I have an Android. Why am I being asked to allow location access?

Google recently made some global updates to their software tools, and now requires that any app that uses Bluetooth also be granted location access. This is because Bluetooth can be used for lots of things. We use it to scan for Joule devices and pair them with your phone, but some other people use it to track location. If you don’t give the Joule app location access, we won’t be able to connect to your Joule. (Joule will not appear in the scan when attempting to pair to it in the Joule app.)

Missed out on enabling location access the first time? You can always do it later by going to your phone’s Settings > Apps & notifications > Joule > Permissions. (This menu may differ from device to device, Android version to version.)

tl;dr We use Bluetooth to connect to your Joule—accept location access and you’ll be good to go.

IMPORTANT: Android devices running OS version 6.x and later also require that Location/GPS Services be turned on for a Bluetooth scan to be successful. If no Joules are found during the scan during pairing, go to Settings on your Android device, turn on Location/GPS, restart the Joule app and attempt to pair again.

If you want the technical nitty-gritty, you can learn more on the Android developer website.