Why “Restricted Setting” Happens
Starting with Android 13+, Google enforced stricter permission policies that affect sideloaded apps — apps installed via APK outside of the Play Store.
When such an app attempts to request access to sensitive permissions like Accessibility or Notification Listener, users are blocked and shown the following system warning:
Title: Restricted Setting
Message: “For your security, this setting is currently unavailable.”
On some devices, it may also say:
“To allow Internet Service to use this setting, turn on ‘Allow restricted settings’ in Settings > Apps > Internet Service.”
What Does This Mean for Sideloaded Apps Like Internet Service?
- The app cannot automatically open Accessibility or Notification access screens.
- The user must manually go into the app’s settings and enable Allow restricted settings.
- Without this, features like background monitoring, automation, and heart rate alerts won’t work properly.
This restriction is device-enforced and affects all APKs not installed through the Play Store — even legitimate tools like accessibility helpers, health monitors, or parental controls.
Luckily, there are manual steps you can take for each major brand (Google Pixel, Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus, etc.) to bypass this restriction and enable full functionality.
Continue below for step-by-step instructions.
GENERAL WORKAROUND STRATEGY
Goal: Manually grant Accessibility permission for the sideloaded app.
Google Pixel (Android 13+)
- Sideload and install the APK.
- You’ll see the “Restricted Setting” warning when trying to enable Accessibility.
- Instead, go to:
- Settings > Apps > Internet Service
- Tap the ⋮ (3-dot menu) at top right
- Tap Allow restricted settings
- Settings > Apps > Internet Service
- Then navigate to:
- Settings > Accessibility > Downloaded apps
- Enable the toggle for Internet Service and confirm
Samsung Galaxy (One UI 5+ on Android 13+)
- Install the APK.
- Open Internet Service, and when prompted, the Accessibility setting will be blocked.
- Instead, go to:
- Settings > Apps > Internet Service > ⋮ > Allow restricted settings
- Settings > Apps > Internet Service > ⋮ > Allow restricted settings
- Then:
- Settings > Accessibility > Installed apps
- Enable Internet Service
Note: On some Samsung models, the path may be:
Settings > Accessibility > Interaction and dexterity > Installed apps
Xiaomi / Redmi / POCO (MIUI 14+ or Android 13+)
- Install the APK.
- Navigate to:
- Settings > Apps > Manage apps > Internet Service
- Tap ⋮ > Allow restricted settings
- Go to:
- Settings > Additional settings > Accessibility
- Enable Internet Service
On some MIUI versions, Developer Options may need to be enabled first.
OnePlus / Oppo / Realme (ColorOS / OxygenOS 13+)
- Install the APK.
- Go to:
- Settings > App Management > App list > Internet Service
- Tap ⋮ > Allow restricted settings
- Navigate to:
- Settings > Additional Settings > Accessibility
- Enable Internet Service
ADB Method (For Advanced Users)
If UI access is blocked, use this ADB command:
adb shell pm grant your.package.name android.permission.BIND_ACCESSIBILITY_SERVICE
Note: Internet Service must declare the accessibility service in AndroidManifest.xml for this to work.
Summary Table
| Brand | Accessibility Settings Path | Allow Restricted Settings Location |
|---|---|---|
| Pixel | Settings > Accessibility > Downloaded apps | Settings > Apps > Internet Service > ⋮ > Allow Restricted |
| Samsung | Settings > Accessibility > Installed apps | Settings > Apps > Internet Service > ⋮ > Allow Restricted |
| Xiaomi | Settings > Additional Settings > Accessibility | Manage Apps > Internet Service > ⋮ > Allow Restricted |
| OnePlus | Settings > Accessibility | App Management > Internet Service > ⋮ > Allow Restricted |
Tip: Always check if “Allow restricted settings” appears in App Info after installing an APK.