Why does the Wemo App on Android™ require permissions?

Like all Android™ Apps, the Wemo App needs access to certain features on your Android device.  This requires the App to ask for permission to access these features.

Below is a complete list of the permissions the Wemo App asks for, what they are and why it needs them.

 
Permission Requested
Description
Can I disable it?
Device & App History
Retrieve Running Apps
The Wemo App uses this to determine if it is running in the foreground or not when it has a notification to show.  

An example of this would be when the Wemo® Insight senses a change in power usage from the device plugged into it and you have it set to notify you of this.
Yes, but all push notifications will stop working for the Wemo App.
Identity
Find Accounts on the device
This is a legacy requirement of the Android 4.0.4 and below operating system which checks for a Google Cloud Management (GCM) account to enable push notifications to the device.
Yes, if you are running Android 4.4 and above on your device.
Read your own contact card
This is used by the Wemo App to determine a name for your smartphone or tablet when it registers itself with the Wemo Remote Cloud server for Wemo Remote Access capabilities.
Yes.
Contacts / Calendar
Read your contacts
This is used by the Wemo App to determine a name for your
smartphone or tablet when it registers itself with the Wemo Remote Cloud server for Wemo Remote Access capabilities.
Yes.
Location
Approximate Location (Network-based)
The Wemo App uses this to determine your approximate location via Cellular and or Wi-Fi® for Sunrise/Sunset-based rules.
Yes.  You are also given the option to enter your city or zip code when creating these rules.
Precise Location (GPS and Network-based)
The Wemo App uses this to determine your location more accurately using your devices built-in GPS along with Cellular and or Wi-Fi for Sunrise/Sunset -based rules.
Yes.  You are also given the option to enter your city or zip code when creating these rules.
Photos / Media / Files
Modify or delete the contents of your USB storage
The Wemo App requests this because it needs the ability to store data on your smart device.  The Wemo App stores the following on your smart device:
  • Rules Database (A list of the rules you have created for your Wemo devices).
  • The Device List Database (A listing of the Wemo Devices you own).
  • Copies of any custom icons that you gave to your Wemo devices.
No.  Disabling this feature will cause the App to not function correctly.
Test access to protected storage
The Wemo App uses this permission to make sure it is able to save data to your smart device.
No.  Disabling this feature will cause the App to not function correctly.
Camera / Microphone
Take pictures and videos
This feature isn’t currently used but it is reserved for future use in the App.
Yes, but you will not be able to take pictures for custom icons. 
Wi-Fi Connection information
View Wi-Fi connections
This allows the Wemo App to use the Wi-Fi capabilities of your smart device.  Without it you would not be able to set up any Wemo devices or control them while connected to a Wi-Fi.
No.  Disabling this feature will cause the App to not function correctly.
Device ID & call information
Read phone status and identity
The Wemo App uses this to determine the network (Wireless or Cellular) that you are connected to.
No.  Disabling this feature will cause the App to not function correctly.
Other
Receive data from internet
Required for Remote access functionality.
No.  Disabling this feature will cause the App to not function correctly.
Broadcast data messages to apps
Used for push notifications.

An example of this would be when the Wemo Insight senses a change in power usage from the device plugged into it and you have it set to notify you of this.
Yes, but all push notifications will stop working for the Wemo App.
Full network access
This allows the Wemo App to access the wireless or cellular network that it is connected to.
No.  Disabling this feature will cause the App to not function correctly.
View network connections
This allows the Wemo App to see the name of the wireless network it is connected to.
No.  Disabling this feature will cause the App to not function correctly.
Connect and disconnect from Wi-Fi
The main use of this feature is during setup.  This allows your Wemo App to search for Wi-Fi in the area so you can connect your Wemo device to your network of choice.
Yes, but you will lose the ability to set up any new Wemo devices with this smart device.
Prevent device from sleeping
The Wemo App will use this to keep your smart devices screen on.
Yes.
Pair with Bluetooth devices
This is used by the Wemo App to determine a name for your smartphone or tablet when it registers itself with the Wemo Remote Cloud server for Wemo Remote Access capabilities.
Yes.

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