See the bottom for how to Regrant Permissions.
If youβre looking for info on how to connect a wearable, please visit our dedicated Wearables Article. For all other Permissions, keep on reading!
π What Permissions Do I Need to Enable on iOS?
The permissions you need depend on the types of goals you want to set. BetterYou will automatically request the appropriate permissions when you create specific goals, but here's what each permission does:
Core Permissions
Notifications Permission
Purpose: Allows BetterYou to keep you updated on your progress, remind you of your goals, notify you about rewards, and celebrate your achievements.
When Requested: Automatically requested when you first open the app.
Location Permission
Purpose: Required for location-based goals and sleep tracking. BetterYou will automatically log your progress when you visit places that contribute to your goals.
Options:
"Always Allow" - Enables automatic progress logging even when the app is closed
"While Using the App" - Only logs progress when the app is open
Privacy Note: We do not continuously monitor your location. BetterYou only logs information about the specific places you've set for your goals.
Precise Location
Purpose: Allows BetterYou to more accurately detect when you visit places that give you credit toward your goals.
How to Enable: Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > BetterYou > Precise Location
π Photo Library Permission
Purpose: Required for iOS users to track app usage time. Since Apple restricts direct access to other apps' usage data, BetterYou uses screenshots of your Screen Time page to automatically log your progress.
Options:
"All Photos" - Automatically detects and processes Screen Time screenshots
"Selected Photos" - Requires manual selection of photos to scan each time
Privacy Note: We do not have access to view your photos. Our AI only scans the specific screenshots you provide, looking for Screen Time data to credit you for app usage that contributes to your goals.
π₯ Apple Health Permissions
Health - Steps
Purpose: Allows BetterYou to access your daily step count from Apple Health to track progress toward your step goals.
Health - Sleep
Purpose: Enables sleep tracking by accessing sleep analysis data from Apple Health.
Health - Fitness
Purpose: Tracks exercise time and fitness activities from Apple Health for fitness-related goals.
Health - Meditation
Purpose: Monitors mindfulness sessions from Apple Health for meditation goals.
π₯ Contacts Permission
Purpose: Applies exclusively to Social goals where you select the people you want to stay in touch with. By granting access, you can specify who you'd like to connect with and receive reminders about reaching out.
Privacy Note: We do not share your data under any circumstances. The only people who know about your social interactions are you and the people you interact with.
π§ Additional iOS Permissions
Background App Refresh
Purpose: Allows BetterYou to update your progress and sync data in the background.
Motion & Fitness
Purpose: Enables access to Core Motion data for enhanced activity tracking and sleep analysis.
How to Regrant Permissions - Troubleshooting
Option 1: Directly from the BetterYou App (Recommended)
Open the BetterYou app
Navigate to Account tab (bottom navigation)
Tap Account Settings (gear icon in top right)
Scroll down to "SYSTEM PERMISSIONS" section
View current permission status for each category:
β Checkmark - Permission is granted and working
π΄ Enable Button - Permission needs to be enabled
βοΈ Open Settings - Permission requires iOS system settings access
Tap on any permission to see detailed explanation and current status
Use the "Open App Permissions" button at the bottom of the permissions section to access iOS system settings
In iOS Settings:
Toggle the switches from grey to green for the permissions you want to enable
Tap on "BetterYou" (at the very top left of the screen) to return to the app
Refresh the app:
Touch and pull down on the screen to refresh
Or close and reopen the app
Double-check permissions:
Return to Account Settings > System Permissions
Look for checkmarks (β ) in teal color
If you see "Currently granted" and the checkmarks are teal, then you're good to go!
Option 2: Directly from the Settings App on Your Device
Open iOS Settings app
Scroll down and tap "BetterYou"
Tap on the app settings to access individual permissions
Manually toggle the appropriate permissions to "green" (enabled)
Return to BetterYou app and refresh to see updated status
π± Permission Status Indicators
In the System Permissions section, you'll see clear visual indicators:
β Teal Checkmark - Permission is granted and working properly
π΄ "Enable" Button - Permission needs to be enabled (tap to request)
βοΈ "Open Settings" Button - Permission requires iOS system settings access
οΏ½οΏ½ "Limited" Status - Permission is partially granted (e.g., "While Using App" for location)
π How to Refresh After Changing Permissions
Method 1: Pull to Refresh
In the main app, pull down on the screen to trigger a refresh
This will update permission status across the app
Method 2: Close and Reopen
Close the BetterYou app completely (swipe up and swipe away)
Reopen the app to see updated permission status
Method 3: Navigate Away and Back
Navigate to a different tab (Goals, Community, Rewards)
Return to Account tab to see refreshed permission status
π― Common Permission Scenarios
Location Permission Issues
"While Using App" vs "Always": For automatic location tracking, you need "Always" access
Precise Location: Enable this for more accurate place detection
Background Location: Required for automatic logging when app is closed
Photo Library Access
"All Photos" vs "Selected Photos": Choose "All Photos" for automatic Screen Time screenshot detection
Privacy Note: We only scan for Screen Time screenshots, never view your personal photos
Apple Health Permissions
Steps, Sleep, Fitness, Meditation: Each requires individual permission grants
Status shows "Requested": This means the permission was requested but may need verification in Apple Health app
π Troubleshooting
Permission Still Not Working?
Check the System Permissions section in Account Settings
Look for any red "Enable" or "Open Settings" buttons
Tap those buttons to resolve the issue
Refresh the app after making changes
Can't Find Permission in iOS Settings?
Go to iOS Settings > Privacy & Security
Look for the specific permission category (Location, Photos, etc.)
Find "BetterYou" in the list and tap on it
Toggle the permission as needed
Still Having Issues?
If you cannot complete these steps or permissions still aren't working, you may need to:
Uninstall the BetterYou app
Restart your device
Reinstall the app and try again
π‘ Pro Tips
Use the in-app permissions section first - it's easier and provides clear guidance
Check permission status regularly to ensure everything is working properly
Enable permissions as you need them - you don't need to grant all permissions at once
Use "Always" for location if you want automatic place-based goal tracking
Grant "All Photos" access for seamless Screen Time tracking
Still Having Issues?
Please reach out to us directly at help@betteryou.ai with any questions about permissions or troubleshooting.
For the best possible experience while using the BetterYou App, ensure you're using the most recent version and that your iOS is also up to date!