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Every time I download a new app, I check the permissions it requests. Many apps genuinely need certain access to specific features, like your location, contacts, and so on, but others go far beyond this.
Taking a moment to check app permissions can save you a whole bunch of privacy and security problems later!
App Permissions Can Be a Privacy Nightmare
App permissions are essentially requests to access different parts of your device—your camera, microphone, location, contacts, and more. While they seem innocent enough, these permissions can be a way to access your personal data if you’re not careful or don’t knowhow Android app permissions work.
I’ve seen flashlight apps requesting access to contacts and photo gallery apps wanting precise location. It makes absolutely no sense, yet many of us blindly accept them without a second thought. This carelessness is exactly what some developers are counting on.
The truth is, many apps request far more access than they actually need to function. A simple weather app might legitimately need your location, but does it really need access to your call history? I don’t think so. When apps gain unnecessary access to your personal information, they can harvest data that gets sold to advertisers or, worse, potentially used for identity theft.
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What’s frustrating is how some developers intentionally design apps to collect as much user data as possible. It’s not just about improving your experience but about monetizing your information. I’ve uninstalled some apps after discovering they were collecting data completely unrelated to their core functionality.
The risks go beyond just privacy concerns. Excessive permissions can drain your battery, use your data allowance, or compromise your device’s security. So, being vigilant about app permissions isn’t just good practice; it’s important.
How to Check App Permissions Before Installing
I’ve developed a routine for vetting apps before I install them, and it saves me from privacy headaches. Checking permissions takes just a minute but can protect you from months of unwanted data collection. Here’s the process for Google Play, which you can adapt for other app stores, too.
If you’re unsure about the process, take a look at our guide onhow to download and update apps on Androidfor more guidance.
If you use iOS, the App Store works slightly differently, but the concept is the same—always check what you agree to before hitting that install button. However, Apple’s app ecosystem is generally more secure than Android’s. Still, it’s always worthchecking your iPhone and iPad app permissions.
When reviewing permissions, I’m immediately suspicious of any app that requests access to features completely unrelated to its function. Any app wanting access to SMS messages, call logs, or precise location should make you pause and reconsider—unless there’s an obvious reason why it needs this information.
Storage and camera permissions are generally safer, especially if the app’s purpose requires them. However, I always consider whether an app needs constant access or if I can just grant permission when needed.
How I Manage Permissions for Apps I’ve Already Installed
Installing an app with the right permissions is only half the battle. Many apps sneakily request additional permissions after updates, hoping you won’t notice. For example, a game that initially only needed storage access might suddenly want your location and contacts after an update. That’s why I regularly audit the permissions of apps I’ve already installed.
I set a semiannual reminder to check what permissions my apps currently have. Here’s the step-by-step process for Android devices:
For iPhone users, the process is similar—just head toSettings > Privacy & Security, then select each permission type to review which apps have access.
What I’ve found most effective is switching permissions from “Allow all the time” to “Allow only while using the app” whenever possible. Location tracking is particularly important to limit, as some apps track movements in the background for no legitimate reason.
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I’ve learned that the safest approach is to be highly selective. I prefer the “Ask every time” option when available for certain sensitive permissions like camera and microphone access. Yes, it means tapping an extra prompt occasionally, but it prevents any app from accessing my camera without my knowledge. Taking a fewsteps to make my phone usage securehas given me peace of mind without much inconvenience.
Eventually, you develop an instinct for which permissions are reasonable. The few extra seconds it takes to review permissions before hitting install might save you from becoming another unwitting data point in someone else’s profit model.
