Apps and Privacy: Learn which apps to grant permissions to only during use.

Android Guides » Android tutorials » Apps and Privacy: Learn which apps to grant permissions to only during use.

The use of Android devices In our daily lives, it's so common that we rarely stop to think about the amount of personal information that installed applications can manage. Nowadays, the privacy and security of our data is a priority, and therefore it's essential to know and control it. which applications we allow access to sensitive phone features, as well as understanding the different types of permits and how to manage them correctly to minimize risks.

The Android operating system has made significant progress in recent years in terms of protecting user privacy and granting permissions. Therefore, a detailed analysis is necessary. What permissions apps require, which ones should be granted only at the time of use, and how to modify these permissions to protect our data from unauthorized access, malicious applications, or misuse of personal information.

Which apps to grant permissions to only when using them

In accordance with the latest recommendations on data protection and the evolution of Android, it is a priority Grant sensitive permissions only while the app is in use. This means that:

• Apps that use locationNavigation, maps, transportation, or delivery apps should only be allowed to access your GPS during active use. Leaving location enabled in the background not only impacts privacy but also battery consumption.
• Apps that require access to the microphone or cameraVideo calling, messaging, and social media apps must only be allowed to use the microphone or camera when the user requests it (for example, when recording audio or taking a photo). This prevents hidden recordings or unauthorized captures when the app is closed or in the background.
• Apps with integrated payments or access to banking functionsPermissions to make payments, transfers, or in-app purchases should only be enabled when you're actually going to make the transaction. Keeping them enabled permanently can pose a risk to fraudulent apps or malware.
• Apps that access SMS messages and callsMost apps only need these permissions for SMS code verification or two-factor authentication. They should only be active for the duration of the specific transaction, not permanently.
• Social networks that request access to photos and media filesInstagram, Tinder, Facebook, or any app that allows you to upload images should only have access to your photos when you choose to share content from your gallery. This way, you prevent them from browsing your entire internal storage in the background.

Allowing access only when the app is in use not only protects your information and privacy, but also contributes to save battery y reduce mobile data consumption generated by hidden background processes.

Types of permissions that apps can request on Android

On Android, permissions are grouped into several categories based on the type of information and the level of access they provide. Below, we detail the main permissions that an application may require, with examples and possible associated risks:

• Camera: Allows you to take photos and record videos. Risk: Malicious apps can capture images or videos without the user's knowledge.
• Microphone: Allows audio recording. Risk: Possible hidden recordings or surveillance via the microphone.
• Location: Access to geographic location via GPS, mobile networks, or Wi-Fi. Exposure to continuous location tracking or movement profiling.
• Contacts: Read and modify stored contacts. Risk of address book theft, identity theft, or spam.
• Storage: Read, modify, delete, or share files stored on internal memory or an SD card. This may facilitate unauthorized access to photos, documents, and other private data.
• Call and SMS logs: Read, send, or receive messages and access call logs. Risk of use for fraud, unintentional subscriptions, or spam.
• Calendar: Access, edit, or create calendar events. You can filter out commitments or relevant personal information.
• Bluetooth: Discover and connect to nearby devices. Risk: Attacks or unauthorized access attempts via Bluetooth connections.
• Body sensors: Access to data from activity, health, heart rate, or step tracking devices. Sensitive personal information for workouts or routines.
• Physical activity: Monitoring movement, steps, distance, sports routines.
• Full Internet access: Allows continuous background data sharing. Potential risk of data consumption, exposure to intrusive ads, or malware.

It's important to keep in mind that, although many permissions are necessary for apps to function properly, sometimes certain developers request more permissions than strictly necessary, for advertising, commercial, or even malicious purposes.

Risks of granting excessive permissions to applications

Granting permits indiscriminately can have serious consequences for user privacy and security:

• Theft of personal information: Malicious apps can access your contacts, location, messages, files, and even make payments without your consent.
• Involuntary subscriptions: There are apps that, with SMS or call permissions, can sign you up for high-cost premium services without your permission.
• Surveillance and profiling: By granting access to sensors, microphone, camera, or location, you allow the creation of behavioral or location profiles that can be sold to third parties.
• Phishing and targeted attacks: The extracted information can be used for targeted phishing campaigns or social engineering attacks.
• File hijacking: With access to storage, malware can encrypt your documents and demand a ransom for their recovery.
• Risk to family members and minors: Open permissions can make it easier to accidentally access and spend money, especially in games or apps with in-app purchases.

These risks make it essential to carefully select each permission granted and periodically review the active authorizations on your device.

How to manage and change app permissions on Android

The Android system allows you to review and modify the permissions granted to each app at any time. There are two basic ways to do this:

1. Managing permissions by application
   • Opens Settings on your device.
   • Go to Applications.
   • Select the desired app.
   • Sign in Permissions and activate or deactivate each one as you consider necessary.
2. Global management by type of permit
   • From Settings, access Applications o Applications and notifications.
   • Look for the option Permissions manager o App permissions.
   • You can see which apps have access to each type of permission (location, microphone, SMS, etc.) and selectively revoke them.

On Android, permission management is flexible, allowing:

• Always allow (e.g. location tracking apps).
• Allow only during app use.
• Ask for confirmation every time.
• Do not allow (full block).

To maintain privacy, it is recommended to choose allow only when used For all apps that don't require continuous tracking (such as games, cameras, banking apps, etc.), it's important to note that if you deny a permission required for the app's primary function, the app may not function properly or may request permission again when attempting to run that specific function.

Automatically remove permissions from unused apps

Android includes a feature that allows Automatically revoke permissions on applications that are not used for an extended periodThis helps reduce the attack surface and unauthorized access to personal data by long-installed and no longer used apps.

1. Accede to Settings > Applications.
2. Select the desired app.
3. Look for “Unused Apps Settings.”
4. Activate the option "Pause app activity if not in use".

With this, the system will automatically remove sensitive permissions from the app if you don't use it for a while, strengthening the defense against abusive or stealthy access.

How to disable the camera or microphone globally on Android

For extra precautionary situations, Android allows revoke global camera or microphone access for all appsThis is useful, for example, during confidential meetings, periods of extreme privacy, or when suspecting a possible cyberattack:

• Opens Settings > Privacy policy.
• Deactivate the optionCamera access" I "Microphone access".

These options block these sensors in all apps until you re-enable them. However, it's recommended to restore access only when you're certain you need to use these features.

Good practices for deciding which permissions to grant

When installing or using an application, follow these instructions: Recommendations for managing permits responsibly:

• Download apps only from official and trusted sourcesThe Google Play Store implements additional security checks, although they are not infallible.
• Check the developer. Download only official versions and be wary of clones or apps with low download rates.
• Read the permissions before installingAlthough the Play Store no longer displays all permissions before installation, always review permissions from Settings after installing any app.
• Reevaluate permitsIf an app requests access to data that doesn't seem necessary for its function (for example, flashlight apps requesting access to contacts), deny it or look for alternatives.
• Do periodic cleaning. Delete apps you don't use and review the permissions of the remaining ones.
• Protect minors. Set up parental controls and avoid leaving permissions open in children's games and apps.
• Deactivate premium or special rate services to prevent SMS or paid call fraud, especially relevant if you've granted permissions to untrusted apps.

Most dangerous permits and when to avoid them

Some permissions pose a particularly high risk if granted to applications of dubious origin, including:

• Administrator permission: Allows an app to change passwords, lock your phone, or reset it. Only grant this permission to trusted security apps.
• Root permissions: They give you full access to the operating system, allowing you to control the entire device. Never grant root access unless you know what you're doing and fully trust the developer.
• Access to todos los archivos (MANAGE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE): Should only be used in file management, backup, antivirus, or migration apps. Google Play restricts and closely monitors this permission.

Avoid, as much as possible, granting administrative or root permissions to any app that isn't absolutely essential for device management or threat protection.

Permissions and privacy on other systems: differences with iOS

While this article focuses on Android, it's helpful to know that platforms like iOS (iPhone/iPad) also allow you to manage permissions for microphone, camera, location, contacts, photos, Bluetooth, and more from Settings > Privacy & Security. The main difference is that Apple typically displays pop-up messages whenever an app requests a permission and allows it to be revoked at any time, increasing transparency for the user.

When is it necessary to grant advanced or special permissions?

Only a few legitimate apps require special permissions:

• Backup and restore apps: They need full file access to ensure that all your photos, documents, and settings can be saved and restored.
• Document management or antivirus applications: require advanced permissions to scan, organize, and protect files system-wide.
• File managers: to search, edit, move and manage files outside of the app's dedicated space.
• Content migration apps: When changing phones, they require global access to transfer data to a new device.

In these cases, always check reviews, the developer's reputation, and privacy policies before accepting elevated permissions.

Frequently asked questions about permission management on Android

• What happens if I deny permissions to an app? The app may stop working for certain functions, but it shouldn't affect other independent functions. If the experience is affected, you can grant permission on a one-off basis when you really need it.
• Should I be worried about pre-installed apps? Some manufacturer apps may have open permissions by default. It's a good idea to review them and, if you don't need them, disable or uninstall them if possible.
• Can an app bypass my permission restrictions? New Android and Google Play policies make unauthorized access much more difficult. Always make sure to keep your system and apps updated to benefit from the latest security improvements.
• Can I limit internet access for apps? Yes, in many customization layers (and third-party apps) you can prevent certain apps from accessing the internet, which helps avoid unnecessary ads or syncs.

Controlling the permissions granted to your apps is a crucial step toward enjoying a secure, private, and controlled Android device. By carefully choosing which apps have access to your data and limiting these permissions to the time of use, you minimize the risks e you increase your protection against digital threats, abusive apps, and unexpected events that can affect your privacy.

Related articles:

How to Restore Deleted Apps on Android: Complete Guide to Recovering Your Apps