Accessibility service (Android)
An accessibility service is an Android feature that lets an app the person approves read what is on the screen and act in other apps on their behalf, built for assistive tools such as screen readers and voice control. The AGI app uses it, with the person's explicit permission, to complete tasks in their apps hands-free.
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Related terms
Mobile use
Mobile use is an AI agent's ability to operate the apps on a phone or tablet and finish tasks for a person.
Phone use
Phone use is an AI agent using the apps on a phone to finish tasks, often on the person's own phone and accounts.
Agent layer
An agent layer is the part of a device's software that turns a person's request into finished tasks across the device's apps.
Part of | Android, as the AccessibilityService API |
|---|---|
Built for | Screen readers, switch access and voice control |
Turned on by | The person, in Android settings, after Android asks them to confirm |
In the AGI app | Acts only on tasks you start; touch the screen to pause |
Turned off | Any time, in Android settings |
What can an app do with the accessibility service?
With the person's permission, it can read the content of the screen and act in other apps, for example by pressing a button or entering text. Android provides it so people with motor, vision or cognitive disabilities can use their phones through speech, switches and other assistive tools.
How does the AGI app use it?
The AGI app is built as an assistive tool for people who find touchscreens hard to use, and for anyone who wants hands-free control of their phone. With the person's explicit permission, it uses the accessibility service to complete the tasks they ask for. According to its Google Play listing:
It acts only on tasks the person starts.
Touching the screen pauses it right away.
It does not record calls or change settings without permission.
The service can be turned off at any time in Android settings.
An accessibility professional tested the AGI app against WCAG 2.2 A and AA, and the issues found were fixed. AGI, Inc. wrote about that work.
Is it safe to turn on?
Turn it on only for apps you trust, because it lets the app see and act on your screen. Android asks you to confirm before it grants this access, and you can switch it off in settings at any time.
FAQ
What is an accessibility service on Android?
A standard Android feature that lets an app you approve read the screen and act in other apps for you. Screen readers, switch access and voice control apps use it. The AGI app uses it, with your permission, to complete the tasks you ask for.
How do I turn an accessibility service off?
Open Android settings, go to Accessibility and turn off the app's service. In the AGI app you can also pause the agent at any moment by touching the screen, and it acts only on tasks you start.
Does the AGI app record my calls?
No. According to its Google Play listing, the AGI app does not record calls and does not change your settings without permission. It acts only on tasks you start.
