Some employees have questions about installing the Webex mobile softphone app on a personal mobile device. This article explains what permissions the app may request, what data it can access, and what the University of Maine System (UMS) can and cannot see when the app is used.
Detailed Information
App Permissions
Required
- Microphone — Required to place and receive calls through the softphone.
- Notifications — Allows the app to notify you of incoming calls and messages.
Optional
- Camera — Only needed if you use video during meetings or calls.
- Contacts — Displays names matching phone numbers in your contact list. The app works fine without it.
- Local Network Access — Detects nearby Webex room systems for meetings. Not required for calling.
Cellular Connection Requirement (E911 Compliance)
To comply with federal E911 requirements, the Webex softphone must be used on a device with an active cellular connection. This ensures that if a 911 call is placed from the Webex app, emergency services can receive location information associated with the cellular network. This is the only context in which location data is used.
Location Information and Emergency Calls
The Webex app does not track your location and does not request location permissions from your device. If you call 911 from the app, location information is sent to emergency responders as required by federal E911 regulations. This is triggered by the 911 call itself, not by any ongoing location tracking.
Access to Personal Device Data
The Webex app does not access or read information stored on your device, including Short Message Service (SMS) or text messages, your phone's native call history, emails, or data from other apps.
When you sign into the Webex app, you are connecting to the University of Maine System's phone system and using it through the application. Calls are handled through the UMS phone system and are associated with your Webex account rather than your device's native calling features.
University Visibility and Device Control
Installing the Webex app on your personal device does not give the University of Maine System access to or control over your phone. There is no Mobile Device Management (MDM) software installed, and UMS has no administrative access to your device.
The University of Maine System can only see information related to your Webex account activity within the UMS phone system, such as your Webex username and calls placed or received through the UMS phone system.
If troubleshooting is needed, you may be asked to send diagnostic logs from within the app. Those logs are only shared if you choose to send them.
Environment
Platforms Supported
- iOS 16 or later (iPhone only)
- Android 11 or later (smartphones only)
Applies To
- UMS employees approved for softphone use
- Remote and hybrid workers using smartphone devices for calling
Not Supported
- Tablets
- Desktop calling setups
- Flip phones or non-smartphones