Driver Permissions

Drivers need specific device permissions for RouteBot to work properly. This guide explains each permission and how to configure them.

Required Permissions Overview

Drivers need more permissions than parents or employees:

Permission Required For
Notifications System alerts and updates
Foreground Location Track position while app is visible
Background Location Track position while app is minimized
Camera QR code scanning (if school uses it)

Why Permissions Matter

Without proper permissions:

  • Parents/passengers can't see your location
  • Approach notifications won't work
  • Routes may not function correctly
  • QR scanning will fail

Notification Permission

What It Does

Allows RouteBot to send you alerts about:

  • Route reminders
  • System messages
  • Important updates

How to Grant (First Time)

  1. A dialog appears when needed
  2. Tap Allow or OK

Checking/Enabling Later

iOS:

  1. Go to Settings > RouteBot
  2. Tap Notifications
  3. Toggle "Allow Notifications" on

Android:

  1. Go to Settings > Apps > RouteBot
  2. Tap Notifications
  3. Enable notifications

Location Permissions

Foreground Location

What it does: Allows tracking when app is open and visible

Required for: Basic route tracking

How to grant:

iOS:

  1. Dialog: "Allow RouteBot to access your location"
  2. Select While Using the App

Android:

  1. Dialog: "Allow RouteBot to access this device's location?"
  2. Select While using the app

Background Location

What it does: Allows tracking when app is minimized or screen is off

Required for: Continuous tracking during routes

Why it's essential: Without this, location stops updating when you:

  • Switch to another app (like Google Maps)
  • Lock your screen
  • Receive a phone call
  • Use any other app

How to grant:

iOS:

  1. Go to Settings > RouteBot > Location
  2. Select Always

Android:

  1. Go to Settings > Apps > RouteBot > Permissions > Location
  2. Select Allow all the time

Important: Background location is critical for drivers. Without it, parents lose tracking when you're not looking at the app.

Camera Permission

What It Does

Allows RouteBot to use your camera to scan QR codes at route end.

Required For

Routes where your school/company uses QR verification.

How to Grant

iOS:

  1. Dialog: "RouteBot Would Like to Access the Camera"
  2. Tap OK or Allow

Android:

  1. Dialog: "Allow RouteBot to take pictures and record video?"
  2. Tap Allow

If Not Using QR Codes

If your routes don't require QR scanning, you won't be prompted for camera permission.

Permission Flow in the App

When you open a route that needs permissions:

Automatic Detection

  1. App checks which permissions are missing
  2. Shows explanation screens for each
  3. Guides you through granting

Step-by-Step Process

The app may show permission screens like:

  1. Notification permission - "We need notifications to keep you updated"
  2. Location permission - "Location is required for route tracking"
  3. Background location - "Background location enables tracking when app is minimized"
  4. Camera permission - "Camera is needed for QR code scanning" (if applicable)

After Granting

  • Route functions normally
  • You can start and operate routes
  • Tracking works properly

If You Deny

  • App may show the permission request again
  • Some features won't work
  • You can grant later in device settings

Checking Your Permissions

iOS

  1. Go to Settings > RouteBot
  2. Review each permission:
    • Location: Should be "Always"
    • Notifications: Should be "On"
    • Camera: Should be "On" (if needed)

Android

  1. Go to Settings > Apps > RouteBot > Permissions
  2. Review:
    • Location: Should be "Allow all the time"
    • Camera: Should be "Allow" (if needed)
    • Notifications: Should be "On"

Troubleshooting Permissions

"Permission denied" errors

  1. Go to device Settings
  2. Find RouteBot
  3. Open Permissions
  4. Grant the required permission

"Cannot start route"

If you can't start a route:

  1. Check all permissions are granted
  2. Especially background location
  3. Restart app after granting

Location not updating

  1. Verify location is set to "Always" / "Allow all the time"
  2. Check GPS is enabled on device
  3. Disable battery optimization (Android)

Camera not working

  1. Check camera permission is granted
  2. Close other camera apps
  3. Restart RouteBot

Battery Optimization (Android)

Android may limit background apps to save battery. Disable this for RouteBot:

Method 1: App Settings

  1. Go to Settings > Apps > RouteBot
  2. Tap Battery
  3. Select Unrestricted or No restrictions

Method 2: Battery Settings

  1. Go to Settings > Battery
  2. Find RouteBot
  3. Disable battery optimization

Why It Matters

Battery optimization can:

  • Stop background location updates
  • Kill the app when minimized
  • Cause tracking gaps

Permission Best Practices

Before Your Shift

  • Verify all permissions are set correctly
  • Test that location is working
  • Check camera if QR is used

If Asked to Grant Again

  • Some updates may require re-granting
  • Permission prompts are normal
  • Grant to maintain functionality

Privacy Note

Your location is only tracked:

  • While routes are active
  • Not between routes
  • Not when logged out
  • Data goes only to RouteBot system

Summary Checklist

Use this checklist to verify your setup:

Permission Setting Checked
Notifications Enabled ☐
Location Always / All the time ☐
Camera Enabled (if using QR) ☐
Battery Optimization Disabled (Android) ☐

Next Steps:

Last updated: March 23, 2026