I recently got a new phone and installed Smart AutoClicker to automatically click the skip button while idling in single-player games. However, on the accessibility settings page, I couldn’t grant the clicker permission.
I tried using an adb command (adb shell settings put secure enabled_accessibility_services ...), but it still didn’t work. After checking logcat, I found this error:
Skipping enabling service disallowed by device admin policy: ComponentInfo{com.buzbuz.smartautoclicker/com.buzbuz.smartautoclicker.SmartAutoClickerService}...
After looking into the Android codebase, I realized it’s due to a new security mechanism introduced in Android. Taking this opportunity, I’ve compiled a few solutions for those who need them.
Method 1: Reinstall from Google Play
Yes, Google only restricts accessibility permissions for sideloaded apps. Installing from Google Play (or other app stores) doesn’t have this issue. That’s it!
Wait, what if the app isn’t available on Google Play?
Method 2: Allow Restricted Settings in App Settings
Hold on! Accessibility permissions are powerful. Before enabling accessibility for sideloaded apps, please ensure the app’s safety.
If your system hasn’t been heavily modified by the manufacturer, you can disable this restriction in the app’s system settings.
The exact location is shown below:
Method 3: Reinstall Using a Third-Party App Installer
However, my OxygenOS 15 has been so heavily modified that the menu is gone. In this case, you can take a workaround by using the SAI App Installer to reinstall the app. Since it’s installed by an app, it’s not considered sideloaded, and the accessibility settings can be enabled normally.
Android is adding more and more security features. While they’re promoted as security features, they’re also Google’s way of tightening control over the Android ecosystem, making it harder for app developers and users to move away from Google Play.
The accessibility restriction mentioned in this article can still be bypassed, but Google’s recent Google Play Automatic Protection (aka pairipcore) is even more frustrating. I might talk about it another time. (But probably not, I’m not skilled enough!)
Coxxs