📺 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 iOS Settings – No app needed!

💡 Audit Steps

Quick guide:

• 1️⃣ Go to Settings → Privacy & Security
• 2️⃣ Review each permission category (Camera, Microphone, Location, etc.)
• 3️⃣ Remove permissions from apps that don’t need them
• 4️⃣ Set location to “While Using” instead of “Always”
• 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, Photos, Health. 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 and default to deny.
• 🚫 Revoke location access for apps that don’t need it
  Go to Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services. 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 “While Using the App” not “Always”. Background location tracking is surveillance, not a feature.
• 📱 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. There’s substantial evidence these apps listen even when not actively recording. Don’t give them the chance. Grant permission temporarily when needed, then revoke again immediately.
• ⚠️ Use “Ask Next Time” for camera and microphone
  For Camera and Microphone, iOS offers “Ask Next Time Or When I Share” option. 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. Enable this for all non-essential apps.
• 🔒 Limit photo library access with “Selected Photos”
  When apps request photo access, choose “Select Photos” instead of “Full Access”. This lets you share specific photos without giving the app access to your entire library. Apps can’t scan all your photos for metadata, faces, locations, or sensitive content. Only share what’s necessary for the specific task.
• 📊 Review tracking permissions and disable
  Settings → Privacy & Security → Tracking. This shows which apps want to track you across other apps and websites. Disable tracking for ALL apps unless you have a specific reason to allow it. This is pure surveillance for advertising purposes. iOS 14.5+ requires apps to ask permission – always deny.
• 🌐 Audit “Local Network” access carefully
  Settings → Privacy & Security → Local Network. Apps with this permission can scan your home network and discover other devices. Only allow this for apps that legitimately need it (smart home controllers, media streaming to TV). Most apps requesting this are doing reconnaissance on your network.
• 🛡️ Disable background app refresh for most apps
  Settings → General → Background App Refresh. 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 refresh for messaging apps, email, and critical services. Everything else can wait until you open it.
• ⚡ Check which apps can access Health data
  Settings → Privacy & Security → Health. Your health data is extremely sensitive – weight, heart rate, sleep patterns, reproductive health, mental health. Only share with apps you absolutely trust. Revoke access from fitness apps you no longer use. This data can be sold to insurance companies or data brokers.
• 🔍 Review Bluetooth permissions
  Settings → Privacy & Security → Bluetooth. Apps with Bluetooth access can track your location via Bluetooth beacons, connect to nearby devices, or scan for tracking devices. Only allow for apps that need it (headphone controls, fitness trackers, smart home devices). Deny for everything else.
• 📱 Use iOS Privacy Report to monitor access
  Settings → Privacy & Security → App Privacy Report → Turn On. This shows which apps accessed sensitive permissions in the last 7 days, including camera, microphone, location, contacts, and photos. Review it weekly. If you see an app accessing permissions when you weren’t using it, investigate immediately and revoke access.
• 🔒 Disable Siri access for sensitive apps
  Settings → Siri & Search → [App]. Disable “Learn from this App” and “Show App in Search” for banking apps, password managers, health apps, and messaging apps. This prevents Siri from indexing sensitive content and suggesting it in search results or on your lock screen where others can see it.

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