Which apps can access your camera, microphone or location on Android?

A quick check in Android's own settings – and how to keep an eye on it over time.

Updated 8 October 2026

Every Android app has to ask before it may use your camera, microphone, location, contacts and other personal data. Over the years most phones collect dozens of apps, and it's easy to lose track of which ones you said yes to. Here is how to check.

Check it in Android's settings

On most phones with Android 12 or later:

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Security & privacy → Privacy → Permission manager. On Samsung phones it's Security and privacy → Permission manager; on older versions look under Apps → Permissions.
3. Tap a kind of access, for example Camera. You see three lists: allowed all the time, allowed only while in use and not allowed.
4. Tap an app to change its access, or choose Don't allow.

Tip: the Privacy dashboard (in the same Privacy menu) shows which apps actually used your location, camera or microphone recently.

Don't forget special access

Some powerful kinds of access aren't in the permission manager. Check them under Settings → Apps → Special app access (the name differs slightly per brand):

• Display over other apps – the app can draw on top of other apps.
• Install unknown apps – the app may install other apps.
• All files access – the app can read and change all files on your phone.
• Usage access – the app can see which apps you use and for how long.
• Notification access – the app can read all your notifications.
• Device admin apps – the app can, for example, lock or wipe the phone.

Accessibility services, which can read the screen and act for you, are listed under Settings → Accessibility.

What Android doesn't tell you

The settings show today's situation only. They don't show since when an app has access, or which update made it start asking for something new. If an app you've had for years suddenly wants your location after an update, nothing in Android points that out.

Keep an eye on it with UpdateMonitor

UpdateMonitor's Permissions tab lists, per kind of access, every app that actually has it – with the date it was added and the newest ones marked. In the update history a small shield shows when an update adds or removes permissions, and you can turn on a warning for exactly that. The app has no internet permission, so this overview stays on your phone.

Frequently asked questions

Does "asks for it" mean an app can use it?

No. An app can request a permission without you ever allowing it. UpdateMonitor shows those apps separately from the ones that really have access.

Can UpdateMonitor turn permissions off?

No, only Android can do that. UpdateMonitor shows the overview and takes you to the right Android settings screen with one tap.