Android app permissions let you control which parts of your phone an app can access. The exact labels can vary by device maker, but Android provides system controls for reviewing and changing access. This guide focuses on a careful, repeatable check rather than assuming every app needs every permission.
Review permissions for one app
- Open Settings on your Android phone.
- Choose Apps, then select the app you want to inspect. You may need to tap See all apps.
- Open Permissions. Review each item marked allowed or not allowed.
- Tap a permission to change it. For location, camera and microphone, choose the narrowest option that still lets the app work.
Use the Permission Manager
For a wider view, open Settings, then Security & privacy or Privacy, and look for Permission manager. Select a permission such as Camera, Microphone, Location, Contacts or Photos and videos. Android will show which installed apps have access, making it easier to spot an app that does not appear to need it.
Choose access carefully
- Allow only while using: useful for features that need access while the app is open.
- Ask every time: useful when access should be occasional.
- Selected photos: prefer limited photo access when the app only needs a few images.
- Don’t allow: choose this when the feature is not needed.
Check special access separately
Some powerful controls are not ordinary runtime permissions. Review settings such as Accessibility, display over other apps, notification access, device administrator and install unknown apps only when relevant. Do not disable a service blindly if you rely on it for accessibility or device security.
When an app stops working
If a feature fails after you change a permission, reopen the app and grant only the access needed for that feature. You can also check the app’s explanation in its official support page. Permission names and menu paths may differ slightly between Pixel, Samsung and other Android phones.
Related DroidShelf guides
Read our guide to reviewing app permissions before installing and how to find Android apps more safely.
Official reference
Google Android Help: Change app permissions.
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