A permission you deny can always be granted again. Start strict, and loosen access only when an app genuinely needs it.
Review app permissions by type
Android 10 or later · path varies by brand- Open Settings > Security & privacy > Privacy > Permission manager. On Samsung: Settings > Security and privacy > Permission manager. Older versions: Settings > Privacy.
- Tap Location, then each app. Choose Allow only while using the app or Ask every time where possible.
- On Android 12 or later, switch off Use precise location for apps that only need your town, such as weather.
- Repeat for Camera, Microphone and Contacts.
Android 11 introduced one-time permissions and automatic removal of permissions from apps you have not used for a few months. Android 12 added camera and microphone tiles to Quick Settings, plus a green dot in the corner when either is active.
Undo it: return to the app's entry and choose a broader option. Apps also ask again when they need access.
Tune location on iPhone
iOS 14 or later- Open Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services.
- Tap an app and choose While Using the App, Ask Next Time Or When I Share or Never.
- Switch off Precise Location for apps that only need an approximate area.
Decide whether apps may ask to track you
iOS 14.5 or laterApp Tracking Transparency requires apps to ask before linking your activity with data from other companies' apps and websites. If you always answer no, you can stop the prompts entirely: open Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking and switch off Allow Apps to Request to Track. Apps are then told you declined.
Undo it: switch the toggle back on. Individual apps listed on that screen can be enabled separately.
Limit what shows on the lock screen
On iPhone, open Settings > Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode) and review Allow Access When Locked; turning off Control Center there stops someone switching on Airplane Mode without unlocking. On iOS 17.3 or later, consider Stolen Device Protection on the same screen. On Android, search Settings for Notifications on lock screen and choose to hide sensitive content.
Check what apps actually accessed
| Tool | Android | iPhone |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Privacy dashboard | App Privacy Report |
| Version | Android 12 or later | iOS 15.2 or later |
| Where | Settings > Security & privacy > Privacy | Settings > Privacy & Security |
| Shows | Location, camera and microphone use over 24 hours (7 days on recent Pixel) | Data and sensor access plus network activity over 7 days |
On iPhone, Safety Check (iOS 16 or later), under Privacy & Security, walks you through who and what has access to your information and lets you reset it quickly.
Tidy your browser's site permissions
- Chrome: Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings. Review camera, microphone, location and notifications, and remove sites you no longer use.
- Firefox: Settings > Privacy & Security. Enhanced Tracking Protection is on by default; Permissions are further down.
- Safari: on iPhone, Settings > Apps > Safari (or Settings > Safari on earlier iOS) and confirm Prevent Cross-Site Tracking is on.
Undo it: click the site information icon beside the address bar to grant a permission again for that site.
Version caveats
Settings paths change between Android skins and iOS releases; Apple moved app settings under Settings > Apps in iOS 18. Work or school devices managed through mobile device management may lock some options. Denying permissions can disable features such as navigation or video calls until you allow them again.