This Android permission grants applications access to aspects of a user’s phone status. This encompasses the ability to determine the phone number, current cellular network information, whether a call is active, and the status of any ongoing call. For example, an app with this permission could identify the user’s phone number when they create a new account or tailor functionality based on the network type being used (e.g., Wi-Fi vs. cellular data).
Access to this information was originally intended to allow developers to build features tightly integrated with the phone’s core functionality. Historically, it provided a critical bridge for applications needing to understand and respond to the phone’s operational state. This permitted the creation of innovative services that enhanced user experience. However, due to potential privacy implications, its use requires careful consideration and explicit user consent.
