Change app permissions on your Android phone

 Learn how to update your app permissions with step-by-step visual guides.

You can allow some apps to use various features on your device, such as your camera or contacts list. An app will send a notification to ask for permission to use features on your device, which you can Allow or Deny. You can also change permissions for a single app or by permission type in your device's settings.

Important: Some of these steps work only on Android 11 and up. Learn how to check your Android version.

1. On your device, open the Settings app.
2. Tap Apps.
3. Tap the app you want to change. If you can't find it, tap See all apps. Then, choose your app.
4. Tap Permissions.
   • If you allowed or denied any permissions for the app, you’ll find them here.
5. To change a permission setting, tap it, then choose Allow or Don't allow.

For location, camera, and microphone permissions, you may be able to choose:

• All the time: For location only. The app can use the permission at any time, even when you’re not using the app.
• Allow only while using the app: The app can use the permission only when you're using that app.
• Ask every time: Every time you open the app, it'll ask to use the permission. It can use the permission until you’re done with the app.
• Don't allow: The app cannot use the permission, even when you’re using the app.

You can check which apps have the same permission setting. For example, you can check which apps have permission to check your calendar.

1. On your device, open the Settings app.
2. Tap Security & Privacy Privacy Permission manager.
3. Tap a permission type.
   • If you allowed or denied permission to any apps, you’ll find them here.
4. To change an app’s permission, tap the app, then choose your permission settings.

Below is a list of permissions and what they do when turned on for an app.

• Body sensors: Access sensor info about your vital signs.
• Calendar: Access your calendar.
• Call logs: Read and write your phone call log.
• Camera: Take pictures and record videos.
• Contacts: Access your contacts.
• Files: Access all files on your device.
• Location: Access your device’s location. Learn about location settings.
• Microphone: Record audio.
• Music and audio: Access music and other audio files on your device.
• Nearby devices: Find, connect to, and determine the relative position of nearby devices. Learn how to find and set up nearby devices.
• Notifications: Send notifications.
• Phone: Make and manage phone calls.
• Photos and videos: Access photos and videos on your device.
• Physical activity: Access your physical activity, like walking, biking, driving, step count, and more.
• SMS: Send and check SMS messages.

1. On your device, open the Settings app.
2. Tap Apps.
3. Tap the app you want to change.
   • If you can't find it, tap See all apps. Then, choose your app.
4. Under "Unused app settings," turn on Pause app activity if unused.

1. On your device, open the Settings app.
2. Tap Security & privacy Privacy Privacy controls.
3. Turn off Camera access or Microphone access.