Fix Permission Denied Error on Android 13
If Free VPN Grass shows a “permission denied” error on Android 13, the problem usually comes from missing runtime permissions, a declined VPN connection prompt, or aggressive battery and privacy settings. This guide walks through exact steps to diagnose and fix the error so you can reconnect quickly and securely.
Grant the required runtime permissions, accept the system “Allow VPN connection” prompt, and disable battery or network restrictions for Free VPN Grass. If denial persists, clear the app cache, update or reinstall the app, and check Android 13 privacy settings (Nearby devices/Location and Background data) to restore VPN access.
Why does “permission denied” happen on Android 13?
Android 13 tightened several runtime permission flows and background restrictions. A “permission denied” error for Free VPN Grass usually indicates one or more of the following:
- The VPN connection dialog was declined (system-level confirmation required to create VPN tunnels).
- Essential runtime permissions (e.g., Location or Nearby devices) are blocked for the app.
- Battery optimization or Background data restrictions prevent the VPN service from running.
- Corrupted app data or outdated app version causing permission request failures.
Quick checklist before you start
Do these quick items first — they fix most permission issues in under five minutes:
- Open Free VPN Grass and re-run the connection attempt; approve any system “Allow VPN connection” dialog.
- Ensure the app is updated in Google Play.
- Temporarily disable battery optimization for the app.
- Check that Background data is enabled for Free VPN Grass.
Step-by-step fix (HowTo)
Follow these numbered steps in order. Each step addresses a common cause of the permission denied error and is safe for everyday users.
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Accept the system VPN prompt
When Free VPN Grass first tries to create a VPN connection, Android shows a system dialog asking you to allow the app to set up a VPN. Tap “Allow” or “OK”. If you previously tapped “Deny,” retry a connection and accept the prompt.
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Check and grant runtime permissions
Open Settings → Apps → Free VPN Grass → Permissions. Grant required permissions such as Location, Nearby devices, or any network-related permission the app requests. Reconnect after granting them.
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Disable battery optimization for the app
Go to Settings → Battery → Battery optimization (or Apps with battery restrictions). Find Free VPN Grass and set it to “Not optimized” or “Unrestricted” so Android doesn’t stop the VPN service in the background.
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Allow background data and unlimited data usage
Open Settings → Apps → Free VPN Grass → Mobile data & Wi‑Fi and ensure Background data is on. Enable “Unrestricted data usage” if your device offers it, so the VPN can maintain connections reliably.
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Clear cache and app data (safe first step)
Settings → Apps → Free VPN Grass → Storage → Clear cache. If problems persist, use “Clear storage” but note this resets app settings and saved sessions. Reopen the app and reconnect.
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Reinstall or update Free VPN Grass
Open Google Play, update the app to the latest version, or uninstall and reinstall Free VPN Grass. A fresh install often restores correct permission prompts and removes corrupted data.
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Check system VPN and “Always-on” settings
Settings → Network & internet → VPN. If Free VPN Grass appears there, tap it and check “Always-on VPN” or “Block connections without VPN” options according to your needs. Turning off conflicting settings can resolve denial errors.
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Restart your device
A restart clears transient OS states and re-applies app permissions. After rebooting, open Free VPN Grass and attempt to connect again — accept any system prompts that appear.
Advanced fixes and ADB options
If the basic steps don’t work, advanced options can help technically-inclined users. Use these with care:
- Temporarily create a new Android user profile or Guest account and install Free VPN Grass to isolate profile-related permission issues.
- Check for restrictive VPN or firewall apps that may block other VPNs; uninstall or disable them.
- Use ADB to see runtime permission state: adb shell pm list permissions -g -d can list dangerous permissions; use adb logcat while attempting connection to capture detailed error logs.
- Grant specific non-system permissions via ADB (only for apps that request them), e.g. adb shell pm grant com.freevpn.vpngrass android.permission.ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION — but note some VPN-specific bindings (like BIND_VPN_SERVICE) are controlled by the system and cannot be adb-granted.
Permissions explained for Android 13
Understanding what each permission does helps you make the right choices:
- VPN Connection (system dialog) — Required for any app that creates a VPN tunnel. You must accept the system prompt; otherwise Android blocks the connection.
- Location / Nearby devices — Some apps use location or Wi‑Fi scanning to choose optimal servers. Android 13 separates Nearby Wi‑Fi devices permission to reduce unnecessary access.
- Background data — Lets the VPN run and route traffic when the app is in the background.
- Battery optimization exemptions — Prevents Android from stopping the VPN service aggressively.
Comparison: Android 12 vs Android 13 (relevant changes)
Here’s a quick comparison table highlighting permission and privacy changes that can affect VPNs.
| Area | Android 12 | Android 13 |
|---|---|---|
| VPN prompt flow | System VPN dialog required; behavior consistent across versions | Same system dialog, but additional background restrictions may block service |
| Nearby/Wi‑Fi permissions | Location permission used for Wi‑scan | New NEARBY_WIFI_DEVICES permission reduces need for location, can affect network scanning |
| Background restrictions | Battery optimization options similar | Tighter controls and more aggressive app standby behaviors on some OEMs |
How to prevent future permission errors
After you fix the issue, follow these best practices to avoid repeats:
- Keep Free VPN Grass updated to the latest version.
- When prompted, allow the VPN connection and required runtime permissions.
- Exclude the app from battery optimization and ensure background data is allowed.
- Avoid installing multiple VPN/firewall apps that conflict with each other.
- Regularly restart your device and review app permissions after major Android updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Android ask for a VPN permission dialog?
Android requires explicit user consent before any app can create a VPN tunnel. The system dialog is a security measure that informs you the app will route your device’s network traffic through a VPN. Accepting it grants the app permission to establish the connection.
Will clearing app data remove my VPN settings?
Yes — clearing app storage resets Free VPN Grass settings and any stored sessions or custom configurations. Clearing the cache is safe and preserves settings, so try that first. If a full reset is required, back up settings if the app provides export features.
Can I grant BIND_VPN_SERVICE via ADB?
No — BIND_VPN_SERVICE is a system-controlled binding that an app receives when the user accepts the system VPN dialog. It cannot be adb-granted. Use the app and accept the prompt, or reinstall to trigger the prompt again if necessary.
Why does the error return after an OS update?
Major Android updates can reset permissions or change battery/standby behaviors. After an update, open Free VPN Grass and re-grant any required permissions, disable battery optimization if needed, and accept the VPN connection prompt again.
Is it safe to disable battery optimization for a VPN?
Yes — disabling battery optimization for Free VPN Grass allows it to run reliably in the background and maintain secure connections. This permission doesn’t reduce device security but allows the app to operate as intended without being stopped by aggressive power-saving routines.
Conclusion
Permission denied errors on Android 13 are usually resolvable by granting the system VPN confirmation, enabling required runtime permissions, and adjusting battery or background data settings. Follow the step-by-step HowTo above to restore service, and use the prevention tips to avoid future interruptions.
Ready to get started? Download Free VPN Grass today and enjoy secure, private browsing!
