App permissions on Android
Android app permissions control which protected data and features an app may use, such as location, camera, microphone, contacts and photos. Sensitive ones are runtime permissions: the app must ask, and you can allow them all the time, only while using the app, ask every time, or deny, and change the choice later in Settings.
1Reviewing permissions
Per app: Settings > Apps > select the app > Permissions. Per permission: Settings > Security & privacy > Privacy > Permission manager (names vary), which lists which apps can use location, camera and so on.
2Choices
'Allow only while using the app' keeps access to when the app is on screen. 'Ask every time' grants it for one session. Location can also be limited to approximate instead of precise.
3Unused apps
Android can remove permissions from apps you have not used for a few months; the option is on the app's info page.
How to audit permissions
- Open Settings and search for 'Permission manager'.
- Open Location, Camera and Microphone in turn.
- Change apps that do not need them to 'Don't allow' or 'Ask every time'.
- Check the Privacy dashboard to see which apps used them recently.
Cautions
- Removing a permission an app needs can break a feature; the app asks again when you use it.
- Accessibility and device admin access are separate, more powerful permissions: grant them only to apps you trust.
Related articles
- Developer options and USB debuggingHow to turn on Android developer options, what USB debugging allows, and why to switch it off when you do not need it.
- App cache vs app data on AndroidThe difference between Clear cache and Clear storage (data) on Android, what each removes and when to use which.
- Find Hub (formerly Find My Device)How Google's Find Hub locates, rings, secures or erases a lost Android phone, and what must be turned on in advance.
Sources
- Change app permissions on your Android phone (Android Help) support.google.com
- Permissions on Android (Android Developers) developer.android.com
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