The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →To change an app’s access, open Settings > Apps > [app] > Permissions, then choose the permission and an available access option. To review every app with access to something such as your camera or location, use Android’s Permission manager. Labels and menu locations differ among Android versions and manufacturers, so use Settings search if a path does not match your phone.
Change permissions for one app
- Open Settings.
- Tap Apps, then select the app. If it is not listed, tap See all apps or search Settings for the app’s name.
- Tap Permissions.
- Select the permission you want to change, such as Camera, Location, or Contacts.
- Choose one of the options shown, such as Allow, Allow only while using the app, Ask every time, or Don’t allow.
The screen may divide permissions into Allowed and Not allowed. If a permission is not listed, the app may not have requested it, may use a different access mechanism, or the control may be on a specialized settings page. Not every app or permission offers the same choices. Google documents this standard path and notes that available options depend on the permission and device: Android Help: Change app permissions.
To restore access later, return to the same Permissions screen and select an allowed option. An app may not show a permission until you try a feature that needs it.
Review permissions by type
Permission manager is useful when the question is “Which apps can use my microphone?” rather than “What can this app access?” On many Android devices, open Settings > Security & privacy > Privacy > Permission manager. On other devices, look under Settings > Privacy or Settings > Apps. Choose a category, then select an app to change its access.
#1 Best Overall
- Super Magnetic Attraction: Powerful built-in magnets, easier place-and-go wireless charging and compatible with MagSafe
- Compatibility: Only compatible with iPhone 13/14; precise cutouts for easy access to all ports, buttons, sensors and cameras, soft and sensitive buttons with good response, are easy to press
- Matte Translucent Back: Features a flexible TPU frame and a matte coating on the hard PC back to provide you with a premium touch and excellent grip, while the entire matte back coating perfectly blocks smudges, fingerprints and even scratches
- Shock Protection: Passing military drop tests up to 10 feet, your device is effectively protected from violent impacts and drops
- Check your phone model: Before you order, please confirm your phone model to find out which product is right for you
Categories commonly include Camera, Microphone, Location, Contacts, Photos and videos, Notifications, Phone, SMS, and Nearby devices. Names can change between Android releases; for example, current Android guidance uses Photos and videos and Music and audio, while older versions may show different categories. If the path is missing, search Settings for Permission manager or the permission name.
Choose the least access that lets the app work
What the access options mean
- Allow only while using the app: Generally limits access to when you are actively using the app. It is a practical choice for camera, microphone, and location when background access is not needed.
- Allow all the time: Mainly applies to location. It can let an app access location when it is not open. Reserve it for a clear need, such as a navigation, safety, automation, or location-sharing feature that must work in the background.
- Ask every time: Prompts whenever the app requests access. This adds control but can interrupt use, and some features may not work smoothly.
- Allow: Grants access within the scope shown for that permission and Android version.
- Don’t allow: Blocks the app from using that protected feature or data. A dependent feature may stop, lose functionality, or ask again.
Android 11 introduced one-time permissions for location, camera, and microphone; that does not mean every permission has a one-time option. Options also vary by app and device. See Android 11 privacy and permissions and Android’s runtime permission guidance.
Use approximate location when exact location is unnecessary
For some apps, Android lets you choose between Precise location and Approximate location, separately from whether the app may access location at all. Approximate location is often enough for weather, local news, or shopping. Precise location is more useful for turn-by-turn navigation, ride-hailing pickup, or a geofence that needs an exact position. Availability and wording vary, and approximate permission does not guarantee a particular location accuracy. Google explains location permissions and device location settings.
Rank #2
- Compatibility: This case Fit for iPhone 15 (6.1 inch, Released in 2023), iPhone 14 (6.1 inch, Released in 2022), iPhone 13 (6.1 inch, Released in 2021). Please confirm your phone moderl before purchasing
- Strong Magnetic Charging: This iPhone 15 Case has built with 38 super-strong N52 magnets, delivering 2400 gf magnetic attraction—over 7× stronger than standard cases. Ensures a secure, stable connection to Magnetic chargers, power banks, car mounts, and wireless charging stands. Perfectly aligned for fast, stable charging every time
- Tempered Glass Screen Protector: This iPhone 14 Case includes 1× premium tempered glass screen protector that preserves original touch sensitivity and HD clarity. Offers reliable scratch and drop defense for your Screen, without compromising responsiveness or display quality
- Translucent Matte Back: This iPhone 13 Case crafted from high-quality matte TPU and translucent PC, this case reveals the phone logo with an elegant, refined finish. The frosted texture delivers a comfortable, non-slip grip, while the nano antioxidant layer effectively resists stains, sweat, and minor scratches—keeping your case clean and clear longer
- 14FT Military Grade Drop Protection: Phone Case iPhone 15/14/13 has rigid polycarbonate backplate paired with flexible, shock-absorbing TPU bumpers around the edges, plus 4 built-in corner air bags. Provides comprehensive protection against accidental drops, bumps, and impacts
A practical guide to common permissions
These are privacy heuristics, not Android requirements. Match access to the feature you actually use, and prefer a narrower option when it works.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems| Permission | When access may make sense | Practical choice |
|---|---|---|
| Camera | Taking photos, scanning documents, or video calls | Deny until needed if appropriate; check camera-use indicators. |
| Microphone | Calls, voice recording, or voice commands | Allow only as needed; consider the device-wide control when appropriate. |
| Location | Navigation, maps, delivery, or local services | Prefer while-in-use and approximate location when adequate. |
| Contacts | Calling, messaging, or importing contacts | Ask whether the feature needs your address book. |
| Photos and videos | Editing, uploading, or sharing | Choose selected photos rather than a broader library option if offered. |
| Notifications | Messages, security alerts, or reminders | Consider disabling promotional categories instead of all alerts. |
| Nearby devices | Connecting Bluetooth accessories, setting up devices, or casting | Deny when the app has no device-connection feature. |
| SMS or Phone | Core functions of a dialer or messaging app, or a relevant verification workflow | Treat as sensitive and question requests unrelated to the app’s purpose. |
| Calendar | Scheduling or calendar integration | Allow when the app genuinely needs to read or create events. |
| Physical activity | Fitness and activity tracking | Deny for apps without a fitness-related feature. |
Turn off camera or microphone access system-wide
On supported devices running Android 12 or later, you can disable camera or microphone access for apps through a device-wide control. A common path is Settings > Security & privacy > Privacy > Privacy controls; turn off Camera access or Microphone access. You may also find camera and microphone controls in Quick Settings. The exact route and controls vary by device.
Android 12 and later can show a green indicator when the camera or microphone is in use. Swipe down and tap the indicator to see the app or service Android identifies as using it. The indicator is a prompt to inspect access, not proof of what an app is doing with data. Details: Android Help: See when your camera or microphone is in use.
Rank #3
- Strong Magnetic Charging: Fit for Magnetic chargers and other Qi Wireless chargers. This iPhone 15,14, and 13 Case has built-in 38 super N52 magnets. Its magnetic attraction reaches 2400 gf, which is almost 7X stronger than ordinary, therefore it won't fall off no matter how it shakes when you are charging. Aligns perfectly with wireless power bank, wallets, car mounts and wireless charging stand
- Crystal Clear & Non-Yellowing: Using high-grade Bayer's ultra-clear TPU and PC material, allowing you to admire the original sublime beauty of iPhone 15,14, and 13 while won't get oily when used. The Nano antioxidant layer effectively resists stains and sweat, keeping the case clear like a diamond longer than others
- Military Grade Protection: Passed Military Drop Tested up to 10FT. This iPhone 15 phone case & iPhone 14 & iPhone 13 phone case backplane is made with rigid polycarbonate and flexible shockproof TPU bumpers around the edge and features 4 built-in corner Airbags to absorb impact, which can prevent your Phone from accidental drops, bumps, and scratches
- Raised Camera & Screen Protection: The tiny design of 2.5 mm lips over the camera, 1.5 mm bezels over the screen, and 0.5 mm raised corner lips on the back provide extra and comprehensive protection. Even if the phone is dropped, can minimize and reduce scratches and bumps on the phone
- Perfect Compatibility & Professional Support: Only fit for iPhone 15/14/13--6.1 inch. Molded strictly to the original phone, all ports have been measured and calibrated countless times, and each button is sensitive. Any concerns or questions about iPhone 15/14/13 clear case, please feel free to contact us
Decide when an app asks for access
Grant a permission when it clearly supports a feature you want. A navigation app plausibly needs location; a video-call app plausibly needs camera and microphone. A flashlight app generally has no obvious need for Contacts or SMS. If a photo editor offers access only to selected photos, that can be preferable to access to the whole library. You can deny a request and change it later in Settings if a feature you choose to use needs it.
Permissions are one part of privacy, not a complete privacy audit: an app may also receive information you give it, data associated with your account, or information available through other permitted channels. Turning off notifications is also separate from revoking data or hardware access; notification controls govern alerts, not camera, microphone, location, or contacts permissions.
Recommended Free Tools
Samsung Galaxy menu paths
On many current Galaxy devices, an individual app’s controls are at Settings > Apps > [app] > Permissions. For an audit by category, some Galaxy software versions place Permission manager at Settings > Apps > three-dot menu > Permission manager; others put it under Security and privacy or Privacy. Samsung notes that screens and options can vary by model, software version, region, and personal settings. See Samsung’s guides to managing apps and permissions and Security and privacy settings.
Rank #4
- Strong Magnetic Attraction: Aligns perfectly with wireless power bank, wallets, car mounts and wireless charging stand. The iPhone 16 magnetic case has built-in 38 super N52 magnets. Its magnetic attraction reaches 2400 gf, which is almost 7X stronger than ordinary, therefore it won't fall off no matter how it shakes when you are charging
- Crystal Clear & Never Yellow: Using high-grade Bayer's ultra-clear TPU and PC material, allowing you to admire the original sublime beauty for iPhone 16 while won't get oily when used. The Nano antioxidant layer effectively resists stains and sweat, keeping the case clear like a diamond longer than others
- 10FT Military Grade Protection: Passed Military Drop Tested up to 10 FT. This iPhone 16 clear case backplane is made with rigid polycarbonate and flexible shockproof TPU bumpers around the edge and features 4 built-in corner Airbags to absorb impact, which can prevent your Phone from accidental drops, bumps, and scratches
- Raised Camera & Screen Protection: The tiny design of 2.5 mm lips over the camera, 1.5 mm bezels over the screen, and 0.5 mm raised corner lips on the back provides extra and comprehensive protection, even if the phone is dropped, can minimize and reduce scratches and bumps on the phone. Molded strictly to the original phone, all ports, lenses, and side button openings have been measured and calibrated countless times, and each button is sensitive and easily accessible
- Compatibility & Professional Support: Only compatible for iPhone 16 Phones. We have enough confidence to provide you with quality products and services. Any concerns or questions about iPhone 16 Phone Case, please feel free to contact us
Fix an app after changing permissions
- Go to Settings > Apps > [app] > Permissions and allow only the permission tied to the broken feature.
- Reopen the app. If needed, force-close it and start it again.
- Check for an app update and an Android system update, then restart the device.
- Look in the app’s own settings or support documentation if the feature still fails.
- As a later step, clear the app’s cache if that option is available.
- Use Clear storage or Clear data only if other steps fail: it can erase locally stored app data, reset settings, and sign you out. Samsung describes these effects in its app troubleshooting guidance.
If the app says access is blocked, change it from its Settings page rather than waiting for another prompt. After repeated denials, Android may not show the ordinary permission prompt again. The exact behavior depends on Android version and the app.
Why Android may remove an unused app’s permissions
Android can automatically reset permissions for apps that have not been used for a long time. Depending on the device and app, unused-app optimization may also remove temporary files, stop background activity, or stop notifications. It does not necessarily uninstall the app. If an app needs to retain access, look on its app page for Pause app activity if unused and turn it off if that option is available. Google explains how unused apps may be managed.
When settings do not match or access still fails
- The app is missing: Open Settings > Apps > See all apps, search Settings, and confirm you are viewing the right user or work profile. Disabled apps and system components may appear differently.
- Permissions is missing: The app may not have requested runtime access, or the control may be in a specialized settings page. A work or school administrator, parental control, or manufacturer interface may also restrict changes.
- The app keeps asking: You may have selected Ask every time, denied access before, or Android may have reset the permission after inactivity. The app could also need a different permission for another feature.
- Location seems wrong: Check whether the app has Precise location, whether device-wide Location is on, and whether the app is expected to work in the background despite having only while-in-use access. Permission precision and the accuracy of device location services are separate factors.
- Camera or microphone fails: Check both the app’s permission and the device-wide Camera access or Microphone access control; review the privacy indicator and Quick Settings controls on supported Android 12+ devices.
- A work or school phone blocks changes: A device administrator can impose rules that override ordinary consumer settings.
- An update moved a menu: Android updates and manufacturer interfaces can rename categories or move Permission manager. Search Settings for “permissions,” “Permission manager,” “camera access,” or “microphone access.”
Google’s standard Android paths are described in Android Help. Older interfaces may use labels such as Apps & notifications, while Motorola and other manufacturers may place controls differently; see Motorola support for its device guidance.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
