I explained it in my guide Some basics on Android storage system:
Therefore, the Companion app in the Play Store cannot declare READ_MEDIA_IMAGES permission in its Manifest. Reinstall the Companion app using the barcode from the latest Play Store Companion version. This version declares all storage permissions in its Manifest, specifically the following:
READ_MEDIA_IMAGESREAD_MEDIA_AUDIOREAD_MEDIA_VIDEO
Then—and only then—when a permission is declared in the Manifest, it can be requested.
→ Connect → Companion information → Barcode
