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Change permissions for one app
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Open Settings, then tap Apps (the label may vary).
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Select the app you want to review.
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Tap Permissions to see the access it has been allowed or denied.
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Choose a permission, then select an available option. To remove access entirely, choose Don’t allow.
Google Android Help explains that apps can be allowed to use device features such as the camera or contacts list. You can change those permissions later if a feature you rely on stops working. Grant only the access needed for that feature; an app’s request does not by itself mean every permission is essential. See Google’s guide to changing app permissions.
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Review access by permission category
Use Permission manager when you want to find all apps with access to a particular type of information or feature, rather than checking apps one by one.
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Open Settings.
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Tap Security & Privacy (or Privacy), then Permission manager. Some phones place Permission manager directly under Privacy.
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Choose a category such as Camera, Microphone, Location, or Contacts.
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Open an app in the list and change its permission.
This permission-first route is useful for an audit: for example, open Location to review which apps can access location. The app-first route is quicker when you already know which app you want to change. Google notes that Android 13 and later may combine Security and Privacy settings; Android 12 and earlier may show separate settings. If the path differs on your phone, search Settings for “Permissions.” More on the menu layout is in Google’s Android security and privacy settings guide.
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Choose the narrowest access that works
For sensitive permissions such as location, camera, and microphone, Android may offer choices including Allow only while using the app, Ask every time, and Don’t allow. Location may also offer Allow all the time. Options depend on the device, Android version, and app. Prefer the smallest access scope that supports the feature you want.
Location scope and precision are separate
Location access has more than one dimension. The permission controls when an app can access location; where supported, a separate precise-location control determines whether it can use precise rather than approximate location. Background access is distinct from access while you are using the app. You can review the available choices in Google’s guide to app location permissions.
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Camera and microphone
If an app does not need to take photos, record video, or capture audio for the feature you use, deny its camera or microphone permission. If you later use a feature that requires one of them, return to the app’s Permissions page and allow the necessary access.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Check which apps used permissions
Privacy Dashboard helps you review which apps used selected permissions and when. Depending on your Android version, open Settings > Security & Privacy (or Privacy) > Privacy dashboard, then select a permission category. The history window documented by Google differs by version: Android 13 shows the last seven days, while Android 12 shows the last 24 hours. Do not assume other versions show the same period. See Google’s Privacy Dashboard instructions.
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Let Android remove access from unused apps
For apps you have stopped using, check the app’s Unused app settings for Pause app activity if unused. Android can automatically remove permissions from qualifying unused apps. Availability and behavior can depend on the app and Android version. Android 11 documented one-time permissions for location, microphone, and camera, as well as automatic permission resets for qualifying unused apps; see the Android Developers overview of Android 11 permission changes.
Use Google Play privacy disclosures as one clue
An app’s Google Play Data safety section and its Android permissions are different kinds of information. Data safety reflects information developers declare, while permissions describe technical access requested or granted by Android. Google says the two can differ, and Data safety applies to apps distributed through Google Play. Treat the disclosure as one input, alongside the permissions shown in Settings. Details are in Google Play’s Data safety explanation.
Be cautious if an app pressures you to change settings
If an app unexpectedly insists that you enable a sensitive permission or change a setting, pause and verify that the app and the requested access are legitimate before proceeding. Google Android Help warns that “Harmful apps might ask you to change settings that put your device or data at risk.” Its restricted settings guidance explains the concern.
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