A modern operating system Android gives users broad control over what data installed apps can receive. However, many users do not think about the fact that they gave the application access to contacts, geolocation or microphone immediately after installation, simply by clicking the “Accept” button. Over time, this leads to the accumulation of redundant rights, which can be used to collect personal information or intrusive advertising. Regularly checking and revoking unnecessary permissions is a basic element of digital hygiene that helps maintain your privacy.
The process for revoking rights may vary depending on the version of the operating system and the specific manufacturer's shell, be it pure Android from Google or proprietary interfaces from Samsung, Xiaomi or Huawei. In this article we will analyze in detail all the available access control methods: from standard system settings to using special developer modes. You will learn how to find hidden settings and which rights are critical to disable first to ensure the security of your device.
Basic access settings through the app menu
The easiest and most reliable way to manage rights is to do it directly in the card of a specific application. This method is suitable if you want to revoke access from one specific app that makes you suspicious or simply requires too much data to operate. For example, the flashlight does not need access to your contact list or call history at all.
To begin, find the icon of the desired app on the desktop or in the general list of applications. Click on it and hold your finger for a couple of seconds until the context menu appears. In this menu, select the item About the application or the icon with the letter “i” in a circle. A system window will open with detailed information about the installed app, its version and resource consumption.
In the menu that opens, find the section called "Permissions" or “Access Rights”. By clicking on it, you will see a complete list of data categories that the application has access to at the moment. The system usually divides them into groups: “Allowed”, “Request” or “Prohibited”. To remove an access right, simply click on a specific list item, for example, “Camera” or “Microphone”, and select the option Deny.
⚠️ Attention! Disabling critical permissions may lead to unstable operation of the application. For example, if you deny the messenger access to the microphone, you will not be able to send voice messages, and disabling file storage rights will prevent you from downloading pictures from chats.
After changing the settings, the system may require you to restart the application to apply the new rules. In some cases, especially on older versions Android, changes take effect instantly. It is recommended to check the functionality of the app after revoking rights to make sure that the main functionality is not affected.
☑️ Checking access rights
Global management through the Permission Manager
If your goal is to conduct a complete audit of the security of your smartphone, it is easier to use the general rights manager. This tool allows you to see the whole picture: which apps have access to the camera, who is reading your SMS and who is tracking your location. This approach is much more effective than checking each application separately.
To get to this section, open the main Settings of your smartphone. Scroll down the list to "Privacy" or “Security”. In modern versions Android (starting from 10 and higher) there is a separate subsection "Permission Manager". Here, all rights are grouped by data type, and not by application name.
Select the category you are interested in, for example, "Geolocation". You will see a list of all apps that have requested or have this right. You can quickly go through the list and disable access for those utilities that do not need the location to work. This is especially useful for games, calculators and simple text editors, which often unreasonably require access to GPS.
- 📍 Geolocation: access to the exact and approximate location of the device.
- 📷 Camera and microphone: the ability to take photos, videos and record sound in the background.
- 📞 Phone and SMS: read messages, access to the contact list and IMEI number.
- 💾 Memory: full access to files on the internal storage and SD card.
Using the manager allows you to quickly identify “greedy” applications. If you see that a dozen apps have access to the microphone, including simple alarms or notes, this is a clear cause for concern. Mass revocation of rights through this interface takes only a few minutes, but significantly increases the level of protection of personal data.
Control features in different versions of Android
The interface and logic for working with permissions changed significantly with the release of new versions of the operating system. What worked on Android 6.0 Marshmallowmay look completely different on Android 13 or 14. Understanding these differences will help you avoid getting confused in the settings and find the right switches even on non-standard firmware.
Starting from Android 10Google has introduced stricter rules for location access. Apps can now request access only while in use (“Only while using the app”) or always (“Allow all the time”). Newer versions have introduced the "Ask every time" option, which is the most secure. When you select this mode, the system will ask for your consent each time you launch a app trying to obtain coordinates.
In Android 12 and above, special switches appeared in the “curtain” of quick settings for the camera and microphone. Even if you've given an app permission, you can globally disable access to these sensors for all apps with one click. This is convenient when you want to be sure that no one is eavesdropping on your conversation, regardless of the settings of a particular software.
| Android version | Key control features | Where to look for settings |
|---|---|---|
| Android 6.0 - 9.0 | Basic control, no time detail | Settings → Applications → Permissions |
| Android 10 - 11 | Sharing access to geolocation (always/only when used) | Settings → Privacy → Permission manager |
| Android 12+ | Usage indicators, global toggles sensors | Quick settings panel + Settings → Privacy |
Owners of smartphones with proprietary skins, such as MIUI or OneUIshould pay attention to additional security features. For example, Xiaomi has a “Permission Manager” with advanced capabilities that allows you to return empty data instead of real contacts or a device ID if an application insistently requests it.
What is a “Unique ID”?
This is a unique device number that advertising networks use to track your activity across different applications. In new versions of Android, access to it is severely limited, but older applications may try to obtain it through indirect methods.
Disabling background activity and special rights
In addition to standard permissions to access data, there are so-called rights to work in the background. These settings are often hidden deeper in menus and provide applications with powerful controls over the system. Attackers or low-quality software can use them for hidden mining, displaying ads on top of other windows, or intercepting keystrokes. "Accessibility" and rights to work in the background. These settings are often hidden deeper in menus and provide applications with powerful controls over the system. Attackers or low-quality software can use them for hidden mining, displaying ads on top of other windows, or intercepting keystrokes.
To check these settings, go to Settings → Applications → Special access. Here you will find a list of apps that have the right to change system settings, overlay windows on top of other applications, or ignore power saving mode. Please study this list carefully. If you see an unknown application there or a app that clearly should not have such rights (for example, a simple calculator with the “On top of other windows” right), revoke this permission immediately.
Particular attention should be paid to the section "Access to usage data". Apps with this right can see what apps you are running and how much time you spend in them. This is often used for targeted advertising, but from a privacy perspective is an unnecessary intrusion. Disabling this right will not affect the functionality of most apps, but will close the channel for collecting statistics about your habits.
⚠️ Attention! Be careful when revoking rights in the "Accessibility" section. If you disable this right for system services or applications for people with disabilities, some of the smartphone's functions may stop working correctly.
Also check your autorun settings. On many devices, manufacturers allow applications to launch on their own immediately after turning on the phone. This results in battery consumption and background data transfer. Find the item Autostart in the application settings and disable it for all apps except instant messengers and alarm clocks.
Use the Do Not Disturb mode along with limiting background activity to completely isolate your smartphone from external influences at night without having to turn it off it.
Using Developer Mode for Advanced Control
For advanced users who want maximum control over the system, there is a menu "For developers". It is hidden by default, but activating it opens up access to subtle settings for the operation of applications, including forced stopping of background processes and emulation of permissions.
To activate this mode, go to Settings → About phone and find the item "Build number". Quickly click on it 7 times in a row until a message appears indicating that you have become a developer. After this, a new section will appear in the main settings menu "For developers".
In this section you can find an option "Do not save actions"that forces the system to completely destroy application immediately after the user closes it. This is a drastic method that ensures that the app doesn't run in the background collecting data, but it also means that the next time you launch the app, it will reload, which can be inconvenient. Also available here is a feature that emulates additional displays, which is sometimes used to test permissions in an isolated environment.
adb shell pm revoke com.example.app android.permission.CAMERAFor those familiar with USB debugging, it is possible to manage permissions through a computer using the command line ADB. The command above allows you to revoke the right to use the camera from a specific application, even if the smartphone interface blocks this action. This is a powerful tool for removing hard-wired permissions from system applications that cannot be removed in the standard way.
Developer mode gives powerful control, but unnecessarily changing settings can lead to system failures. Use it only if you understand the consequences of each action.
Automatic reset of permissions in new versions of the system
Starting with Android 11, Google has introduced an automatic permission reset feature. This is one of the most useful features for keeping the system clean without user intervention. If you haven't opened an app for several months, the system automatically revokes all previously granted access rights.
This feature works in the background and is designed to protect data from apps that you stopped using but forgot to delete. The next time you run such a app, it will ask for permission again, as if it was installed for the first time. This prevents a situation where an old application with vulnerabilities continues to have access to your data simply because it is installed on the phone.
You can check the status of this feature or disable it for important applications. Go to Settings → Applications, select the desired app and find the item "Advanced" or "Reset permissions". It will indicate when the application was last used and when permissions are scheduled to be reset. For instant messengers or banking applications, it is better to disable this function so as not to configure access every time after a long break.
- 🔄 Automation: the system itself monitors the activity applications.
- 🛡️ Security: reduces the risk of data leakage from forgotten apps.
- ⚙️ Flexibility: whitelist option for important services.
It is important to understand that an automatic reset does not delete the application itself and its data, it only resets access rights. This is a great insurance policy for those who tend to install a lot of trial versions of apps and forget about them. However, you should not rely only on automation: regular manual checks are still necessary to control actively used software.
Why are some applications not subject to automatic reset?
System applications, as well as apps assigned by device administrators or that perform critical functions (for example, antiviruses or launchers), can be excluded from the process of automatic permission reset to ensure stability system operation.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What happens if I turn off all permissions for an application?
If you revoke all rights, the application will most likely stop functioning or work in a limited mode. If you try to perform an action that requires access (for example, take a photo), the app will display an error or ask for permission again. In some cases, the application may simply close upon startup.
Is it possible to disable permissions for Google system applications?
Yes, for most system applications (Google Play Services, Google Search, etc.) you can disable some permissions, such as access to contacts or microphone. However, disabling critical rights may disrupt synchronization, voice assistant and other system functions.
Why is the “Deny” button inactive (gray)?
This can happen for two reasons. Firstly, the application uses this permission as a requirement for its operation, and the manufacturer has not provided the ability to disable it. Secondly, the application is designated as the device administrator - in this case, you must first revoke administrator rights in the security settings.
Does revoking permissions affect the smartphone warranty?
No, changing permission settings in the user menu is a standard function of the operating system and does not in any way affect the manufacturer’s warranty. You can freely control app access without the risk of losing your warranty.
How can I find out which app was using the camera while I was away?
In Android 12 and later, a green indicator appears in the top right corner of the screen when you are using the camera or microphone. If you click on this indicator or go to the control panel, the system will show which application accessed the sensor last time.