How do I grant a website access to a specific device only when needed?
Quick answer
Choose a one-time or temporary permission if your browser offers it, and check that it names the feature you need, such as camera or microphone. On Android, Chrome’s “Allow this time” option applies to the current visit for supported permissions. Firefox has temporary camera and microphone allowances that you can clear afterward. These controls concern permission types; don’t assume they let you select a particular physical device or apply to every browser. [S1] [S2]
The question, the details, the next step.
I only want a website to use one device for a single task, like my camera for a video call. What should I do?
Start with the browser’s permission prompt, and allow only the feature the task requires. If the prompt offers a choice such as “Allow this time” or “Temporary,” select that rather than a choice that continues on future visits. On Android, Chrome documents “Allow this time” for supported permissions: it applies during the current visit, and the site must ask again on a future visit. Chrome’s examples include camera, location, and microphone. [S1]
Read the site name and permission label before choosing. A camera request is different from a microphone or location request. These permission controls address access to a feature; the cited guidance does not establish that they let you choose among multiple physical cameras or microphones. If no temporary option appears, don’t assume a regular “Allow” expires when you close the page.
How can I tell whether the permission is temporary, and whether it covers only what I meant to allow?
Check the duration shown by the prompt and the specific permission named. A temporary camera allowance does not mean microphone access was also granted, and it does not establish that you can choose a particular physical camera. Chrome’s documented one-time choices are for supported permissions on Android, not every permission or desktop browser. [S1]
In Firefox, the address-bar Site Permissions panel can show camera or microphone statuses, including temporary allowances. Firefox Settings also lists saved camera and microphone permissions. That guidance covers those two features, not every device type or browser. [S2]
If the wording is unclear, pause and check the browser’s site-permission controls. For example, if a video-call page requests both camera and microphone access, decide separately whether to allow each feature.
What should I do after the call so the site doesn’t keep access?
After the task, check the site’s permission status rather than relying on memory. In Firefox, click the X beside a camera or microphone status in the address-bar Site Permissions panel to clear it; Firefox should ask again next time. You can also remove or change saved camera and microphone permissions in Firefox Settings. [S2]
For Android Chrome, review permissions in Settings > Site settings. Chrome says “Allow this time” requires the site to ask again on a future visit. If you chose a longer-lasting option, review the site’s permission there and change it if needed. [S1]
Worked example (Android Chrome):
- A video-call page asks for camera access.
- Confirm the site and choose “Allow this time,” if offered.
- Finish the call, then review the site’s permissions in Settings > Site settings.
- If the prompt offered only a lasting choice, review or change it in the site-permission controls; don’t assume it was temporary.
Can I use the same steps for any browser and any connected device?
No. The available choices depend on the browser, platform, and permission type. The cited Chrome instructions describe one-time choices on Android for supported permissions; the Firefox instructions describe camera and microphone controls. They do not establish that all browsers, desktop versions, or device types offer session-only access—or that a permission prompt selects a particular physical device. [S1] [S2]
Use this repeatable check: identify the exact site and feature; choose a clearly temporary option if available; confirm the permission status in the browser; and review or clear it afterward. If no temporary option is apparent, decline until you can check the browser’s controls.
A practical checklist
Confirm the site name and the feature it requests, such as camera or microphone.
Choose a clearly temporary or one-time option when offered; don’t assume a general “Allow” expires automatically.
Check the browser’s site-permission panel or settings to verify the feature’s status.
After the task, clear, remove, or change the permission where the browser provides that control.
If the duration or scope is unclear, decline for now and check the browser’s instructions.
A few more useful answers
Does closing the tab always revoke a website’s access?
Can I make a temporary choice for every device permission?
What if I accidentally chose a longer-lasting permission?
Sources
References used for this guide.
- [S1] Google Chrome Help: One-time site permissions on Android support.google.com · Checked
- [S2] Firefox Help: Manage camera and microphone permissions support.mozilla.org · Checked