Devices and protection
Check which apps can use your camera, microphone and location
A flashlight app does not need your contacts. A game does not need your microphone. But they may have them.
1 min readChecklist
The short version
Apps ask for access to your camera, microphone, location and contacts. A few minutes reviewing those permissions closes doors you may not know are open.
Why it matters
Apps ask for permissions when they are installed or first used. It is easy to tap “Allow” without thinking. Over time, a phone or laptop can collect apps with access to far more than they need, including some you no longer use.
Where to check
- iPhone and iPad: Settings, then Privacy & Security. Each type of access, such as Camera, Microphone and Location Services, lists the apps that have it.
- Android: Settings, then Security & privacy or Privacy, then Permission manager.
- Windows: Settings, then Privacy & security, then the camera, microphone and location pages.
- Mac: System Settings, then Privacy & Security.
What to look for
- Camera and microphone: only apps you use for calls, video or photos.
- Location: “While using the app” is usually enough. Few apps need location all the time.
- Contacts, photos and files: only apps that clearly need them.
- Apps you do not recognize or no longer use: remove them.
Signs to watch for
Phones and computers show an indicator, such as a small light or colored dot, when the camera or microphone is in use. If it appears when you are not using either, check which app is responsible.
Talk to us about your technology
Tell us what you run today and what is getting in the way. We will get back to you about how we can help.