How to Grant Phone Account Permissions for the PhoneHQ App on Android?

Instructions for granting phone account permissions to the PhoneHQ application, including problem scenarios, causes, and ways to diagnose and resolve them - for all Android versions and popular phone brands (Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei, Oppo, OnePlus, Motorola, Sony, Realme, etc.).

Consequences of Not Granting Phone Account Permissions

If you don't enable phone account permissions for the PhoneHQ app, you won't be able to make or receive calls within the app, preventing it from functioning correctly.

The app is not responsible for the issue with granting phone account permissions.

Problems with granting permissions are not due to the PhoneHQ app itself but arise from differences in the Android system and manufacturer modifications. Below are specific examples of how the operating system or manufacturer's skin can hinder the app's operation, even if it has been installed correctly.

1. Xiaomi (MIUI) – nothing happens after clicking “OK”

   1. What happens: You click “OK” on the permission request prompt, but nothing opens. Calls don't work.

   2. Why: The MIUI system does not automatically redirect to settings. The app lacks auto-start access and cannot run in the background without additional settings.

   3. Solution: You need to manually enable auto-start and grant background permissions in: Settings > Apps > Manage apps > PhoneHQ > Battery saver > No restrictions

2. Huawei (EMUI) – “Phone accounts” option doesn't exist

   1. What happens: You don't see the “Phone accounts” option even though you follow all the steps.

   2. Why: EMUI hides or renames options – sometimes integrating them with “Phone Manager” or “Permission management.”

   3. Solution: Use the search function in settings and type: VoIP, account, SIP, or grant permissions through “Phone Manager.”

3. Android 11 (e.g., Sony, Motorola) – no system reaction

   1. What happens: After clicking “OK,” no window opens, and you cannot continue.

   2. Why: Older Android versions (11 and lower) do not support dynamic redirects to app settings – the system simply ignores the app's request.

   3. Solution: Manually go to: Settings > Apps > PhoneHQ > Permissions and grant all necessary permissions.

4. Oppo/Realme – phone account switch is grayed out

   1. What happens: In the Phone accounts settings, the PhoneHQ option is visible, but the switch is inactive.

   2. Why: ColorOS (Oppo/Realme's system skin) by default blocks VoIP apps from running in the background and integrating with calls.

   3. Solution: Go to: Settings > App management > PhoneHQ > Permissions and activate the “Manual permission management” option and disable any power restrictions.

Android is an open system that manufacturers can freely modify – and this means:

• Different settings names on different brands

• Different ways of granting the same permissions

• Blocks for apps running in the background (especially VoIP)

• Inconsistencies between Android versions (e.g., 11 vs. 13)

PhoneHQ works correctly – but it needs the appropriate permissions, which, depending on the phone, must be granted manually.

Step-by-step instructions on how to grant Phone Account permissions:

Step 1: Launching the App and granting permissions

1. Open the PhoneHQ app.

2. When prompted with:

   Permissions required – This application needs to access your phone accounts,
   tap OK.

Note:

• Some devices will automatically open the settings screen.

• On others, nothing may happen - in that case, proceed to Step 2.

Step 2: Manually granting permissions (if settings don’t open automatically)

Grant phone account permissions:

1. Open your device settings.

2. Go to:
   Apps > PhoneHQ > Permissions

3. Ensure the following are enabled:

   • Phone permissions

   • Contacts permissions

   • Phone account permission (if available)

Activate Phone Account:

1. Go back to the main system settings.

2. Navigate to:
   Network & Internet > SIMs & Mobile Networks > Calling Accounts / Phone Accounts
   (The path may vary depending on device brand.)

3. Find PhoneHQ and turn the toggle ON.

Behavior by Android version

Troubleshooting – possible scenarios

The described issues with granting permissions for the PhoneHQ app to phone accounts mainly stem from differences in Android versions and manufacturer interfaces. Here are the main reasons why "nothing happens" after clicking "OK" on the permissions prompt:

Clicking “OK” does nothing - no automatic redirection to system settings

Why this happens: Older Android versions (11 and below) do not support automatically opening specific settings screens from within an app. Even on newer versions, some manufacturer skins (MIUI, EMUI, ColorOS) block such redirects or require additional user confirmation. Effect: You click "OK" but see no reaction – the app cannot open the relevant permissions screen.

• Cause: No system integration (common on Android 11 and below)

• Solution:

  • Go to: Settings > Apps > PhoneHQ > Permissions & Phone Accounts

“Phone Accounts” option is missing

• Cause: Path names vary by device/OS

• Solution:

  • Use the search function in Settings.

  • Try keywords like: account, calling, VoIP, SIP

Alternate paths:

• Calls > SIP Accounts

• SIM Management > Accounts

• Default Apps > Phone App

PhoneHQ toggle is disabled or greyed out

• Possible Causes:

  • System restrictions (battery saver, app management)

  • System launchers blocking access (e.g., MIUI, EMUI, ColorOS)

• Solution:

  • Check and disable battery saver mode

  • Set PhoneHQ as:

    • Always allowed to auto-start

    • No background restrictions

    • Trusted app (if available)

  • Restart your device

Calls still don’t work via Android dialer

• Cause: PhoneHQ is not set as the default phone app

• Solution:

  • Go to: Settings > Default Apps > Phone App

  • Select PhoneHQ

Settings screen looks completely different

• Cause: Custom UI from manufacturer (e.g., Xiaomi, Huawei, Realme)

• Solution:

  • Check Android version:
    Settings > About Phone

  • Update your system if possible

Example device-specific scenarios

FAQ

1. What should I do if nothing happens after tapping “OK” in Step 1?

   Proceed to Step 2 and manually grant the permissions in your phone's system settings.

2. I can't find the “Phone accounts” option in the network settings. Where should I look?

   The name of this option may vary. Try searching your settings for terms like "account," "calling," "VoIP," or "SIP." Alternatively, it might be located in sections like "Calls," "SIM management," or under "Default apps" as "Phone app."

3. The switch next to PhoneHQ in “Phone accounts” is grayed out. How do I enable it?

   Check if battery saver mode is enabled on your device. Turn it off and try again. Also, ensure that the PhoneHQ app has settings like "Always run in the background" and "No restrictions" in the app management settings. On some systems (e.g., MIUI, EMUI, ColorOS), you might need to grant these permissions manually in their dedicated phone managers.

4. I still can't make calls through the PhoneHQ app.

   Ensure that PhoneHQ is set as the default phone app in your system settings under "Default apps."

5. My settings interface looks different from what's described.

   The settings interface can vary depending on the phone manufacturer and Android version. Check your Android version in "About phone." If you're having trouble, contact PhoneHQ support with your phone model and Android version.

Found a mistake or missing article? Contact PhoneHQ Support and let us know!