How to manage Android app permissions

Control which apps can access your camera, location, contacts, and other sensitive data on Android. Step-by-step permission management guide.

1. Open Android Settings. Tap the Settings app on your home screen or app drawer. On most Android devices, this appears as a gear icon. Alternatively, swipe down from the top of your screen twice and tap the gear icon in the quick settings panel.
2. Navigate to app permissions. Scroll down and tap "Apps" or "Application Manager" depending on your Android version. On newer Android versions, you may see "Apps & notifications" instead. The exact menu name varies by manufacturer but will contain the word "Apps."
3. Select permission management method. Choose between two approaches: tap "Permission manager" to view all permissions by type, or select a specific app from the list to manage its individual permissions. Permission manager shows which apps have access to each system feature like Camera or Location.
4. Review and modify permissions. If using Permission manager, tap a permission type like "Camera" to see all apps with camera access. Toggle apps off to revoke access or on to grant it. If managing individual app permissions, tap the app name, then "Permissions" to see all requested permissions.
5. Set permission behavior. For each permission, choose "Allow," "Don't allow," or "Ask every time" where available. Some permissions offer "Allow only while using app" for location and camera access. This prevents background access when you're not actively using the app.
6. Configure auto-reset for unused apps. Return to the main Apps settings and look for "Unused apps" or "Permission auto-reset." Enable this feature to automatically revoke permissions from apps you haven't used in several months. Android 11 and newer include this feature by default.
7. Monitor permission requests. When installing new apps or updating existing ones, review permission requests carefully. Deny unnecessary permissions during setup. You can always grant permissions later when the app specifically needs them for a feature you want to use.