Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Use Android’s Privacy Dashboard to see which apps recently accessed your location, camera, or microphone. For a complete permission audit, use Permission Manager; to review one app, open its Permissions screen. Exact menu labels vary by Android version and device maker.
Check which apps recently used a permission
- Open Settings.
- Tap Security and privacy or Privacy. On some devices, tap Privacy again.
- Tap Privacy dashboard.
- Select Location, Camera, or Microphone to see listed apps and when they accessed that permission.
- Tap an app to review or change its permission.
The dashboard’s documented history is the last 7 days on Android 13 and the last 24 hours on Android 12. It is not an unlimited history, and the available window can depend on Android version. Google documents this feature for Android 12 and later. Google’s Privacy Dashboard instructions
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Audit every app with a particular permission
Privacy Dashboard is for recent activity. Permission Manager instead groups apps by permission type, which is useful when you want to see all apps that have access, not just apps shown in the recent-activity view.
- Open Settings.
- Go to Security and privacy > Privacy > Permission Manager. On some devices, the route or labels differ.
- Select a permission, such as Location, Camera, or Microphone, then review the apps listed.
- Tap an app to change its access.
To inspect just one app, open Settings > Apps, select the app (tap See all apps if necessary), then tap Permissions. Depending on the permission and device, you may be able to choose options such as Allow only while using the app, Ask every time, or Don’t allow. Location can also offer Allow all the time. Google Play Help: Change app permissions
#1 Best Overall
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Review and limit an app’s location access
Android has a dedicated location-permission list. Open Settings > Location > App location permissions. Apps are grouped by access state, such as Allowed all the time, Allowed only while in use, Ask every time or allow when I share, and Not allowed. Tap an app to change its setting. Google Account Help: Manage location permissions for apps
When an app is allowed to use location, you may also be able to switch off Use precise location. Google describes approximate location as indicating an area of about 3 square kilometers and precise location as indicating the device’s exact location; these descriptions are not a guarantee of real-world accuracy in every situation. Google’s location-permission guidance
Rank #2
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. Tracfone plan required, activating is easy, just 3 steps.
- DISPLAY: Immersive viewing on a 6.7-inch super-bright 120Hz display with powerful stereo speakers and Bass Boost for cinematic entertainment.
- CAMERA SYSTEM: Advanced 50MP Quad Pixel camera captures sharp, detailed photos and videos in any lighting condition
- PERFORMANCE: Lightning-fast 5G connectivity paired with a powerful processor and RAM Boost for smooth multitasking.
- BATTERY LIFE: Long-lasting 5000mAh battery with TurboPower charging technology delivers hours of power in minutes.
Check whether the camera or microphone is being used now
On Android 12 and later, a green indicator appears in the top-right corner while an app or service uses the camera or microphone. Tap the indicator to identify what is using it; tap again to manage permissions. Google’s help page describes the indicator and controls. Google Android Help: Check camera or microphone use
For a device-wide block, swipe down to open Quick Settings and tap the Camera or Microphone tile. If you do not see a tile, swipe down twice, tap Edit, and add it. These controls turn off camera or microphone access across the device rather than changing only one app’s permission. Google Android Help
Rank #3
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Know when to turn off device Location
Settings > Location controls location at the device level; it is broader than denying location to one app. Google says apps do not receive device location when Location is off. Emergency location services or a mobile carrier may still automatically send location to emergency responders when you call or text an emergency number. If you want some apps to retain location access while restricting others, change individual app permissions instead. Google Android Help: Manage your device’s location settings
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.If the menu names do not match
Android settings vary by version and manufacturer. Use the Settings search box for Privacy dashboard, Permission Manager, or the permission name you want to check. Google notes that some permission instructions apply only to Android 11 and later on Pixel devices; if a path is different on your phone, consult its manufacturer’s guidance. Google Play Help
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. Activating is easy, just 3 steps.
- ACTIVATION Promotion: Includes 1500 min, 1500 texts & 1500 MB Data + add more as you need it
- CAMERA SYSTEM: 50MP Quad Pixel camera. Capture sharper, more vibrant photos day or night with 4x the light sensitivity.
- PERFORMANCE: Blazing-fast Qualcomm performance. Get the speed you need for great entertainment with a Snapdragon 680 processor and 4GB of RAM.
- 64GB built-in storage. Get plenty of room for photos, movies, songs, and apps. Made for US
Rank #4
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
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