How to Block Specific Apps from Accessing Clipboard on Android

Aug. 4, 2020



Recently, we wrote a guide onhow to get iOS 14 features on Androidand came across a nifty way to block clipboard access on Android. It works pretty well and you can even find all the apps that have access to the clipboard on your Android device. Blocking clipboard access will help you protect sensitive information like passwords, PIN, private messages from rogue apps which are always on a lookout to capture your clipboard. So without any delay, let’s go through the guide and learn about the steps.

Google addressed the long-standing issue of clipboard access with the release of Android 10. It put a heavy restriction on apps that can access copied data in the background. However, after uproar from the Android community, it seems Google has quietly backtracked.

As things stand now,even on Android 10, many apps have access to the clipboard. So no matter which Android version you are running, follow this guide to manually block the access.

  1. To block clipboard access on Android, you need toset up ADB on your computer. In case, you are completelyunaware of ADBthen go through our linked guide for detailed information.

  2. Once you have set up ADB, runadb devicesin your Terminal window toverify the connection. If it returns a serial number then you are good to go.

  3. Next, runadb shellon your Terminal window.

  4. Now, tofind the appsthat have clipboard access on your Android device, execute the below command. It will output a long list of package names of apps having clipboard access.

  5. Note down the package name of apps that you want to block from accessing your Android clipboard. Now,replace the package namein the below command and run it. It won’t output anything, but changes will be made in the background.

Note:Don’t block text editors as this action will also disable the “Paste” functionality within the app.

  1. If you want toallow an appto access the clipboard on Android then you can simply replaceignorewithallowand run the same command.

Prevent Apps From Accessing The Clipboard on Android

Prevent Apps From Accessing The Clipboard on Android

So that is how you can block clipboard access on Android. I wish there was an easy way to manage this crucial permission, but sadly there isn’t one. So, just set up ADB– which is a one-time thing– and you will be all set. Apart from that, you can alsouninstall bloatware from Android devices using ADB. Anyway, that is all from us. If you found the article helpful then do comment down below and let us know.

Passionate about Windows, ChromeOS, Android, security and privacy issues. Have a penchant to solve everyday computing problems.

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