Android permissions control whether apps can access sensitive parts of the phone such as camera, microphone, location, contacts, files, and nearby devices. You can review permissions by app or by permission type.
These steps apply to Android 12 through 15 on Samsung, Pixel, Motorola, and similar phones.
Does This Affect You?
Use this if an app asks for access and you are unsure, or if you want to audit permissions you already granted.
Check Permissions for One App
- Open Settings.
- Tap Apps.
- Choose the app you want to inspect.
- Tap Permissions.
- Review Allowed and Not allowed permissions.
- Tap a permission to change it.
- Choose options such as Allow all the time, Allow only while using, Ask every time, Only this time, or Don’t allow, depending on the permission.
See Which Apps Have One Permission
- Open Settings.
- Tap Privacy or Security and privacy.
- Open Permission manager.
- Choose a permission such as Camera, Location, Microphone, or Contacts.
- Review allowed and denied apps.
- Tap any app to change access.
Privacy Signals and Safety Nets
Green Dot
A green indicator appears when an app is actively using the camera or microphone. Swipe down and tap it or check Permission Manager to see which app is involved.
One-Time Access
For camera, microphone, or location, choose Only this time when you need temporary access but do not want to grant ongoing permission.
Automatic Permission Removal
Android can remove permissions from apps you have not used in months. Check the app permissions screen if you want to enable or disable that behavior for one app.
Samsung Usage Timeline
Samsung adds a permissions usage timeline under Security and privacy so you can see recent permission activity in more detail.
Permission Judgment Tips
Be strict with location, microphone, contacts, SMS, and accessibility requests unless the app clearly needs them. If an app stops working after permission removal, it will usually ask again when it needs that access.
Sources
- Google Support: Control what information you share with apps on Android
- Google Support: App permissions on Android