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Android‐All‐Files‐Permission

ic005k edited this page Jul 30, 2026 · 2 revisions

Android All-Files Access Permission Guide

Why This Permission Is Required

Knot is a local-first, open-source note application that stores all notes as independent Markdown files in a user-accessible shared storage directory, rather than inside the app's private sandbox. Enabling All-files access is essential for the following core functionalities:

  1. User Data Ownership & Persistence Notes remain intact in device storage even after uninstalling Knot. Users can browse, edit, back up, or migrate their notes at any time using any file manager, without being locked into the app.
  2. Local Attachment Support The app requires read access to load and preview image files linked within notes stored in the shared directory.
  3. Unrestricted Sync & Backup Cross-device synchronization and full backup operations require reliable read/write access to the note storage directory without Scoped Storage limitations.

🌐 Open Source & Privacy Transparency Knot is fully open-source. There are no black boxes, hidden trackers, or undisclosed data collection. You can independently audit our source code to verify that the app only accesses the user-designated note storage folder and never scans, uploads, or analyzes other files on your device. Your data remains entirely under your control. 🔗 Source Code: [https://github.com/ic005k/Knot]

ℹ️ Limited Functionality Without Permission If this permission is not granted, Knot will operate in restricted mode: new notes can still be created and edited, but existing notes in shared storage cannot be loaded, image previews will be unavailable, and backup/sync features will be disabled.

How to Grant Permission

Android settings vary significantly across manufacturers. We recommend the following methods in order of reliability:

Method 1: In-App Shortcut (Recommended)

Open Knot → Go to Settings → Tap "Grant All-Files Access" → Follow the system prompt to enable directly.

Method 2: System Settings Search (Fastest Manual Method)

Open device Settings → Use the search bar at the top → Search for All files access or Manage all files → Enable for Knot.

Manufacturer-Specific Paths (Reference)

Paths may vary by OS version. Use Method 2 if the path below doesn't match.

  • Stock Android / LineageOS: Settings → Apps → See all apps → Knot → Permissions → Files and media → Allow management of all files
  • Xiaomi / HyperOS / MIUI: Settings → Privacy protection → Special permissions → All files access → Knot
  • Huawei / Honor: Settings → Apps → Special app access → All files access → Knot
  • Samsung One UI: Settings → Apps → Knot → Permissions → Files and media → Allow management of all files
  • OPPO / OnePlus / Realme: Settings → Privacy → Permission manager → Storage → Knot → Allow all file access

Troubleshooting

  • Changes not taking effect? Fully close Knot (swipe away from recent apps) and restart after granting permission.
  • Permission revoked automatically? Some battery optimization or security tools may reset permissions. Please add Knot to the whitelist in your device's battery optimizer and security app.
  • Can't find the setting? Ensure your device is running Android 11 or later. On Android 10 and below, standard storage permission is sufficient.

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