A new Contacts Picker in Android 17 allows users to share specific contacts with apps, rather than the entire list. This one-time access improves privacy and gives users greater control over their data.
Google introduces a Contacts Picker tool
Share specific contacts, not entire lists
Access is a one-time snapshot
Developers can specify data needed
Current system requires all-or-nothing access
Privacy model mirrors Apple’s iOS changes
Android 17 introduces the Contacts Picker which improves user privacy by allowing selective sharing of contact data. This contacts picker improves user control over what information apps can access and ensures apps receive only the data the user permits. The picker enhances selective contact sharing, giving users confidence and reducing unnecessary data exposure.
Current Limitations of Android Contacts Access
Android apps have long required the broad READ_CONTACTS or WRITE_CONTACTS permissions granting full access to the entire contacts database, leading to privacy risks.
The existing workaround for limited contact sharing involves invoking the device’s contacts app to pick a single contact, which is unreliable due to OEM fragmentation and lacks granularity in data field control.
Apps with full contacts permission can continuously monitor contact updates without further user consent, a privacy concern known as “quiet creep”.[2]
Core Features and User Benefits of Android 17 Contacts Picker
The Contacts Picker enhances is a dedicated system app invoked by apps using the new intent ACTION_PICK_CONTACTS, allowing users to pick one or more contacts.
Users can grant apps a one-time snapshot of selected contact information such as phone numbers, emails, addresses, and more. Apps cannot access future updates unless the user reshares.
Developers specify permitted data fields with the EXTRA_PICK_CONTACTS_REQUESTED_DATA_FIELDS extra and limit contact selection count with EXTRA_PICK_CONTACTS_SELECTION_LIMIT.
This model minimizes data exposure, supports data minimization principles, and significantly reduces unnecessary data sharing.
Uniform picker UI across devices ensures a consistent and secure experience, eliminating device OEM fragmentation.
Benefits include better user privacy control, regulatory compliance facilitation, and improved trust and adoption from permission-conscious users.[4][2]
Guidance for Developers Implementing the Android 17 Contacts Picker
Use the ACTION_PICK_CONTACTS intent to launch the Contacts Picker interface for user selection.
Clearly declare the specific contact data fields your app requires using the EXTRA_PICK_CONTACTS_REQUESTED_DATA_FIELDS intent extra such as phone, email, or address to request minimal necessary information.
Use the EXTRA_PICK_CONTACTS_SELECTION_LIMIT to restrict how many contacts can be selected per session, enhancing clarity and reducing scope of access.
Process the result as a one-time static snapshot of the contacts selected by the user without assuming dynamic changes or automatic updates.
Maintain compatibility by providing fallback logic for devices or apps without Android 17 support, forwarding to legacy contact pickers or permissions as needed.
Google’s developer docs offer sample code for working with the new APIs and best privacy practices are encouraged.[1][2]
Challenges and Considerations for Feature Adoption
While the new picker improves privacy, adoption depends on developers updating apps to target Android 17 and integrate the picker API.
Legacy apps may continue requesting broad contacts permissions, so user vigilance remains necessary.
Google may apply Play Store policies or incentives to encourage migration to the picker API for better privacy compliance.
Some advanced developer guidance is still maturing as the feature is relatively new, so ongoing SDK updates and documentation improvements are expected.
Users should stay informed about app permissions and prefer apps supporting selective contact sharing to safeguard privacy.
This feature fits into a larger Android trend of refining permission models, alongside media pickers introduced since Android 13.[10][4]
Integration with Android’s Broader Permission
The Contacts Picker complements Android’s ongoing efforts to replace broad permission requests with focused, user-mediated data selection tools.
Starting with scoped storage and media pickers in recent Android versions, this Contacts Picker extends data minimization and user consent principles to one of the most sensitive data categories.
Future Android releases are expected to continue enhancing granular control over other sensitive APIs and personal data access.
This direction exemplifies Google’s commitment to improving privacy without compromising app functionality or user experience.[2]
Luca Fischer is a senior technology journalist with more than twelve years of professional experience specializing in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and consumer electronics. L. Fischer earned his M.S. in Computer Science from Columbia University in 2011, where he developed a strong foundation in data science and network security before transitioning into tech media.
Throughout his career, Luca has been recognized for his clear, analytical approach to explaining complex technologies. His in-depth articles explore how AI innovations, privacy frameworks, and next-generation devices impact both industry and society.
Luca’s work has appeared across leading digital publications, where he delivers detailed reviews, investigative reports, and feature analyses on major players such as Google, Microsoft, Nvidia, AMD, Intel, OpenAI, Anthropic, and Perplexity AI.
Beyond writing, he mentors young journalists entering the AI-tech field and advocates for transparent, ethical technology communication. His goal is to make the future of technology understandable and responsible for everyone.
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Elena Voren is a senior journalist and Tech Section Editor with 8 years of experience focusing on AI ethics, social media impact, and consumer software. She is recognized for interviewing industry leaders and academic experts while clearly distinguishing opinion from evidence-based reporting.
She earned her B.A. in Cognitive Science from the University of California, Berkeley (2016), where she studied human-computer interaction, AI, and digital behavior.
Elena’s work emphasizes the societal implications of technology, ensuring readers understand both the practical and ethical dimensions of emerging tools. She leads the Tech Section at Faharas NET, supervising coverage on AI, consumer software, digital society, and privacy technologies, while maintaining rigorous editorial standards.
Based in Berlin, Germany, Elena provides insightful analyses on technology trends, ethical AI deployment, and the influence of social platforms on modern life.
