Fix/foreground permissions scanning (#556)

* try catch the foreground location service if not available

* ask for background permissions

* background permissions in onboarding

* small improvements

app/src/main/AndroidManifest.xml

@@ -16,6 +16,7 @@
     <!-- Location permission required for BLE scanning -->
     <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION" />
     <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION" />
+    <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.ACCESS_BACKGROUND_LOCATION" />
     
     <!-- Notification permissions -->
     <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.POST_NOTIFICATIONS" />
@@ -27,6 +28,8 @@
     <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE_CONNECTED_DEVICE" />
     <!-- Data sync foreground service type (required when declaring dataSync) -->
     <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE_DATA_SYNC" />
+    <!-- Location foreground service type required for BLE scanning in background -->
+    <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE_LOCATION" />
     <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.RECEIVE_BOOT_COMPLETED" />
     
     <!-- Microphone for voice notes -->
@@ -104,7 +107,7 @@
         <service
             android:name=".service.MeshForegroundService"
             android:exported="false"
-            android:foregroundServiceType="connectedDevice|dataSync"
+            android:foregroundServiceType="connectedDevice|dataSync|location"
             tools:ignore="DataExtractionRules">
         </service>
 

app/src/main/java/com/bitchat/android/MainActivity.kt

@@ -26,6 +26,7 @@ import com.bitchat.android.onboarding.BatteryOptimizationManager
 import com.bitchat.android.onboarding.BatteryOptimizationPreferenceManager
 import com.bitchat.android.onboarding.BatteryOptimizationScreen
 import com.bitchat.android.onboarding.BatteryOptimizationStatus
+import com.bitchat.android.onboarding.BackgroundLocationPermissionScreen
 import com.bitchat.android.onboarding.InitializationErrorScreen
 import com.bitchat.android.onboarding.InitializingScreen
 import com.bitchat.android.onboarding.LocationCheckScreen
@@ -135,6 +136,9 @@ class MainActivity : OrientationAwareActivity() {
             activity = this,
             permissionManager = permissionManager,
             onOnboardingComplete = ::handleOnboardingComplete,
+            onBackgroundLocationRequired = {
+                mainViewModel.updateOnboardingState(OnboardingState.BACKGROUND_LOCATION_EXPLANATION)
+            },
             onOnboardingFailed = ::handleOnboardingFailed
         )
         
@@ -267,6 +271,21 @@ class MainActivity : OrientationAwareActivity() {
                 )
             }
 
+            OnboardingState.BACKGROUND_LOCATION_EXPLANATION -> {
+                BackgroundLocationPermissionScreen(
+                    modifier = modifier,
+                    onContinue = {
+                        onboardingCoordinator.requestBackgroundLocation()
+                    },
+                    onRetry = {
+                        onboardingCoordinator.checkBackgroundLocationAndProceed()
+                    },
+                    onSkip = {
+                        onboardingCoordinator.skipBackgroundLocation()
+                    }
+                )
+            }
+
             OnboardingState.CHECKING, OnboardingState.INITIALIZING, OnboardingState.COMPLETE -> {
                 // Set up back navigation handling for the chat screen
                 val backCallback = object : OnBackPressedCallback(true) {
@@ -380,10 +399,17 @@ class MainActivity : OrientationAwareActivity() {
             if (permissionManager.isFirstTimeLaunch()) {
                 Log.d("MainActivity", "First time launch, showing permission explanation")
                 mainViewModel.updateOnboardingState(OnboardingState.PERMISSION_EXPLANATION)
-            } else if (permissionManager.areAllPermissionsGranted()) {
+            } else if (permissionManager.areRequiredPermissionsGranted()) {
-                Log.d("MainActivity", "Existing user with permissions, initializing app")
+                Log.d("MainActivity", "Existing user with required permissions")
-                mainViewModel.updateOnboardingState(OnboardingState.INITIALIZING)
+                if (permissionManager.needsBackgroundLocationPermission() &&
-                initializeApp()
+                    !permissionManager.isBackgroundLocationGranted() &&
+                    !com.bitchat.android.onboarding.BackgroundLocationPreferenceManager.isSkipped(this@MainActivity)
+                ) {
+                    mainViewModel.updateOnboardingState(OnboardingState.BACKGROUND_LOCATION_EXPLANATION)
+                } else {
+                    mainViewModel.updateOnboardingState(OnboardingState.INITIALIZING)
+                    initializeApp()
+                }
             } else {
                 Log.d("MainActivity", "Existing user missing permissions, showing explanation")
                 mainViewModel.updateOnboardingState(OnboardingState.PERMISSION_EXPLANATION)

app/src/main/java/com/bitchat/android/onboarding/BackgroundLocationPermissionScreen.kt

@@ -0,0 +1,251 @@
+package com.bitchat.android.onboarding
+
+import androidx.compose.foundation.layout.Arrangement
+import androidx.compose.foundation.layout.Box
+import androidx.compose.foundation.layout.Column
+import androidx.compose.foundation.layout.Row
+import androidx.compose.foundation.layout.Spacer
+import androidx.compose.foundation.layout.fillMaxSize
+import androidx.compose.foundation.layout.fillMaxWidth
+import androidx.compose.foundation.layout.height
+import androidx.compose.foundation.layout.padding
+import androidx.compose.foundation.layout.size
+import androidx.compose.foundation.rememberScrollState
+import androidx.compose.foundation.shape.RoundedCornerShape
+import androidx.compose.foundation.verticalScroll
+import androidx.compose.material.icons.Icons
+import androidx.compose.material.icons.filled.LocationOn
+import androidx.compose.material.icons.filled.Security
+import androidx.compose.material3.Button
+import androidx.compose.material3.ButtonDefaults
+import androidx.compose.material3.ColorScheme
+import androidx.compose.material3.Icon
+import androidx.compose.material3.MaterialTheme
+import androidx.compose.material3.OutlinedButton
+import androidx.compose.material3.Surface
+import androidx.compose.material3.Text
+import androidx.compose.material3.TextButton
+import androidx.compose.runtime.Composable
+import androidx.compose.ui.Alignment
+import androidx.compose.ui.Modifier
+import androidx.compose.ui.text.font.FontFamily
+import androidx.compose.ui.text.font.FontWeight
+import androidx.compose.ui.unit.dp
+import androidx.compose.ui.unit.sp
+import androidx.compose.ui.res.stringResource
+import com.bitchat.android.R
+
+/**
+ * Explanation screen shown before requesting background location permission.
+ */
+@Composable
+fun BackgroundLocationPermissionScreen(
+    modifier: Modifier,
+    onContinue: () -> Unit,
+    onRetry: () -> Unit,
+    onSkip: () -> Unit
+) {
+    val colorScheme = MaterialTheme.colorScheme
+    val scrollState = rememberScrollState()
+
+    Box(modifier = modifier) {
+        Column(
+            modifier = Modifier
+                .fillMaxSize()
+                .padding(horizontal = 24.dp)
+                .padding(bottom = 88.dp)
+                .verticalScroll(scrollState),
+            verticalArrangement = Arrangement.spacedBy(16.dp)
+        ) {
+            Spacer(modifier = Modifier.height(24.dp))
+
+            HeaderSection(colorScheme)
+
+            Surface(
+                modifier = Modifier.fillMaxWidth(),
+                color = colorScheme.surfaceVariant.copy(alpha = 0.25f),
+                shape = RoundedCornerShape(12.dp)
+            ) {
+                Column(
+                    modifier = Modifier.padding(16.dp),
+                    verticalArrangement = Arrangement.spacedBy(8.dp)
+                ) {
+                    Row(
+                        verticalAlignment = Alignment.Top,
+                        horizontalArrangement = Arrangement.spacedBy(12.dp)
+                    ) {
+                        Icon(
+                            imageVector = Icons.Filled.LocationOn,
+                            contentDescription = stringResource(R.string.cd_location_services),
+                            tint = colorScheme.primary,
+                            modifier = Modifier
+                                .padding(top = 2.dp)
+                                .size(20.dp)
+                        )
+                        Column {
+                            Text(
+                                text = stringResource(R.string.background_location_required_title),
+                                style = MaterialTheme.typography.titleMedium,
+                                fontWeight = FontWeight.Medium,
+                                color = colorScheme.onBackground
+                            )
+                            Spacer(modifier = Modifier.height(4.dp))
+                            Text(
+                                text = stringResource(R.string.background_location_explanation),
+                                style = MaterialTheme.typography.bodySmall,
+                                color = colorScheme.onBackground.copy(alpha = 0.8f)
+                            )
+                            Spacer(modifier = Modifier.height(8.dp))
+                            Text(
+                                text = stringResource(R.string.background_location_settings_tip),
+                                style = MaterialTheme.typography.bodySmall.copy(
+                                    fontFamily = FontFamily.Monospace
+                                ),
+                                color = colorScheme.onBackground.copy(alpha = 0.8f)
+                            )
+                        }
+                    }
+                }
+            }
+
+            Surface(
+                modifier = Modifier.fillMaxWidth(),
+                color = colorScheme.surfaceVariant.copy(alpha = 0.25f),
+                shape = RoundedCornerShape(12.dp)
+            ) {
+                Column(
+                    modifier = Modifier.padding(16.dp),
+                    verticalArrangement = Arrangement.spacedBy(8.dp)
+                ) {
+                    Row(
+                        verticalAlignment = Alignment.Top,
+                        horizontalArrangement = Arrangement.spacedBy(12.dp)
+                    ) {
+                        Icon(
+                            imageVector = Icons.Filled.Security,
+                            contentDescription = stringResource(R.string.cd_privacy_protected),
+                            tint = colorScheme.primary,
+                            modifier = Modifier
+                                .padding(top = 2.dp)
+                                .size(20.dp)
+                        )
+                        Column {
+                            Text(
+                                text = stringResource(R.string.background_location_needs_for),
+                                style = MaterialTheme.typography.titleMedium,
+                                fontWeight = FontWeight.Medium,
+                                color = colorScheme.onBackground
+                            )
+                            Spacer(modifier = Modifier.height(4.dp))
+                            Text(
+                                text = stringResource(R.string.background_location_needs_bullets),
+                                style = MaterialTheme.typography.bodySmall,
+                                fontFamily = FontFamily.Monospace,
+                                color = colorScheme.onBackground.copy(alpha = 0.8f)
+                            )
+                            Spacer(modifier = Modifier.height(8.dp))
+                            Text(
+                                text = stringResource(R.string.background_location_privacy_note),
+                                style = MaterialTheme.typography.bodySmall.copy(
+                                    fontFamily = FontFamily.Monospace,
+                                    fontWeight = FontWeight.Medium
+                                ),
+                                color = colorScheme.onBackground
+                            )
+                        }
+                    }
+                }
+            }
+
+            Spacer(modifier = Modifier.height(24.dp))
+        }
+
+        Surface(
+            modifier = Modifier
+                .align(Alignment.BottomCenter)
+                .fillMaxWidth(),
+            color = colorScheme.surface,
+            shadowElevation = 8.dp
+        ) {
+            Column(
+                modifier = Modifier
+                    .fillMaxWidth()
+                    .padding(horizontal = 24.dp, vertical = 16.dp),
+                verticalArrangement = Arrangement.spacedBy(12.dp)
+            ) {
+                Button(
+                    onClick = onContinue,
+                    modifier = Modifier.fillMaxWidth(),
+                    colors = ButtonDefaults.buttonColors(
+                        containerColor = colorScheme.primary
+                    )
+                ) {
+                    Text(
+                        text = stringResource(R.string.grant_background_location),
+                        style = MaterialTheme.typography.bodyMedium.copy(
+                            fontFamily = FontFamily.Monospace,
+                            fontWeight = FontWeight.Bold
+                        ),
+                        modifier = Modifier.padding(vertical = 4.dp)
+                    )
+                }
+
+                Row(
+                    modifier = Modifier.fillMaxWidth(),
+                    horizontalArrangement = Arrangement.spacedBy(12.dp)
+                ) {
+                    OutlinedButton(
+                        onClick = onRetry,
+                        modifier = Modifier.weight(1f)
+                    ) {
+                        Text(
+                            text = stringResource(R.string.check_again),
+                            style = MaterialTheme.typography.bodyMedium.copy(
+                                fontFamily = FontFamily.Monospace
+                            )
+                        )
+                    }
+
+                    TextButton(
+                        onClick = onSkip,
+                        modifier = Modifier.weight(1f)
+                    ) {
+                        Text(
+                            text = stringResource(R.string.battery_optimization_skip),
+                            style = MaterialTheme.typography.bodyMedium.copy(
+                                fontFamily = FontFamily.Monospace
+                            )
+                        )
+                    }
+                }
+            }
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+@Composable
+private fun HeaderSection(colorScheme: ColorScheme) {
+    Column(
+        modifier = Modifier
+            .fillMaxWidth()
+            .padding(bottom = 16.dp),
+        verticalArrangement = Arrangement.spacedBy(8.dp)
+    ) {
+        Text(
+            text = stringResource(R.string.app_name),
+            style = MaterialTheme.typography.headlineLarge.copy(
+                fontFamily = FontFamily.Monospace,
+                fontWeight = FontWeight.Bold,
+                fontSize = 32.sp
+            ),
+            color = colorScheme.onBackground
+        )
+
+        Text(
+            text = stringResource(R.string.background_location_required_subtitle),
+            fontSize = 12.sp,
+            fontFamily = FontFamily.Monospace,
+            color = colorScheme.onBackground.copy(alpha = 0.7f)
+        )
+    }
+}

app/src/main/java/com/bitchat/android/onboarding/BackgroundLocationPreferenceManager.kt

@@ -0,0 +1,21 @@
+package com.bitchat.android.onboarding
+
+import android.content.Context
+
+/**
+ * Preference manager for background location skip choice.
+ */
+object BackgroundLocationPreferenceManager {
+    private const val PREFS_NAME = "bitchat_settings"
+    private const val KEY_BACKGROUND_LOCATION_SKIP = "background_location_skipped"
+
+    fun setSkipped(context: Context, skipped: Boolean) {
+        val prefs = context.getSharedPreferences(PREFS_NAME, Context.MODE_PRIVATE)
+        prefs.edit().putBoolean(KEY_BACKGROUND_LOCATION_SKIP, skipped).apply()
+    }
+
+    fun isSkipped(context: Context): Boolean {
+        val prefs = context.getSharedPreferences(PREFS_NAME, Context.MODE_PRIVATE)
+        return prefs.getBoolean(KEY_BACKGROUND_LOCATION_SKIP, false)
+    }
+}

app/src/main/java/com/bitchat/android/onboarding/OnboardingCoordinator.kt

@@ -19,6 +19,7 @@ class OnboardingCoordinator(
     private val activity: ComponentActivity,
     private val permissionManager: PermissionManager,
     private val onOnboardingComplete: () -> Unit,
+    private val onBackgroundLocationRequired: () -> Unit,
     private val onOnboardingFailed: (String) -> Unit
 ) {
 
@@ -27,9 +28,11 @@ class OnboardingCoordinator(
     }
 
     private var permissionLauncher: ActivityResultLauncher<Array<String>>? = null
+    private var backgroundLocationLauncher: ActivityResultLauncher<String>? = null
 
     init {
         setupPermissionLauncher()
+        setupBackgroundLocationLauncher()
     }
 
     /**
@@ -43,6 +46,14 @@ class OnboardingCoordinator(
         }
     }
 
+    private fun setupBackgroundLocationLauncher() {
+        backgroundLocationLauncher = activity.registerForActivityResult(
+            ActivityResultContracts.RequestPermission()
+        ) { granted ->
+            handleBackgroundLocationResult(granted)
+        }
+    }
+
     /**
      * Start the onboarding process
      */
@@ -50,9 +61,14 @@ class OnboardingCoordinator(
         Log.d(TAG, "Starting onboarding process")
         permissionManager.logPermissionStatus()
 
-        if (permissionManager.areAllPermissionsGranted()) {
+        if (permissionManager.areRequiredPermissionsGranted()) {
-            Log.d(TAG, "All permissions already granted, completing onboarding")
+            if (shouldRequestBackgroundLocation()) {
-            completeOnboarding()
+                Log.d(TAG, "Foreground permissions granted; background location recommended")
+                onBackgroundLocationRequired()
+            } else {
+                Log.d(TAG, "Required permissions already granted, completing onboarding")
+                completeOnboarding()
+            }
         } else {
             Log.d(TAG, "Missing permissions, need to start explanation flow")
             // The explanation screen will be shown by the calling activity
@@ -76,7 +92,11 @@ class OnboardingCoordinator(
         val missingPermissions = (missingRequired + optionalToRequest).distinct()
 
         if (missingPermissions.isEmpty()) {
-            completeOnboarding()
+            if (shouldRequestBackgroundLocation()) {
+                onBackgroundLocationRequired()
+            } else {
+                completeOnboarding()
+            }
             return
         }
 
@@ -98,13 +118,19 @@ class OnboardingCoordinator(
         val criticalGranted = criticalPermissions.all { permissions[it] == true }
 
         when {
-            allGranted -> {
-                Log.d(TAG, "All permissions granted successfully")
-                completeOnboarding()
-            }
             criticalGranted -> {
-                Log.d(TAG, "Critical permissions granted, can proceed with limited functionality")
+                if (shouldRequestBackgroundLocation()) {
-                showPartialPermissionWarning(permissions)
+                    Log.d(TAG, "Foreground permissions granted; requesting background location next")
+                    onBackgroundLocationRequired()
+                    return
+                }
+                if (allGranted) {
+                    Log.d(TAG, "All permissions granted successfully")
+                    completeOnboarding()
+                } else {
+                    Log.d(TAG, "Critical permissions granted, can proceed with limited functionality")
+                    showPartialPermissionWarning(permissions)
+                }
             }
             else -> {
                 Log.d(TAG, "Critical permissions denied")
@@ -113,15 +139,50 @@ class OnboardingCoordinator(
         }
     }
 
+    fun requestBackgroundLocation() {
+        val permission = permissionManager.getBackgroundLocationPermission()
+        if (permission == null) {
+            completeOnboarding()
+            return
+        }
+        Log.d(TAG, "Requesting background location permission")
+        backgroundLocationLauncher?.launch(permission)
+    }
+
+    private fun handleBackgroundLocationResult(granted: Boolean) {
+        if (granted) {
+            Log.d(TAG, "Background location permission granted")
+        } else {
+            Log.w(TAG, "Background location permission denied; continuing without it")
+        }
+        completeOnboarding()
+    }
+
+    fun skipBackgroundLocation() {
+        Log.d(TAG, "User skipped background location permission")
+        BackgroundLocationPreferenceManager.setSkipped(activity, true)
+        completeOnboarding()
+    }
+
+    fun checkBackgroundLocationAndProceed() {
+        if (!shouldRequestBackgroundLocation()) {
+            completeOnboarding()
+        }
+    }
+
+    private fun shouldRequestBackgroundLocation(): Boolean {
+        return permissionManager.needsBackgroundLocationPermission() &&
+            !permissionManager.isBackgroundLocationGranted() &&
+            !BackgroundLocationPreferenceManager.isSkipped(activity)
+    }
+
     /**
      * Get the list of critical permissions that are absolutely required
      */
     private fun getCriticalPermissions(): List<String> {
         // For bitchat, Bluetooth and location permissions are critical
-        // Notifications are nice-to-have but not critical
+        // Notifications are nice-to-have but not critical and are not included in getRequiredPermissions()
-        return permissionManager.getRequiredPermissions().filter { permission ->
+        return permissionManager.getRequiredPermissions()
-            !permission.contains("POST_NOTIFICATIONS")
-        }
     }
 
     /**
@@ -208,6 +269,7 @@ class OnboardingCoordinator(
     private fun getPermissionDisplayName(permission: String): String {
         return when {
             permission.contains("BLUETOOTH") -> "Bluetooth/Nearby Devices"
+            permission.contains("BACKGROUND") -> "Background Location"
             permission.contains("LOCATION") -> "Location (for Bluetooth scanning)"
             permission.contains("NOTIFICATION") -> "Notifications"
             else -> permission.substringAfterLast(".")

app/src/main/java/com/bitchat/android/onboarding/OnboardingState.kt

@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ enum class OnboardingState {
     LOCATION_CHECK,
     BATTERY_OPTIMIZATION_CHECK,
     PERMISSION_EXPLANATION,
+    BACKGROUND_LOCATION_EXPLANATION,
     PERMISSION_REQUESTING,
     INITIALIZING,
     COMPLETE,

app/src/main/java/com/bitchat/android/onboarding/PermissionExplanationScreen.kt

@@ -12,12 +12,10 @@ import androidx.compose.material.icons.filled.Power
 import androidx.compose.material.icons.filled.Mic
 import androidx.compose.material.icons.filled.Security
 import androidx.compose.material.icons.filled.Settings
-import androidx.compose.material.icons.filled.Warning
 import androidx.compose.material3.*
 import androidx.compose.runtime.*
 import androidx.compose.ui.Alignment
 import androidx.compose.ui.Modifier
-import androidx.compose.ui.graphics.Color
 import androidx.compose.ui.graphics.vector.ImageVector
 import androidx.compose.ui.text.font.FontFamily
 import androidx.compose.ui.text.font.FontWeight
@@ -209,29 +207,6 @@ private fun PermissionCategoryCard(
                 color = colorScheme.onBackground.copy(alpha = 0.8f)
             )
 
-            if (category.type == PermissionType.PRECISE_LOCATION) {
-                // Extra emphasis for location permission
-                Spacer(modifier = Modifier.height(4.dp))
-                Row(
-                    verticalAlignment = Alignment.CenterVertically,
-                    horizontalArrangement = Arrangement.spacedBy(6.dp)
-                ) {
-                    Icon(
-                        imageVector = Icons.Filled.Warning,
-                        contentDescription = stringResource(R.string.cd_warning),
-                        tint = Color(0xFFFF9800),
-                        modifier = Modifier.size(16.dp)
-                    )
-                    Text(
-                        text = stringResource(R.string.location_tracking_warning),
-                        style = MaterialTheme.typography.bodySmall.copy(
-                            fontFamily = FontFamily.Monospace,
-                            fontWeight = FontWeight.Medium,
-                            color = Color(0xFFFF9800)
-                        )
-                    )
-                }
-            }
         }
     }
 }
@@ -240,6 +215,7 @@ private fun getPermissionIcon(permissionType: PermissionType): ImageVector {
     return when (permissionType) {
         PermissionType.NEARBY_DEVICES -> Icons.Filled.Bluetooth
         PermissionType.PRECISE_LOCATION -> Icons.Filled.LocationOn
+        PermissionType.BACKGROUND_LOCATION -> Icons.Filled.LocationOn
         PermissionType.MICROPHONE -> Icons.Filled.Mic
         PermissionType.NOTIFICATIONS -> Icons.Filled.Notifications
         PermissionType.BATTERY_OPTIMIZATION -> Icons.Filled.Power

app/src/main/java/com/bitchat/android/onboarding/PermissionManager.kt

@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ import android.os.Build
 import android.os.PowerManager
 import android.util.Log
 import androidx.core.content.ContextCompat
+import com.bitchat.android.R
 
 /**
  * Centralized permission management for bitchat app
@@ -40,7 +41,8 @@ class PermissionManager(private val context: Context) {
     }
 
     /**
-     * Get all permissions required by the app
+     * Get required permissions that can be requested together.
+     * Background location is handled separately to ensure correct request order.
      * Note: Notification permission is optional and not included here,
      * so the app works without notification access.
      */
@@ -72,6 +74,27 @@ class PermissionManager(private val context: Context) {
         return permissions
     }
 
+    /**
+     * Background location permission is required on Android 10+ for background BLE scanning.
+     * Must be requested after foreground location permissions are granted.
+     */
+    fun needsBackgroundLocationPermission(): Boolean {
+        return Build.VERSION.SDK_INT >= Build.VERSION_CODES.Q
+    }
+
+    fun getBackgroundLocationPermission(): String? {
+        return if (needsBackgroundLocationPermission()) {
+            Manifest.permission.ACCESS_BACKGROUND_LOCATION
+        } else {
+            null
+        }
+    }
+
+    fun isBackgroundLocationGranted(): Boolean {
+        val permission = getBackgroundLocationPermission() ?: return true
+        return isPermissionGranted(permission)
+    }
+
     /**
      * Get optional permissions that improve the experience but aren't required.
      * Currently includes POST_NOTIFICATIONS on Android 13+.
@@ -93,9 +116,13 @@ class PermissionManager(private val context: Context) {
     }
 
     /**
-     * Check if all required permissions are granted
+     * Check if all required permissions are granted (background location is optional).
      */
     fun areAllPermissionsGranted(): Boolean {
+        return areRequiredPermissionsGranted()
+    }
+
+    fun areRequiredPermissionsGranted(): Boolean {
         return getRequiredPermissions().all { isPermissionGranted(it) }
     }
 
@@ -131,6 +158,11 @@ class PermissionManager(private val context: Context) {
         return getRequiredPermissions().filter { !isPermissionGranted(it) }
     }
 
+    fun getMissingBackgroundLocationPermission(): List<String> {
+        val permission = getBackgroundLocationPermission() ?: return emptyList()
+        return if (isPermissionGranted(permission)) emptyList() else listOf(permission)
+    }
+
     /**
      * Get categorized permission information for display
      */
@@ -177,6 +209,19 @@ class PermissionManager(private val context: Context) {
             )
         )
 
+        if (needsBackgroundLocationPermission()) {
+            val backgroundPermission = listOf(Manifest.permission.ACCESS_BACKGROUND_LOCATION)
+            categories.add(
+                PermissionCategory(
+                    type = PermissionType.BACKGROUND_LOCATION,
+                    description = context.getString(R.string.perm_background_location_desc),
+                    permissions = backgroundPermission,
+                    isGranted = backgroundPermission.all { isPermissionGranted(it) },
+                    systemDescription = context.getString(R.string.perm_background_location_system)
+                )
+            )
+        }
+
         // Notifications category (if applicable)
         if (Build.VERSION.SDK_INT >= Build.VERSION_CODES.TIRAMISU) {
             categories.add(
@@ -216,7 +261,7 @@ class PermissionManager(private val context: Context) {
             appendLine("Permission Diagnostics:")
             appendLine("Android SDK: ${Build.VERSION.SDK_INT}")
             appendLine("First time launch: ${isFirstTimeLaunch()}")
-            appendLine("All permissions granted: ${areAllPermissionsGranted()}")
+            appendLine("Required permissions granted: ${areAllPermissionsGranted()}")
             appendLine()
             
             getCategorizedPermissions().forEach { category ->
@@ -228,7 +273,7 @@ class PermissionManager(private val context: Context) {
                 appendLine()
             }
             
-            val missing = getMissingPermissions()
+            val missing = getMissingPermissions() + getMissingBackgroundLocationPermission()
             if (missing.isNotEmpty()) {
                 appendLine("Missing permissions:")
                 missing.forEach { permission ->
@@ -260,6 +305,7 @@ data class PermissionCategory(
 enum class PermissionType(val nameValue: String) {
     NEARBY_DEVICES("Nearby Devices"),
     PRECISE_LOCATION("Precise Location"),
+    BACKGROUND_LOCATION("Background Location"),
     MICROPHONE("Microphone"),
     NOTIFICATIONS("Notifications"),
     BATTERY_OPTIMIZATION("Battery Optimization"),

app/src/main/java/com/bitchat/android/service/MeshForegroundService.kt

@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ import android.app.PendingIntent
 import android.app.Service
 import android.content.Context
 import android.content.Intent
+import android.content.pm.ServiceInfo
 import android.os.Build
 import android.os.IBinder
 import androidx.core.app.NotificationCompat
@@ -176,7 +177,7 @@ class MeshForegroundService : Service() {
                 // If we became eligible and are not in foreground yet, promote once
                 if (MeshServicePreferences.isBackgroundEnabled(true) && hasAllRequiredPermissions() && !isInForeground) {
                     val n = buildNotification(meshService?.getActivePeerCount() ?: 0)
-                    startForeground(NOTIFICATION_ID, n)
+                    startForegroundCompat(n)
                     isInForeground = true
                 } else {
                     updateNotification(force = true)
@@ -191,7 +192,7 @@ class MeshForegroundService : Service() {
         // Promote exactly once when eligible, otherwise stay background (or stop)
         if (MeshServicePreferences.isBackgroundEnabled(true) && hasAllRequiredPermissions() && !isInForeground) {
             val notification = buildNotification(meshService?.getActivePeerCount() ?: 0)
-            startForeground(NOTIFICATION_ID, notification)
+            startForegroundCompat(notification)
             isInForeground = true
         }
 
@@ -326,6 +327,35 @@ class MeshForegroundService : Service() {
         }
     }
 
+    private fun hasLocationPermission(): Boolean {
+        val fine = androidx.core.content.ContextCompat.checkSelfPermission(this, android.Manifest.permission.ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION) == android.content.pm.PackageManager.PERMISSION_GRANTED
+        val coarse = androidx.core.content.ContextCompat.checkSelfPermission(this, android.Manifest.permission.ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION) == android.content.pm.PackageManager.PERMISSION_GRANTED
+        return fine || coarse
+    }
+
+    private fun startForegroundCompat(notification: Notification) {
+        if (Build.VERSION.SDK_INT >= 34) {
+            val type = if (hasLocationPermission()) {
+                ServiceInfo.FOREGROUND_SERVICE_TYPE_CONNECTED_DEVICE or ServiceInfo.FOREGROUND_SERVICE_TYPE_LOCATION
+            } else {
+                ServiceInfo.FOREGROUND_SERVICE_TYPE_CONNECTED_DEVICE
+            }
+            try {
+                startForeground(NOTIFICATION_ID, notification, type)
+            } catch (e: SecurityException) {
+                // Fallback for cases where "While In Use" permission exists but background start is restricted
+                if (type and ServiceInfo.FOREGROUND_SERVICE_TYPE_LOCATION != 0) {
+                     android.util.Log.w("MeshForegroundService", "Failed to start with LOCATION type, falling back to CONNECTED_DEVICE: ${e.message}")
+                     startForeground(NOTIFICATION_ID, notification, ServiceInfo.FOREGROUND_SERVICE_TYPE_CONNECTED_DEVICE)
+                } else {
+                    throw e
+                }
+            }
+        } else {
+            startForeground(NOTIFICATION_ID, notification)
+        }
+    }
+
     override fun onDestroy() {
         updateJob?.cancel()
         updateJob = null

app/src/main/res/values/strings.xml

@@ -320,6 +320,15 @@
   <string name="location_explanation">bitchat does NOT track your location.\n\nLocation services are required for Bluetooth scanning and for the Geohash chat feature.</string>
   <string name="location_needs_for">bitchat needs location services for:</string>
   <string name="location_needs_bullets">• Bluetooth device scanning\n• Discovering nearby users on mesh network\n• Geohash chat feature\n• No tracking or location collection</string>
+  <string name="background_location_required_title">Background Location Recommended</string>
+  <string name="background_location_required_subtitle">optional, improves mesh reliability</string>
+  <string name="background_location_explanation">Android recommends background location so bitchat can scan for nearby devices while the app is not open. This keeps the mesh alive after reboot.</string>
+  <string name="background_location_settings_tip">When settings opens, choose "Allow all the time".</string>
+  <string name="background_location_needs_for">bitchat uses background location for:</string>
+  <string name="background_location_needs_bullets">- scan for nearby devices while the app is closed\n- reconnect after reboot\n- keep the mesh running in the background</string>
+  <string name="background_location_privacy_note">We NEVER collect or store your location. Your privacy is safe.</string>
+  <string name="grant_background_location">Allow Background Location</string>
+  <string name="skip_background_location">Continue without background location</string>
   <string name="open_location_settings">Open Location Settings</string>
   <string name="check_again">Check Again</string>
   <string name="location_services_unavailable">Location Services Unavailable</string>
@@ -405,6 +414,8 @@
   <string name="perm_nearby_devices_system">Allow bitchat to connect to nearby devices</string>
   <string name="perm_location_desc">Required by Android to discover nearby bitchat users via Bluetooth</string>
   <string name="perm_location_system">bitchat needs this to scan for nearby devices</string>
+  <string name="perm_background_location_desc">Recommended to scan for nearby devices while the app is in the background</string>
+  <string name="perm_background_location_system">Allow background location access</string>
   <string name="perm_notifications_desc">Receive notifications when you receive private messages</string>
   <string name="perm_notifications_system">Allow bitchat to send you notifications</string>
   <string name="perm_battery_desc">Disable battery optimization to ensure bitchat runs reliably in the background and maintains mesh network connections</string>
@@ -413,6 +424,7 @@
   <!-- Permission types -->
   <string name="perm_type_nearby_devices">Nearby Devices</string>
   <string name="perm_type_precise_location">Precise Location</string>
+  <string name="perm_type_background_location">Background Location</string>
   <string name="perm_type_microphone">Microphone</string>
   <string name="perm_type_notifications">Notifications</string>
   <string name="perm_type_battery_optimization">Battery Optimization</string>