Android permissions used to be a headache, but current versions of Android have substantially simplified them. You may now allow applications access to certain capabilities as they are required. You may also manually withdraw permissions from any app.
You no longer need to root, install a custom ROM, or switch to an iPhone to achieve this. In reality, Android now has the app permission system that it should have had all along, akin to the iPhone’s system (though still room for improvement)
Related: How to Manage our Android Device’s Settings For Password Autofill
When Android apps require permission, they will ask for it. For example, rather than granting an app access to your camera when you install it, you will be prompted the first time the app requests access to your camera. You may also control when it receives that permission.
You may also manage any app’s permissions manually at any time, even if it was developed for an older version of Android and does not generally prompt you.
To get started, open the Settings app. Swipe down one or twice from the top of the screen, depending on your phone, and hit the gear symbol.
Navigate to the “Apps” section of the Settings menu.
You’ll get a list of all the apps that are currently installed on your Android device (you may need to expand the list to see them all). To get additional details, select one of the applications from the list.
Open the “Permissions” section on the App Info page.
You’ll get a list of all the permissions that the app may utilize. The permissions you’ve “Allowed” are at the top, while the permissions you’ve “Not Allowed” are at the bottom. To change a permission, simply tap it.
Note: When removing permissions from older programs, you’ll receive a notification that says, “This app was developed for an older version of Android.” Denying permission may cause it to stop working properly.”
Some permissions have simply binary “Allow” or “Don’t Allow” options, however others, such as Location and Camera, offer additional options.
An “Unused Apps” area is located at the very bottom of the permissions list. This is where you may flip an option to “Remove Permissions and Free Up Space,” and the permissions will be removed if you don’t use the app for a long.
Go to the “Privacy” section of Settings and pick “Permission Manager” to view and manage all app permissions at once.
You’ll see a list of different permission categories, as well as the number of applications installed that have access to that permission. Body Sensors, Calendar, Call Logs, Camera, Contacts, Files and Media, Location, Microphone, and other categories are available.
Choose one of the permissions to see which applications have access to it. Select the app and switch it off to cancel its access to that permission.
As with adjusting an individual app’s permissions, you’ll notice a warning message if the app was developed for an earlier version of Android. Most applications should continue to run normally until you revoke a permission that is critical to their functioning.
As is customary with Android, some of these procedures may not work on all devices. We carried out this procedure using a Google Pixel phone running Android 12. Android device makers often change the interface, and certain settings may be located in multiple locations. Make use of other means to ensure your security and privacy.
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