The new Contact Picker on Android 17 prevents applications from gaining access to your complete contact list.

      Google

      Android 17 will be introducing a new Contact Picker that alters how applications can access your contacts list. Previous reports indicated a move towards enhanced privacy, and Google is now implementing this change.

      📣 New feature in Android 17! Android 17 is launching a new Contact Picker that offers a standardized, secure, and searchable interface for selecting contacts. Previously, apps needing to access your contacts depended on a broad “READ_CONTACTS” permission, which… pic.twitter.com/eLZ1zVRArS— Mishaal Rahman (@MishaalRahman) March 25, 2026

      Rather than granting apps unrestricted access to your entire address book, you can now select which specific contacts they can view. In the past, apps often operated under a general permission that exposed your complete contact list.

      This led to data being shared more widely than necessary, often without your awareness. With the new update, Android aims to minimize that exposure while simplifying the process for you.

      How the Contact Picker maintains your privacy

      Google

      The new Contact Picker in Android 17 provides a secure and searchable interface for selecting specific contacts to share. Applications will only access the information you authorize, rather than your whole address book. This limits unnecessary access and enhances your control over your personal information.

      For apps designed for Android 17 devices or newer, existing contact pick requests will automatically be routed through this new, secure Contact Picker interface. This means that even apps that have not been fully updated can still take advantage of enhanced privacy measures.

      Developers are also encouraged to directly implement the new picker. It features the ability to select multiple contacts at once, offering more flexibility compared to previous methods. Additionally, apps can specify exactly what information they require, such as a phone number or email address.

      Android 17 transforms app interactions with your contacts

      Daniel Romero / Unsplash

      With this update, Android is shifting away from blanket permissions towards more precise access driven by user choice. For you, this translates to fewer apps silently accessing your entire contact list in the background.

      This update not only enhances privacy but also establishes a new benchmark for how apps should manage personal data in the future.

      Recently, Android launched a new contact feature with customizable calling cards, making it easier to personalize your appearance during calls. Google is also developing a tap-to-share contact feature to quickly exchange contact information between devices, similar to Apple’s NameDrop.

      Manisha enjoys covering technology that is part of daily life, from smartphones and apps to gaming and streaming…

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