📨 "SEND_SMS" or Intent.ACTION_SENDTO Permission Not Allowed in App - Android OS 15

 In Android 15 (API level 34), the SEND_SMS permission is restricted for most apps. This change is part of Google's security enhancements to prevent misuse and protect user privacy.

🔎 Why You See This Error

• Restricted Permissions: Starting from Android 15, only default SMS apps or apps granted special carrier privileges can request the SEND_SMS permission.

• Non-Default Apps: If your app is not the system's default SMS app, it cannot send SMS using the SmsManager or Intent.ACTION_SENDTO.

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✅ Solutions and Workarounds

Here are a few options depending on your app's needs:

1. Check if Your App is the Default SMS App

• If your app is a messaging app, request users to set it as the default SMS app using this intent:

Intent intent = new Intent(Telephony.Sms.Intents.ACTION_CHANGE_DEFAULT);
intent.putExtra(Telephony.Sms.Intents.EXTRA_PACKAGE_NAME, getPackageName());
startActivity(intent);

2. Use SMS Verification API (For OTPs)

• If you're sending SMS for OTP verification, use SMS Retriever API instead. This API doesn't need SEND_SMS permission.

• Learn about SMS Retriever API

3. Use Intent to Open SMS App

• You can prompt the user to send a pre-filled SMS using the default messaging app:

Intent intent = new Intent(Intent.ACTION_SENDTO);
intent.setData(Uri.parse("smsto:" + phoneNumber));
intent.putExtra("sms_body", "Your verification code is: 123456");
startActivity(intent);

• No Permission Required with this method.

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🚀 Additional Tips

• If you're a carrier app or have special privileges, ensure proper configurations in the manifest using:

<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.SEND_SMS"/>

• Contact your carrier provider if your app qualifies for carrier-specific permissions.

Solution 1:

If your app is not the default SMS app, Android 15 restricts the SEND_SMS permission. However, here are a few alternative solutions you can implement:

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✅ Solution 1: Use ACTION_SENDTO for User-Initiated SMS

• You can use an Intent to open the default SMS app with a pre-filled message.

• This does not require the SEND_SMS permission.

📦 Example Code

java
Intent intent = new Intent(Intent.ACTION_SENDTO);
intent.setData(Uri.parse("smsto:" + phoneNumber)); // Replace phoneNumber with the actual number
intent.putExtra("sms_body", "Your verification code is: 123456");
startActivity(intent);

• The user will see the SMS app with the message ready to send.

• No additional permissions are required.

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✅ Solution 2: Use Web APIs or External SMS Gateways

• If your app needs to send SMS without relying on the device, consider using an SMS Gateway or an API like:

  • Twilio

  • Plivo

  • Nexmo (Vonage)

• Your backend can handle sending SMS using these services.

📦 Example Flow

1. App requests SMS to be sent →

2. API call to your backend →

3. Backend sends SMS using the gateway.

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✅ Solution 3: Use SMS Retriever API for OTPs (No SMS Permission Required)

If you're using SMS for OTP verification, use the SMS Retriever API.

• No SEND_SMS or RECEIVE_SMS permission is needed.

• Android automatically captures the OTP from the SMS for verification.

📦 Example Flow

1. App starts the SMS Retriever API.

2. Backend sends an SMS with a verification code.

3. The API captures the SMS without the user needing to copy the code manually.

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✅ Solution 4: Use Carrier Privileges (For Carrier Apps Only)

• If your app is provided by a mobile carrier or has special agreements, you can request carrier privileges.

• This requires signing your app with the carrier’s certificate and using the SEND_SMS permission.

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🚀 Recommendation

• For General Apps: Use Solution 1 (Intent-based) for a seamless experience.

• For OTP Verification: Use Solution 3 (SMS Retriever API).

• For Business or Automated Messages: Use Solution 2 with an SMS Gateway.