Android · Recovery Guide
How to Stop Apps Spying Through Your Android Camera and Microphone
Learn how to stop unwanted apps from accessing your camera and microphone, boosting your privacy on Android.
Review App Permissions
The easiest way to stop an app from spying is to revoke its access to your camera and microphone if it doesn't genuinely need it. This doesn't remove the app, but it prevents future access.
- Go to Settings.
- Tap Apps.
- Select the app you want to check.
- Tap Permissions.
- Locate Camera and Microphone. If they are listed under 'Allowed', tap on each and choose Don't allow or Ask every time.
Consider choosing 'Ask every time' for sensitive permissions. This way, the app will prompt you each time it tries to use your camera or microphone.
Use the Privacy Dashboard
Android's Privacy Dashboard gives you a quick overview of which apps have accessed your camera and microphone in the last 24 hours. This can help identify suspicious activity.
- Go to Settings.
- Tap Privacy, then Privacy Dashboard.
- From here, you can see recent access to your camera and microphone.
- Tap on Camera or Microphone to see a detailed timeline of which apps accessed them and when.
- If you spot an app with suspicious access, tap on it and then Manage permissions to revoke access.
On Samsung One UI, the Privacy Dashboard might be found under Settings -> Security and privacy -> Privacy.
Remove Unused or Suspicious Apps
If you find an app that you don't use, or one that has unnecessary camera or microphone permissions, the safest option is to remove it entirely from your device.
- Go to Settings.
- Tap Apps, then See all apps.
- Scroll through the list and identify any apps you don't recognise or no longer use.
- Tap on the app you wish to remove.
- Tap Uninstall and confirm your choice.
Be cautious when reviewing apps. Only uninstall apps you are certain are not essential for your phone's operation or other apps you rely on.
Perform a Safety Check
Google's Safety Check can help you manage your privacy settings and review your device's security status, including app permissions, all in one place.
- Go to Settings.
- Tap Privacy & security.
- Tap Safety check.
- Review sections like 'App access' and 'Third-party apps'.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to manage any identified issues or revoke unwanted permissions.
Regularly performing a Safety Check or reviewing your Privacy Dashboard can help you stay on top of your app permissions and overall device security.