How to Change App Permissions on Android

Android apps often request access to features such as your camera, microphone, contacts, location and photos. While some permissions are necessary for an app to work properly, others may not always be needed.

Android allows you to review and change the permissions given to individual apps. You can allow access, deny it or choose options such as allowing access only while using an app, depending on the permission and Android version.

How to Change App Permissions on Android

You can change the permissions of an app through your phone's Settings menu.

Follow these steps:

1. Open Settings on your Android phone.
2. Tap Apps or Apps & notifications, depending on your device.
3. Select the app whose permissions you want to change.
4. Tap Permissions.
5. Select a permission such as Camera, Microphone, Location, Contacts or Photos and videos.
6. Choose whether to Allow or Don't allow the permission.
7. For some permissions, select an available option such as Allow only while using the app.

The names and positions of these options can vary between Android phones because manufacturers may use different interfaces.

How to Check App Permissions

You can also review the permissions an individual app currently has.

Open Settings, go to Apps, select an app and tap Permissions. Android will show the permissions that the app can access and their current status.

This can help you identify apps that have access to information or features you do not want them to use.

How to Manage Permissions by Permission Type

Instead of checking apps one at a time, you can manage permissions based on the type of access.

Go to Settings > Security & privacy > Privacy > Permission manager on supported Android versions. You can then select a permission such as Camera, Microphone, Location or Contacts to see which apps have requested or received that access.

From there, you can select an app and change its permission.

How to Change Camera Permission for an App

If you do not want an app to access your camera, you can turn off its camera permission.

Go to Settings > Apps > [App Name] > Permissions > Camera and select Don't allow.

If you later need the app to use the camera, you can return to the same settings and allow access again.

How to Change Microphone Permission

You can also control which apps can use your microphone.

Open Settings, select Apps, choose the app and tap Permissions. Select Microphone and change the permission to the option you prefer.

This is useful for apps that do not need microphone access for their main function.

How to Change Location Permission

Location access can be controlled separately for individual apps.

Go to Settings > Apps > [App Name] > Permissions > Location. Depending on your Android version, you may see options such as allowing location access only while using the app or not allowing it.

For apps that do not need your location, denying access can prevent them from using that permission.

How to Manage Photos and Videos Permission

Some apps request access to photos and videos stored on your phone.

Open Settings > Apps > [App Name] > Permissions and select Photos and videos or the corresponding media permission available on your device.

Android versions may provide different choices for accessing media, including selecting specific photos or allowing broader access.

How to Remove Permissions From Unused Apps

Some Android phones can automatically remove permissions from apps that have not been used for a while.

You can check this option by opening the app's information page and looking for an option related to unused apps, Pause app activity if unused or automatically removing permissions.

The exact wording depends on your Android version and phone manufacturer.

Why You Should Check App Permissions

Reviewing app permissions gives you more control over what applications can access on your phone.

An app may request access to features such as your camera, microphone, contacts or location. Checking these settings allows you to decide which permissions are necessary and which ones you would rather deny.

However, denying certain permissions can affect how an app works. For example, a navigation app may need location access to provide directions while a video calling app may need camera and microphone access.

What Happens When You Deny an App Permission?

When you deny a permission, the app cannot use that particular feature or information through that permission.

Some apps may continue working normally while others may show a message asking you to grant access. If a feature depends on the permission, it may not work until you allow it.

You can change your decision at any time by returning to the app's permission settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change app permissions after installing an app?

Yes. You can change an app's permissions at any time through your Android phone's Settings.

How do I see which apps have camera access?

Open your phone's Permission manager and select Camera. You can then review the apps with camera access and change their permissions.

Can I stop an app from accessing my location?

Yes. Open the app's permissions in Settings, select Location and choose an option that does not allow the app to access your location.

Does denying permissions delete the app?

No. Denying a permission does not uninstall or delete the app. It only prevents the app from accessing the specific feature or information covered by that permission.

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