Why Android clipboard apps need special permissions
Since Android 10, an app can read the clipboard only when it is your default keyboard or the app you are using. Clipboard sync apps therefore either become your keyboard, give you a button to send each copy, or use an Accessibility service. MyClippy offers the Accessibility approach as an optional setting; without it, you can still receive text and send copies manually with Share.
What Android changed
Android’s developer documentation states: “Unless your app is the default input method editor (IME) or is the app that currently has focus, your app cannot access clipboard data on Android 10 or higher.” The rule protects you from apps quietly reading passwords and messages you copy.
Placing text on the clipboard is different. A sync app can put received text on your phone’s clipboard, which is why computer → phone usually works even when phone → computer doesn’t.
Three ways sync apps handle it
| Approach | Example | What you do | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Be the keyboard | SwiftKey cloud clipboard | Type with that keyboard | Works only while you use that keyboard |
| Send each copy by hand | KDE Connect “Send clipboard”, Android Share, LocalSend | Tap a button or Share after copying | No extra permission, but an extra step every time |
| Accessibility service | MyClippy automatic copy (optional) | Enable once in Accessibility settings | Automatic, but a powerful permission you should understand first |
Every permission MyClippy asks for
| Permission | Why | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Notifications | Shows the ongoing “clipboard sync” notification with a Stop action while MyClippy stays connected | Yes, to run sync |
| Local network access (Android 17) | Finds your Mac or Windows computer on the same Wi-Fi | Yes, to connect |
| MyClippy automatic copy (Accessibility) | Notices copy actions in other apps so new copies can be sent automatically | No — optional |
| Wi-Fi, network state and multicast | Discovery on the local network; granted automatically at install | Yes |
| Start at boot | Resumes sync after a restart if you left it on | Automatic |
MyClippy does not request location, contacts, camera, microphone, SMS or photo and file access.
What the Accessibility service does and doesn’t do
When you turn it on, MyClippy examines copy and cut interaction labels, relevant event text, source app identifiers and system clipboard-window metadata to notice when you copy. It then briefly focuses a transparent window so Android allows it to read the new clipboard item, and sends that text to MyClippy devices on your network.
It does not take screenshots, record your screen or record keystrokes. It skips clips that apps mark as sensitive, although not every app marks passwords. It is not an accessibility tool for people with disabilities. Read the privacy policy for the full description.
How to turn it off
- In MyClippy, tap Turn automatic copy off. Receiving and manual sending keep working.
- Or open Android Settings → Accessibility and turn off MyClippy automatic copy.
- To stop all syncing, tap Pause sync in the app or Stop in the notification.
- To erase MyClippy’s data on the phone, use Settings and help → Privacy & data → Clear local data. See Delete your data.
Frequently asked questions
Why does a clipboard sync app need Accessibility access?
Android 10 and later block background clipboard reads. An Accessibility service is one of the few ways an app can notice that you copied something in another app. MyClippy makes it optional; without it you can send copies manually with Share.
Can MyClippy read my passwords?
MyClippy skips clipboard items that apps mark as sensitive, and its Accessibility service doesn’t record keystrokes or screens. Not every app marks passwords as sensitive, so avoid copying secrets while automatic sharing is on.
Do I need to change my keyboard?
No. MyClippy doesn’t install a keyboard. Keyboard-based sync, such as SwiftKey’s cloud clipboard, requires typing with that keyboard.
Why does MyClippy show a permanent notification?
Android requires an ongoing notification for apps that stay connected to another device in the background. It includes a Stop action.
Sources and current requirements
- Android developers: clipboard access limits in Android 10
- KDE Connect: Send clipboard on Android 10+
- Microsoft: SwiftKey cloud clipboard
- MyClippy privacy policy
Product capabilities and platform requirements can change. This page describes a local pilot, not a guarantee of compatibility with every phone or source app. Spotted something out of date? Email intelligentiastudios@gmail.com.