📺 Video Tutorial

🛡️ Why App Permissions Matter

Every permission you grant is a potential privacy violation or security risk. Apps request far more access than they need. Taking control of permissions dramatically reduces your attack surface.

• 🔒 Limit data collection – Apps can’t access what you don’t allow
• 📱 Prevent microphone/camera spying – Control audio and visual access
• 🛡️ Stop location tracking – Most apps don’t need your location
• ⚡ Improve battery life – Fewer permissions = less background activity

Built into Android Settings – No app needed!

💡 Audit Steps

Quick guide:

• 1️⃣ Go to Settings → Apps → Permission manager
• 2️⃣ Review each permission category (Camera, Microphone, Location, etc.)
• 3️⃣ Remove permissions from apps that don’t need them
• 4️⃣ Set sensitive permissions to “Ask every time”
• 5️⃣ Repeat this audit monthly

💡 Permission Management Best Practices

🎉 You’re now in control! Apps only have the permissions they actually need.

Essential Permission Audit Tips:

• 🔍 Start with the most sensitive permissions first
  Priority order: Camera, Microphone, Location, Contacts, SMS, Phone, Storage. These are the permissions that enable the most invasive surveillance and data collection. A flashlight app should NEVER have camera, microphone, or location access. A calculator should have ZERO permissions. Question everything.
• 🚫 Default to “Deny” and only allow when necessary
  When an app requests a permission, your default answer should be “No.” Only grant it if the app literally cannot function without it. Many apps request permissions “just in case” or for analytics/advertising. Make them prove they need it by breaking when you deny it. You can always grant it later.
• 📱 Use “Ask every time” for sensitive permissions
  For Camera, Microphone, and Location, set permissions to “Ask every time” instead of “Allow.” This forces apps to request permission each time they want access, making you aware of when they’re using these sensors. It’s slightly less convenient but dramatically more secure and privacy-preserving.
• ⚠️ Revoke location access for apps that don’t need it
  Go to Settings → Apps → Permission manager → Location. Review every app with location access. Social media, shopping apps, games – most don’t need your location. For apps that do need it occasionally (like ride-sharing), set to “Allow only while using the app” not “Allow all the time.” Background location tracking is surveillance.
• 🔒 Disable microphone access for social media apps
  Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and similar apps do NOT need microphone access unless you’re actively recording video or voice messages. Revoke it by default. Grant it temporarily when needed, then revoke again. There’s substantial evidence these apps listen even when not actively recording. Don’t give them the chance.
• 📊 Review “Special app access” permissions
  Settings → Apps → Special app access. This includes dangerous permissions like “Display over other apps,” “Modify system settings,” “Install unknown apps,” and “Usage access.” Very few apps legitimately need these. Remove them from everything except apps you explicitly trust and that require them to function.
• 🌐 Limit contact and SMS access
  Your contacts list is a goldmine for data brokers and advertisers. Only messaging apps and your phone dialer should have contact access. SMS permissions allow apps to read your two-factor authentication codes and private messages. Revoke SMS access from everything except your messaging app.
• 🛡️ Check which apps can run in background
  Settings → Apps → [App] → Battery → Background restriction → Restricted. Most apps don’t need to run in the background. Restricting background activity improves battery life, reduces data usage, and limits surveillance. Only allow background activity for messaging apps, email, and critical services.
• ⚡ Review notification access carefully
  Settings → Apps → Special app access → Notification access. Apps with notification access can read ALL your notifications from ALL apps – including message content, banking alerts, and 2FA codes. Only grant this to apps that absolutely need it, like smartwatch companions or automation apps. Revoke it from everything else.
• 🔍 Audit accessibility service permissions
  Settings → Accessibility → Installed apps. Accessibility services can control your entire device, read all screen content, and perform actions on your behalf. Only password managers and legitimate accessibility tools should have this. Malware often requests accessibility access to bypass security. Be extremely selective.
• 📱 Use Android’s Privacy Dashboard
  Settings → Privacy → Privacy Dashboard (Android 12+). This shows which apps accessed sensitive permissions in the last 24 hours. Review it daily. If you see an app accessing camera, microphone, or location when you weren’t using it, investigate immediately. This is your early warning system for surveillance.
• 🔒 Enable permission auto-reset for unused apps
  Settings → Privacy → Permission manager → [Permission] → Auto-reset permissions. Android automatically removes permissions from apps you haven’t used in months. Enable this for all permission types. If you stop using an app, it shouldn’t retain access to your data. This is automatic hygiene.

Remember: Permissions are not requests – they’re demands. You have the power to say no. Use it liberally.