Flexibility has always been one of the main advantages of Android. The “AccessibilityService API” plays a crucial role in many of our favorite power-user tools. Apps that serve to emulate Dynamic Island or automate complex tasks are examples that resort to it. However, a new update to Android’s Advanced Protection Mode suggests that Google is ready to tighten the leash, mainly targeting customization and automation apps, in the name of high-stakes security.
The problem with accessibility permissions
Google originally used the AccessibilityService API to help users with disabilities by allowing apps to read screen content and perform gestures. However, many developers of customization and automation apps—like Tasker, MacroDroid, or dynamicSpot—began using the API to bypass system limitations. After all, its extensive powers allowed them to offer unique features.
The catch is that what a customization app uses for a cool feature, a malicious app can use for a devastating attack. Security researchers have long warned that banking trojans and spyware often abuse these same permissions to steal one-time codes or record sensitive data. For high-risk individuals—such as journalists or government officials—leaving this door open is a risk Google is no longer willing to take.
Android’s Advanced Protection to restrict permissions for customization and automation apps
As Android Authority spotted in a recent Android “Canary” build, the updated Advanced Protection Mode now automatically identifies which apps are genuine accessibility tools and which are not. To do this, it looks for a specific tag (isAccessibilityTool) in the app’s code.
If you toggle on Advanced Protection Mode, the system becomes uncompromising. Not only will it prevent you from granting accessibility permissions to non-essential apps, but it will also automatically revoke permissions from apps you have already installed. In practice, this means your favorite automation workflows or custom overlays will simply stop working the moment you prioritize maximum security.
A necessary trade-off?
This move effectively treats non-assistive customization apps as “incompatible” with a truly secure environment. It is a classic “security vs. convenience” dilemma. For the average user, this restriction might feel like an overreach. However, for those using Advanced Protection Mode, the goal is to eliminate every possible entry point for a hacker.
It’s noteworthy that apps designed for screen reading or motor impairments remain unaffected. Still, the “gray area” of automation is being pushed out of the high-security circle. Google hasn’t officially announced when this will reach all users, but with Android 17 on the horizon.
The post Android’s Security Mode Update May Break Your Favorite Customization Apps appeared first on Android Headlines.
