YouMail requests certain device permissions to block robocalls, manage voicemail, and deliver notifications accurately. This article explains the permissions required by YouMail on iPhone and Android, what each permission is used for, and which ones are optional. Understanding these permissions helps you stay informed while keeping your privacy and security front and center.

YouMail is a robocall blocking and voicemail service. Access to phone and call information is required for core functionality.

When YouMail is your call blocker

This permission allows YouMail to see incoming call numbers, verify them against its spam database, and block known robocallers before your phone rings.

When YouMail is your voicemail

This permission allows YouMail to detect your phone number and carrier so it can help configure call forwarding, which sends missed calls to YouMail voicemail.
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For Professional subscribers:

This permission also enables outbound calls from your Extra Line.

Granting access to contacts is optional, but it improves accuracy and features.

When YouMail is your call blocker

This permission helps ensure YouMail does not accidentally block people you know. It protects against spoofing, where spam calls pretend to come from familiar numbers.

When YouMail is your voicemail

Contact access enables Smart Greeting, which greets callers by name. It also allows YouMail to display caller names and photos in voicemail alerts and emails.

Microphone access is used to record custom voicemail greetings.
On supported plans, it may also be used to place VOIP calls using your Extra Line.
You can disable this permission at any time and re-enable it whenever you need it.

Notifications allow YouMail to alert you when you receive:

This permission allows you to upload a profile photo or assign images to contacts and groups.

YouMail does not require location access. Your privacy is more important than location-based advertising.

To manage permissions directly in the YouMail app, follow these steps:

2. Scroll and select Data & Privacy.

3. Tap App Permissions.

4. Enable the required permissions and any optional permissions you want to use.

Note: You can tap Permission Details in the app to learn more about each permission.

To manage permissions through iOS, follow these steps:

3. Enable the required and chosen optional toggles.

To ensure fast and effective robocall blocking, iOS requires an additional setting.

To enable call blocking and identification:

3. Select Call Blocking & Identification.

4. Turn YouMail ON (green).

5. Disable any additional call-blocking apps to avoid conflicts.

Android 10 and later allow call blocking apps to request a Call screening role.

Note: Even without this permission, YouMail can still move spam voicemails into a spam folder.

To manage permissions on Android, follow these steps:

2. Tap App info.

3. App permissions.

4. Review and enable the required permissions and any optional permissions you want to use.

YouMail uses phone and call access to identify incoming calls, block known spam numbers, and manage voicemail. Without this permission, YouMail cannot block robocalls or replace your carrier voicemail.

Yes. Permissions such as Contacts, Microphone, Photos/Camera, and Notifications are optional. However, disabling them may limit features like Smart Greetings, custom voicemail recordings, caller identification, or alerts.

YouMail uses contact access only to improve caller identification and prevent accidental blocking of people you know. Contacts are not used for advertising or sold to third parties.

No. Microphone access is only used when you choose to record a voicemail greeting or place a VOIP call using your Extra Line. YouMail does not listen to or record calls in the background.

Notifications allow YouMail to alert you when you receive new voicemails, transcriptions, or SMS messages. Without notifications enabled, you may miss important messages.

No. YouMail does not require or use location access. Your geographic location is never tracked or used for advertising purposes.

If required permissions such as Phone & Calls are denied, YouMail will not be able to block robocalls or manage voicemail correctly. The app may still open, but core features will not function as intended.

Yes. You can enable or disable permissions at any time in your device settings or within the YouMail app. Changes take effect immediately.

Android’s call screening role allows YouMail to silence spam calls before your phone rings and act as your visual voicemail provider. This permission is optional but recommended for full robocall protection.

Yes, but functionality may be limited. For example, YouMail can still move spam voicemails to a spam folder without certain permissions, but real-time call blocking may not work.

For detailed information on data usage and privacy practices, review the YouMail Privacy Policy.