Overview
This guide explains how to view and change app permissions on Android devices, including managing permissions for individual apps or by permission type, and disabling access to sensitive features.
Changing Permissions for Individual Apps
- Open the Settings app on your device.
- Tap "Apps" and select the app you want to adjust (use "See all apps" if not listed).
- Tap "Permissions" to review current access.
- Select a permission and choose "Allow" or "Don't allow" as needed.
- For location, camera, or microphone, options may include "All the time," "Allow only while using the app," "Ask every time," or "Don't allow."
Managing Permissions by Type
- Open Settings > Security & Privacy > Privacy > Permission manager.
- Choose a permission type to see which apps have access.
- Select an app to adjust its permission for that specific type.
Permission Types and Their Functions
- Calendar: Access your calendar events.
- Call logs: Read and write your call history.
- Camera: Take pictures and record videos.
- Contacts: Access your contacts list.
- Files: Access all files on your device.
- Health, Wellness, Fitness: Access health data and sensor information.
- Location: Access device location.
- Microphone: Record audio.
- Music and audio: Access audio files.
- Nearby devices: Connect and determine nearby devices.
- Notifications: Send notifications.
- Phone: Make and manage calls.
- Photos and videos: Access media gallery.
- Physical activity: Track activity levels.
- SMS: Send and view text messages.
Automatically Removing Permissions for Unused Apps
- Open Settings > Apps.
- Select the desired app.
- Under "Unused app settings," enable "Pause app activity if unused" to automatically remove permissions.
Disabling Device-Wide Camera or Microphone Access
- Open Settings > Security & privacy > Privacy > Privacy controls.
- Toggle off "Camera access" or "Microphone access" to disable these features for all apps.
Recommendations / Advice
- Check your Android version to ensure compatibility with all permission management features.
- Use battery diagnostics on Pixel 6 and later devices for better performance management.