Permission Scanner: An Open-Source Android App to Understand App Permissions and Privacy Risks

Android apps request permissions for many reasons. Some permissions are necessary for an app to work, while others may deserve closer attention. But how easily can users understand what their installed apps are accessing? That is the problem Permission Scanner, an open-source Android application developed by AHS Mobile Labs, aims to solve. Instead of displaying a confusing list of Android permissions, Permission Scanner provides a readable privacy and security overview of installed applications and APK files. What Is Permission Scanner? Permission Scanner is an Android privacy companion built with Flutter and native Android integration. It scans installed applications, examines declared permissions, identifies potentially risky behavior patterns, and presents the results through a privacy-focused dashboard. The project is designed around transparency, with local analysis and an inspectable open-source codebase. Key Features 1. Installed App Scanner Inspect installed applications and view information such as: Requested and dangerous permissions. App installation source. System application status. SDK information. Trackers, services and receivers. Application metadata. 2. Privacy Risk Scoring Permission Scanner calculates a privacy score from 0 to 100 using permission exposure and other risk signals. It classifies applications into four risk levels: Safe Medium Dangerous Critical This helps users identify applications that may deserve additional attention. 3. APK Scanner Before Installation One useful feature is the ability to inspect APK files before installing them. The scanner checks for signals including: Dangerous permissions. Trackers. Overlay usage. Accessibility service usage. Background behavior indicators. Packer and spyware-related indicators. These signals are intended to help users make more informed installation decisions. They are not a guarantee that an APK is safe or malicious. 4. Compare Applications Compare two installed applications side by side. The comparison includes permission counts, dangerous permissions, trackers, background services, auto-start behavior, internet-related risk signals, and open-source status. 5. Security Dashboard The dashboard provides an overview of device privacy exposure, including: Overall privacy score. Permission exposure. Potentially risky applications. Recent permission changes. 6. Privacy Tools Additional tools include a permission library, privacy timeline, exportable reports, and optional local alerts for high-risk permission patterns. Built with Flutter and Native Android Permission Scanner uses Flutter for its application interface and native Android APIs for package inspection. Its technology stack includes: Component Technology Framework Flutter Language Dart State Management Riverpod Local Storage Hive Notifications flutter_local_notifications Permissions permission_handler Native Integration Android MethodChannel UI Architecture Modular screens and reusable widgets The application uses native Android integration through MethodChannel('permission_scanner') to retrieve application and APK metadata. Permission analysis and risk scoring are performed locally. Hive caching helps avoid unnecessary rescans when the installed application set has not changed. Privacy and Transparency Permission Scanner is built around local analysis rather than sending device scan results to a remote analysis service. Users control when they export reports or share summaries. The project also provides an accessible privacy policy and open-source implementation for people interested in understanding how it works. Open Source Project Permission Scanner is available under the MIT License. Developers can inspect the implementation, explore the permission analysis logic, report bugs, suggest improvements, and contribute to the project. GitHub Repository: https://github.com/AHS-Mobile-Labs/Permission_Scanner Download Permission Scanner Android users can download the application through Google Play or obtain the standalone APK from the GitHub Releases section. Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ahsmobilelabs.permissionScanner.opensoucre GitHub Releases: https://github.com/AHS-Mobile-Labs/Permission_Scanner/releases About AHS Mobile Labs AHS Mobile Labs is an independent software development studio focused on building practical mobile applications and open-source software. Our goal is to create useful tools with transparent development practices and user-focused experiences. Official Website: https://ahsmobilelabs.website/ Explore More Projects: https://github.com/AHS-Mobile-Labs Final Thoughts Android privacy starts with understanding what applications can access. Permission Scanner brings installed-app inspection, APK analysis, permission explanations, privacy scoring, and application comparison together in one place. The project is open source, and developers and Android enthusiasts are welcome to explore the codebase and contribute. Explore Permission Scanner: https://github.com/AHS-Mobile-Labs/Permission_Scanner