Step-by-Step Guide to Using Ubuntu's Improved App Permission Prompts

Introduction

If you've been using Ubuntu for a while, you know that managing app permissions was always a bit of a background task. But with the latest release, that's changed dramatically. Canonical has revamped the snap-based permission system to bring runtime prompting to the desktop—similar to what you see on Android or iOS. Instead of granting permissions upfront or digging through settings later, you now see clear modal dialogs when an app wants to access your camera, microphone, files, or other hardware. This guide will walk you through how to use this new feature, from understanding the prompts to managing your permissions effectively.

What You Need

• A recent version of Ubuntu (21.10 or later) with snapd installed (pre-installed by default).
• An internet connection to update snap packages.
• At least one snap application that requests hardware access (e.g., camera, microphone, location).
• Basic familiarity with the Ubuntu desktop interface.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Ensure Your System Is Up to Date

Before diving into permissions, make sure your Ubuntu system and snap packages are fully updated. Open a terminal and run:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
sudo snap refresh

This ensures you have the latest version of the permission prompting system, which Canonical's Oliver Calder recently improved. The new prompts are part of the snap daemon (snapd), so keeping it updated is crucial.

Step 2: Launch a Snap App That Requires Permissions

Choose a snap application that typically needs hardware access—for example, a video conferencing tool (camera + microphone), a photo editor (file system), or a mapping app (location). Launch it from the Ubuntu Dash or terminal. When the app attempts to access a protected resource for the first time, you'll see a permission prompt appear as a modal dialog in the center of your screen.

Step 3: Understand the Permission Prompt

The popup clearly states which app is requesting access and to what resource. For instance: “Allow Zoom to access your camera?” You have three options:

• Deny – Blocks access entirely, and the app may not work as intended.
• Allow – Grants permanent access (until you revoke it later).
• Only While Using the App (if available) – Grants temporary access that ends when the app closes. This option appears for sensitive resources like microphone or location.

This is exactly the runtime model used on mobile platforms. You no longer need to preconfigure permissions; instead, you make decisions at the moment the app needs them.

Step 4: Make Your Choice and Continue

Click one of the buttons. If you choose “Allow,” the app gains access immediately, and in most cases you won't see the prompt again for that same resource. If you select “Only While Using the App,” the permission is revoked when you close the app. If you choose “Deny,” the app won't be able to use that resource; you can later change this via settings (see Step 6).

Step 5: View and Manage Granted Permissions

After you've used a few apps, you may want to review or revoke permissions. Open the Ubuntu Software app (or “Snap Store”). Navigate to the Installed tab and find the snap app you're interested in. Click on it, then look for a Permissions section. Here you can see a list of all permissions the app has been granted (e.g., camera, microphone, home directory access). Toggle any permission off to revoke it—the next time the app tries to use that resource, it will prompt you again.

Step 6: Revoke Permissions from the Command Line (Optional)

For advanced users, you can manage permissions using the snap connections command. Open a terminal and list all connections for an app:

snap connections 

To disconnect (revoke) a specific permission:

snap disconnect : :

For example, to remove camera access from Zoom:

snap disconnect zoom:camera

This is a quick way to batch-manage permissions without the GUI.

Step 7: Test with Multiple Apps

Try launching different snap apps that request various permissions—like a screenshot tool (screen recording), a mapping service (location), or a terminal emulator (read process info). Each will present a tailored prompt. This is where the improvement really shines: you get to decide on a case-by-case basis, which Canonical says “empowers users” by putting control in your hands rather than requiring retrospective configuration.

Tips for Managing Permissions

• Trust your instincts: If a prompt seems suspicious (e.g., a simple note-taking app wants your camera), deny it and investigate further.
• Use “Only While Using the App” for sensitive resources: This minimises privacy risks without breaking functionality.
• Review permissions regularly: Go through your installed snap apps in the Software store and revoke any permissions that are no longer needed.
• Remember that classic (non-snap) apps aren’t affected: This feature exclusively covers snap packages. Traditional DEB apps still use the old AppArmor profiles or no permission prompts at all.
• Check for updates: As Canonical continues to refine the prompting system, future updates may add more granular controls or additional options. Keep snapd updated via sudo snap refresh.
• Need to reset a prompt? If you accidentally denied access and want to try again, use the GUI method in Step 5 to toggle the permission off and on, or use the command line to disconnect and then reconnect.

With these steps, you're now equipped to take full advantage of Ubuntu's improved app permission prompting. It's a big step forward for desktop security and user control—no more fumbling through settings after the fact. Just respond to prompts as they appear, and you'll keep your system both functional and private.