How to check which apps can see your camera, location and more

Some of the apps on your phone may have more access to your camera, location, photos and contacts than they need. Both iPhone and Android make it easy to check. A quick review can shut off access that an app has no good reason to have.

Why it matters

Most apps need some permissions to work. A request for your camera, location, text messages or files does not mean an app is unsafe. Still, it is worth asking why the app wants it, especially if the request has little to do with what the app does. Android and iOS have built-in protections that detect and block malicious apps, but some apps can still be a risk if they can reach sensitive information.

Both systems also show when something is in use. An iPhone shows a green dot when the camera is on, an orange dot when an app is listening through the microphone and a blue location icon when an app checks where you are. Android uses similar status bar icons. Swiping down to the quick settings panel shows which app is using these features.

On iPhone

Go to Settings > Privacy & Security. Each permission type is listed with the number of apps using it. Tap Microphone, for example, and you see every app allowed to use it. Turn the toggle off next to an app to revoke access. The steps are the same on iOS 27 and iPadOS 27.

• For location, choose Allow Once for a temporary grant, or Allow While Using App for a service you trust.
• Apps like Google Maps or Uber may work best with Precise Location and Always, but you can dial that back per app.
• For your camera roll, choose Limited Access and pick only the photos and videos you want to share.

If you turn on App Privacy Report, you can also see which apps have accessed your data and sensors, and which domains (web addresses) they contact and when.

On Android

The easiest route is the app's App info page. Long-tap the app icon and tap the i. You can also go to Settings > Apps > See all apps and pick the app. Tap Permissions, choose a data type, then select Allow or Don't allow. Location lets you choose All the time or Allow only while using the app. Menu labels vary by manufacturer.

Android also has a Privacy dashboard. It shows each permission type and which apps used it in the past 24 hours. Look for it in the Security and privacy section of Settings, or type its name into the search box.

What to do

• Open your phone's privacy settings and scan each permission for apps that do not fit.
• Switch location from Always to while using the app where you can.
• Check what an app may ask for in the Play Store or App Store before you install it.