How do I review which apps can access my microphone, camera, and location?
Quick answer
Review camera, microphone, and location permissions separately in your device’s settings. On Android, use Permission manager to review by category or open an app’s Permissions page; menu names and paths vary by phone. [S2] On iPhone, review Camera and Microphone under Settings > Privacy & Security. [S1] Before changing access, consider which feature you use and whether it needs that permission. The available iPhone instructions here do not specify where to review Location.
The question, the details, the next step.
What’s a sensible way to audit these permissions without turning something off and breaking an app I rely on?
Make a short inventory before changing settings. Review camera, microphone, and location separately, and for each app ask: Do I recognize it? Do I use a feature that needs this permission? Do I expect that feature to work right now?
Start with permissions that could affect something you use today, such as a video-call app’s camera or microphone. If you are unsure, leave the setting unchanged while you check the app’s purpose or feature explanation. Record the current setting, change one permission at a time, and then check the relevant feature before continuing. That makes it easier to identify which change may have affected it.
Where do I find the lists, and how should I handle differences between Android phones and iPhones?
On Android, review permissions by app under Settings > Apps > [app] > Permissions, or by category in Permission manager. Menu names and paths can vary by phone. [S2] The categories describe camera access for pictures or video, microphone access for audio, and location access. [S2] Depending on the permission and device, choices can include allowing access only while the app is in use, asking every time, or denying access. [S2]
On iPhone, Camera and Microphone are listed under Settings > Privacy & Security. The lists show apps that requested access, and you can change access for an individual app. [S1] These instructions do not specify where to review Location on iPhone, so I can’t give an exact path for that setting here. Don’t assume the Android path applies.
How do I decide whether an app’s location access is still needed?
Tie the decision to a feature, not just the app’s name. For each app, write down the feature you use and whether it needs your device’s location—for example, a hypothetical map app’s directions feature. That example is an illustration, not a claim about a particular app.
If a feature works only when the app can access location, consider whether access limited to when you use the app would suit your needs, if your device offers that choice. Android options can vary by permission and device. [S2] If the reason for access is unclear, check the app’s explanation or leave the permission unchanged until you can verify what the feature needs. The available instructions do not establish what permissions any particular app requires.
Can you show me a simple record I can use while I review the settings?
Use a note or copy this template. These are placeholders, not recommended settings for any specific app:
App: [app name] Permission: [camera / microphone / location] Current access: [setting shown on device] Feature I use: [feature] Decision: [keep / change / check first] After change, feature works as expected?: [yes / no / not tested]
For example, a hypothetical entry might read: “App: [video-call app]; Permission: [microphone]; Current access: [setting shown]; Feature I use: [calls]; Decision: [check first].” Record what your device actually displays rather than guessing. If you change access, recheck the feature that mattered before moving on to the next app.
A practical checklist
Review camera, microphone, and location separately for each app.
Record each permission’s current setting before changing it.
Write down the feature you use and whether it depends on that permission.
If the purpose is unclear, check the app’s explanation or leave access unchanged for now.
Change one permission at a time, then check the relevant feature and note the result.
A few more useful answers
Do Android permission names and menus look the same on every phone?
No. Android menu names and paths can vary by phone, and available permission choices depend on the permission and device. [S2] Follow the labels shown on your device.
What does an iPhone’s camera or microphone indicator show?
A green indicator appears when the camera is in use, and an orange indicator appears when the microphone is used without the camera. [S1]
Does this guide establish what permissions a particular app needs?
No. The instructions describe how to review or change access, but do not establish the needs of every app or feature. Check the app’s explanation and your own use before deciding.
Sources
References used for this guide.
- [S1] Control access to hardware features on iPhone support.apple.com · Checked
- [S2] Change app permissions on your Android phone support.google.com · Checked