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Fix Permission Issues (Photos, Gmail, Contacts)

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Written by Chamandeep Tanwar

Sometimes Cleanup can’t scan properly because it doesn’t have the correct permissions.

Here’s how to fix them.

📸 A) Fix Photo Permissions (iPhone)

If you see “Photo access required”:

Allow Full Access

  1. Open Settings
    ​

  2. Tap Privacy & Security
    ​

  3. Tap Photos
    ​

  4. Find Cleanup
    ​

  5. Select All Photos

Why Full Access is needed?

Cleanup analyzes:

  • Duplicates
    ​

  • Similar photos
    ​

  • Screenshots
    ​

  • Videos

“Limited Access” hides important folders.

📧 B) Fix Gmail Access

If Email Cleanup isn’t loading:

Steps:

  1. Open Cleanup
    ​

  2. Go to Email Cleaner
    ​

  3. Tap Reconnect Gmail
    ​

  4. Sign in again and allow requested permissions
    ​

  5. Ensure Gmail account has 2FA enabled

Required Gmail permissions:

  • Read emails
    ​

  • Modify labels (to move emails to Trash)

Cleanup does not read personal content outside what’s needed.

👥 C) Fix Contacts Permissions

If Contacts Cleanup fails:

  1. Open Settings
    ​

  2. Tap Privacy & Security
    ​

  3. Tap Contacts
    ​

  4. Enable Cleanup


    ​​

🔄 D) Fix “Scan Not Working” or Missing Files

Try:

  • Restarting the app
    ​

  • Checking iCloud Photos (some images may be online-only)
    ​

  • Ensuring Wi-Fi connection
    ​

  • Updating to latest Cleanup version
    ​

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