Android permissions
Dinghy Coach needs a small set of Android permissions to function. Here's what each permission is for and how to grant it if you previously denied it.
Required permissions
Location (GPS)
Why: Records your GPS position during a session. Without this, no track data is recorded.
What to grant: "Allow all the time" or "Allow only while using the app". Both work. "Allow all the time" ensures recording continues if the screen locks (recommended for long sessions).
Nearby Wi-Fi devices
Why: Required for coach-sailor communication over local Wi-Fi. Without this, Dinghy Coach can't discover other devices on the network.
This permission was added in Android 12. On older Android versions, it's covered by the location permission.
Microphone
Why: Used for push-to-talk voice comms (coaching mode only) and for voice note recording.
Only needed if: you're using coaching features. Solo sailing and track upload don't require the microphone.
Notifications
Why: Shows a persistent notification while a session is recording, which keeps the app active in the background and tells you recording is in progress.
Battery optimisation (special setting)
Why: Not a standard permission — see Battery optimisation for details. Required to prevent Android from stopping the app mid-session.
Granting a permission you previously denied
If you tapped "Deny" when the app first asked, you need to grant it manually:
- Open Android Settings → Apps → Dinghy Coach.
- Tap Permissions.
- Find the permission and change it to Allow.
Alternatively, when the app asks for a permission, if you see "Don't ask again", you'll need to go to Settings to re-enable it — the in-app prompt won't appear again.
Location permission — "All the time" vs "While using"
| Setting | Effect |
|---|---|
| All the time | GPS recording continues when the screen is off or the app is in the background. Recommended. |
| While using the app | Recording stops if the screen locks or another app comes to the foreground. Not suitable for on-water use. |
Checking permission status before sailing
Use the Device Check (PreFlight) screen to confirm all permissions are correctly configured:
- On the start screen, tap
⋮→ Device Check. - Each row shows a green or red indicator.
- Tap any red row for guidance on fixing it.
Run Device Check before every session until you're confident your setup is correct.