How to manage Android app permissions

Step by step

1. 1 min

   Open Android Settings

   Tap the Settings app on your home screen or app drawer. On most Android devices, this appears as a gear icon. Alternatively, swipe down from the top of your screen twice and tap the gear icon in the quick settings panel.

   Note: Pin the Settings app to your home screen for faster access to permission controls.
2. 1 min

   Navigate to app permissions

   Scroll down and tap "Apps" or "Application Manager" depending on your Android version. On newer Android versions, you may see "Apps & notifications" instead. The exact menu name varies by manufacturer but will contain the word "Apps."

3. 1 min

   Select permission management method

   Choose between two approaches: tap "Permission manager" to view all permissions by type, or select a specific app from the list to manage its individual permissions. Permission manager shows which apps have access to each system feature like Camera or Location.

   Note: Use Permission manager to quickly see which apps have access to sensitive features like your microphone or contacts.
4. 2 min

   Review and modify permissions

   If using Permission manager, tap a permission type like "Camera" to see all apps with camera access. Toggle apps off to revoke access or on to grant it. If managing individual app permissions, tap the app name, then "Permissions" to see all requested permissions.

   Note: Look for apps that request permissions they don't need for their core function, like a flashlight app requesting location access.
5. 2 min

   Set permission behavior

   For each permission, choose "Allow," "Don't allow," or "Ask every time" where available. Some permissions offer "Allow only while using app" for location and camera access. This prevents background access when you're not actively using the app.

   Note: Use "Ask every time" for sensitive permissions like location to maintain control over when apps access your data.
6. 1 min

   Configure auto-reset for unused apps

   Return to the main Apps settings and look for "Unused apps" or "Permission auto-reset." Enable this feature to automatically revoke permissions from apps you haven't used in several months. Android 11 and newer include this feature by default.

   Note: Auto-reset helps maintain privacy by removing permissions from forgotten apps that might still be accessing your data.
7. 2 min

   Monitor permission requests

   When installing new apps or updating existing ones, review permission requests carefully. Deny unnecessary permissions during setup. You can always grant permissions later when the app specifically needs them for a feature you want to use.

   Note: Install apps one at a time to properly review each permission request rather than batch-installing multiple apps.