How to see which apps can use your location, camera and microphone on Android

2 min read · 4 steps · Updated 1 October 2026

Permission manager lists every permission in one place, with the apps that hold it. Ten minutes here removes most of the access that apps collected over the years and never needed.

Menu names below are from Google Pixel phones on a recent Android version. Samsung, Xiaomi and other brands rename some of them, so the Samsung name is given where it differs. The pictures are simplified diagrams of the screen, not screenshots.

Step by step

1. Open Settings and tap Security & privacy

   On older versions this entry is called Privacy.

   Done

2. Tap Privacy, then Permission manager

   Privacy dashboard, on the same page, shows which apps used the camera, microphone and location in the last 24 hours.

   Done

3. Tap a permission

   Start with Location, Camera, Microphone and Contacts. Each row says how many apps are allowed.

   Done

4. Tap an app and change its access

   Choose Allow only while using the app, Ask every time or Don't allow. For location, switch off Use precise location for apps that only need your town.

   Done

Good to know

Android removes permissions from apps you have not opened for a few months. You can see them under Permission manager, or in Apps, Unused apps.

Two switches in Privacy controls turn the camera and microphone off for every app at once. They are useful when you want to be sure.

If an app stops working after a change, it will ask again when it needs the permission.

In short: Settings, Security & privacy, Privacy, Permission manager. Go through Location, Camera, Microphone and Contacts.