HappyMod 3.4.0 asks Android for 25 permissions. Most of them are what you would expect from an app store: internet access, downloading files and installing the apps you choose. A few deserve a closer look, mainly All files access, Camera, Microphone and the advertising ID. This guide lists every permission in the 3.4.0 APK, what each one allows, and which ones you can safely refuse.
We read this list directly from the AndroidManifest.xml inside the HappyMod 3.4.0 file (com.happymod.apk, version code 290, SHA-256 7165a2b3...f82ae7) on October 25, 2026. See How We Check APK Files for the full checksum.
Install-time and runtime permissions
Android splits permissions into two kinds. Install-time permissions, such as internet access, are granted automatically when you install the app. Runtime (dangerous) permissions, such as camera or microphone, only work after you tap Allow in a pop-up. A permission being in the manifest does not mean the app is using it right now; it means the app is able to ask for it.
Every permission in HappyMod 3.4.0
| Permission | Type | What it allows | Needed for the store to work? |
|---|---|---|---|
| INTERNET | Install-time | Connect to the internet | Yes |
| ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE, ACCESS_WIFI_STATE | Install-time | See whether you are on Wi-Fi or mobile data | Yes, to manage downloads |
| REQUEST_INSTALL_PACKAGES | Special access | Open the Android install screen for APKs you download | Yes, to install MODs |
| QUERY_ALL_PACKAGES | Install-time | See which apps are installed on your phone | Used to show installed and updatable apps |
| FOREGROUND_SERVICE | Install-time | Keep a download running with a notification | Yes, for downloads |
| WAKE_LOCK | Install-time | Keep the phone from sleeping during a task | Helps long downloads finish |
| POST_NOTIFICATIONS | Runtime (Android 13+) | Show notifications, including download progress | Optional |
| RECEIVE_BOOT_COMPLETED | Install-time | Start background work after the phone restarts | Optional |
| SCHEDULE_EXACT_ALARM | Special access | Run a task at an exact time | Optional |
| READ_EXTERNAL_STORAGE, WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE | Runtime | Read and write shared storage, only on Android 12 and older (limited to API 32 in the manifest) | Used to save APKs on older Android |
| READ_MEDIA_IMAGES | Runtime (Android 13+) | Read photos on your phone | Optional, for picking images |
| MANAGE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE | Special access (“All files access”) | Read and change every file in shared storage | Not needed for normal downloads |
| CAMERA | Runtime | Use the camera | Optional |
| RECORD_AUDIO | Runtime | Use the microphone | Optional |
| MODIFY_AUDIO_SETTINGS | Install-time | Change volume and audio routing | Optional |
| ACCESS_ADSERVICES_AD_ID, ACCESS_ADSERVICES_ATTRIBUTION, com.google.android.gms.permission.AD_ID | Install-time | Read your advertising ID and ad attribution data | No, used for ads |
| BIND_GET_INSTALL_REFERRER_SERVICE | Install-time | Read how the app was installed (Play install referrer) | No, used for analytics |
| INSTALL_SHORTCUT, launcher READ_SETTINGS, launcher FOREGROUND_SERVICE | Install-time | Add home screen shortcuts and read launcher settings | Optional |
| com.happymod.apk.DYNAMIC_RECEIVER_NOT_EXPORTED_PERMISSION | Declared by the app | Internal permission that stops other apps from sending it broadcasts | Internal, harmless |
Permissions worth refusing
All files access (MANAGE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE)
This is the most powerful permission in the list. It lets HappyMod read and change any file in your shared storage, including photos, documents and other apps’ downloads. Android does not grant it from a normal pop-up; you have to switch it on yourself under Settings → Apps → Special app access → All files access. HappyMod can download and install APKs without it, so leave it off unless a specific feature stops working and you understand why.
Camera and microphone
HappyMod 3.4.0 includes a camera library (AndroidX CameraX) and an image picker library, which are typically used for profile pictures and attaching screenshots to comments. Nothing in a store app needs constant access to your camera or microphone. If HappyMod asks, choose Only this time or Don’t allow. You can check later under Settings → Apps → HappyMod → Permissions.
Advertising ID
The advertising ID permissions let ad networks recognise your device across apps. You can delete or reset it under Settings → Privacy → Ads (on Android 12 and later: Delete advertising ID). HappyMod will still work.
Which third-party SDKs are inside
The manifest also lists components from other companies’ software development kits (SDKs). Their presence tells you who may receive data from the app; it does not by itself prove what data is sent.
- Google Firebase: crash reporting, analytics and push messaging.
- Unity Ads and Mintegral: advertising networks.
- Facebook SDK: login and analytics.
- Umeng: an analytics service.
- FileDownloader and a built-in torrent-style download engine: used to download APK files.
Permissions of the MODs you install
Every MOD you download through HappyMod is a separate app with its own permission list. A modified game that asks for SMS, contacts, call logs or Accessibility access has no normal reason to. Accessibility access lets an app read your screen and tap for you, and it is a common route for banking malware. If a MOD asks for any of these, uninstall it.
How to check and remove permissions
- Open Settings → Apps → HappyMod → Permissions.
- Set Camera, Microphone, Photos and videos, and Notifications to the level you are comfortable with.
- Open Settings → Apps → Special app access, then check All files access and Install unknown apps, and turn off anything you don’t need.
- On Android 11 and later, keep Remove permissions if app isn’t used on, so unused permissions are reset automatically.
Changes since older versions
Compared with HappyMod 3.2.1, version 3.4.0 adds two permissions: POST_NOTIFICATIONS and READ_MEDIA_IMAGES. Both were introduced in Android 13, which apps must request separately once they target Android 13 (3.4.0 targets API 33). No permissions were removed. See all builds on HappyMod old versions.
FAQs
Does HappyMod need root?
No. None of the permissions above require root, and HappyMod installs like any other APK.
Is it safe to give HappyMod storage permission?
On Android 12 and older, the normal storage permission is used to save APK files and is reasonable to allow. All files access is a different, broader permission that you can leave off.
Why does HappyMod see my installed apps?
QUERY_ALL_PACKAGES lets HappyMod show which apps you already have and which ones it has MODs or updates for. It is granted at install time and cannot be switched off without uninstalling.
Read next: Is HappyMod safe? and How to download and install HappyMod.