When you install the Chime app, it will request certain permissions on your device. Each one has a specific, limited purpose - none of them are used to monitor you, and your personal information remains entirely private.
Below is a clear breakdown of what the app can access, what your employer can see and what to expect from your device's performance.
What permissions does the app ask for?
Camera
Used only when taking a photo, completing a form, or scanning a QR code.
Location
Captured only at the exact moment you clock in/out or submit a form. Never tracked in the background.
Photo Library
Accessed only if you choose to attach an existing photo to a form.
Bluetooth
Used only if you share or print a PDF document.
Face ID / Fingerprint
Only active if you choose to enable the app lock. This is entirely optional.
Microphone
Not used by Chime. This appears due to a technical default in the camera framework and will be removed in a future update.
What can my employer see?
Visible to your employer:
Forms and checklists you complete
Sign in/out records
Photos attached to work items
Your location at the moment you submit a location-stamped item
Not visible to your employer:
Your location at any other time
Personal photos, contacts, messages or browsing history
Any other apps on your device
Your whereabouts at any point outside of a submission
Will it affect my battery?
Battery impact is minimal during normal use. The app has no background activity. The only two actions that briefly use power are:
GPS — active for up to 15 seconds when you clock in or out
Camera — active only while that screen is open
If you notice higher than expected battery use, this is most likely due to frequent clock in/out actions during a shift, which is inherent to the work rather than any unnecessary background activity.
Recommended setting: Ensure location is set to "While Using the App." The app does not require or use the "Always On" setting.
Does app prevent phone from sleeping?
No. The app is designed to have no background activity and will not prevent your phone from sleeping under normal use.
The only exception is if the camera screen is left open — in this situation, as with any app using the camera, your screen may stay active. If this happens, simply close the app manually or press your phone's sleep button. The camera screen should close automatically when you navigate away, but if you notice your screen staying on, closing the app will resolve this immediately.
What device information is collected?
Only basic anonymous diagnostic data — such as device type, operating system, and connection type (Wi-Fi or mobile data). This is used by Chime's support team only to maintain app performance. This information is never shared with your employer.