tried to do (like taking a photo or turning on reminders).

For step-by-step instructions on changing permissions later (turning them on/off or revoking access), see the separate page in this section about enabling, disabling, or revoking permissions.