Alex Ruben
How To Grant CapCut Permission to Access Photos on Android
If you’re bumping into permission errors when trying to import media into CapCut, yeah, you’re not alone. Sometimes it feels like Android’s permissions are set up to make life harder than it needs to be. Anyway, here’s how to actually get CapCut to see your photos, videos, or files without a hassle.
Prerequisites for Granting Access
Before diving in, make sure you’ve got:
- An Android device with CapCut installed (obvious, but worth mentioning).
- Access to your device settings.
- The latest version of CapCut — updating might fix permission bugs.
Method 1: Via App Info
This is kinda the standard approach. Think of it like giving CapCut the keys to your photo vault but doing it in settings instead of the app itself. It helps because Android tends to block access by default for new installs or after updates.
- Find the CapCut icon—either on your home screen or app drawer.
- Long press on it until a little menu pops up, then tap App Info. If you don’t see that, go to Settings > Apps & Notifications > See all apps > select CapCut.
- In the app info page, scroll to find the Permissions tab and tap it. This opens all the permissions CapCut can request.
This step helps because Android sometimes keeps permissions in limbo, especially after updates. Granting them in app info bypasses some of that built-in confusion.
Method 2: Using the Permissions Settings
Sometimes, permissions can be toggled directly from the main settings menu, especially if auto-grant isn’t working. This method applies when CapCut is already installed but doesn’t have the right access.
- Open Settings > Apps & Notifications.
- Tap See all apps, then find and select CapCut.
- Hit the Permissions button.
Here’s where things get real. Look for the option called Files and Media or sometimes Storage & media. On some Android versions, you’ll see individual toggles like Allow access to media files. Make sure that’s turned on. Also, check for other relevant permissions like Storage or Photos & Videos.
Method 3: Adjust Permissions Manually in the Settings
If CapCut still can’t see your media, dive into the specific permission settings:
- Go to Settings > Apps & Notifications > CapCut > Permissions.
- Ensure Storage or Files and Media is enabled. Sometimes Android blocks media access unless explicitly allowed.
Pro tip: On some devices, permissions might be “auto-revoked” after app updates or system changes, so it’s worth double-checking here.
Step 4: Restart CapCut & Clear Cache (sometimes this does the trick)
After permissions look right, completely close CapCut — swipe it away from recent apps, no background junk. Then, reopen. If it’s still not seeing your files, clear the app cache:
- Go to Settings > Apps & Notifications.
- Select CapCut.
- Tap Storage & Cache, then pick Clear Cache.
Sometimes, residual cache bugs cause permission hiccups. Clearing cache forces the app to re-scan media permissions, and weird bugs tend to clear up.
Extra Tips & Troubleshooting
If CapCut still won’t see your photos after all this:
- Make sure Android OS is up to date — older versions are more glitchy about permissions.
- Disable any digital hygiene apps or permission managers that might be blocking access.
- Consider uninstalling and reinstalling CapCut — maybe the initial install got wonky permissions.
- On some setups, rebooting your device after changing permissions actually makes a difference (because of course, Android has to make it harder than necessary).
Conclusion
All these steps are about giving CapCut what it needs to access your media files without throwing permission errors. Because in Android, permissions can be a bit sneaky, especially after updates or certain system tweaks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if permissions are granted but CapCut still can’t access my gallery?
This is weird, but sometimes, resetting app preferences or clearing app data helps. Or, check if there’s some kind of restrictive digital wellbeing or privacy settings blocking access.
How do I stop CapCut from asking for permissions every time I open it?
Once permissions are granted, Android usually remembers. If it keeps prompting, ensure that no permission managers or battery savers are auto-denying those permissions in the background.
Is it safe to give storage permissions to CapCut?
Yeah, if you’re downloading from the Google Play Store, it’s legit. CapCut needs file access to import media. Just avoid sideloaded APKs from sketchy sources, obviously.
Summary
- Check app info — Settings > Apps & Notifications > select CapCut > Permissions
- Manually toggle on Storage and related permissions.
- Clear cache if it still acts weird.
- Reboot if nothing else works.
Fingers crossed this helps someone get past the permission roadblocks so editing can resume without frustration.