Android App Permissions: What to Allow and What to Deny

By Ammar Aslam · Updated September 29, 2026 · 3 min read

When you install an app, it asks for permissions to access things like your camera, location or contacts. Allowing everything without thinking can expose your private information. Here's how to decide wisely.

The golden rule

Ask: does this app really need this to do its job? A torch app doesn't need your contacts. A calculator doesn't need your location. A photo editor needs your photos, but not your SMS messages.

Permission choices

Allow only while using the app: best choice for location, camera and microphone.
Ask every time: good for apps you use rarely.
Don't allow: for anything unnecessary.
Approximate location: apps like weather don't need your exact location.

Review permissions

Go to Settings → Security & privacy → Privacy → Permission manager (or Settings → Apps → Permissions). You'll see each permission type and which apps have it. Remove access from apps that don't need it.

Highest-risk permissions

Permission	Why it's sensitive
SMS	Can read banking OTP codes
Accessibility	Can see and control everything on screen
Display over other apps	Can show fake screens and pop-up ads
Device admin	Can make an app hard to uninstall
Install unknown apps	Can install more apps without the Play Store
Notification access	Can read all your notifications, including OTPs

Banking malware commonly asks for accessibility and SMS permissions. Only allow them for apps you fully trust, such as a known screen reader or your default SMS app.

Check special app access

In Settings → Apps → Special app access, review Device admin apps, Display over other apps, Install unknown apps and Notification access.

Auto-remove permissions for unused apps

Android can automatically remove permissions from apps you haven't used for a few months. Check that Pause app activity if unused is on in app settings.

Privacy indicators

A green dot in the top corner means an app is using your camera or microphone. Swipe down to see which one. You can also turn off camera and microphone access for all apps in Quick Settings.

Privacy dashboard

The Privacy dashboard shows which apps accessed location, camera and microphone in the last 24 hours or 7 days.

Warning signs: an app refuses to work unless you allow unrelated permissions, or asks for accessibility access without a clear reason. Uninstall it. See spotting fake apps.

What common apps actually need

App type	Reasonable permissions	Suspicious requests
Messaging (WhatsApp)	Contacts, camera, microphone, notifications	Accessibility
Maps and ride apps	Location (while using)	SMS, call logs
Photo editors	Selected photos	Contacts, location, SMS
Games	Notifications (optional)	Contacts, SMS, location
Torch, calculator	Camera (torch only)	Almost anything else
Banking apps	Camera for cheques/QR, notifications, SMS for OTP on some	Accessibility

If an app requests something that doesn't fit its purpose, deny it. Most good apps keep working and explain why they need a permission when it matters.

Photo and video access

Newer Android versions let you grant access to selected photos only. Use this for apps where you only upload a few images, like marketplace or social apps. It prevents the app from scanning your entire gallery.

A 5-minute monthly permission check

Open the Privacy dashboard and look for unexpected camera, microphone or location use.
Check Special app access for Accessibility, Device admin and Display over other apps.
Remove apps you no longer use.
Run a Play Protect scan.

This quick routine catches most privacy problems before they become serious.

Frequently asked questions

Will apps break if I deny permissions?

Some features may not work, but the app will ask again when needed.

Do iPhones have similar controls?

Yes. See iPhone privacy settings.

Ammar Aslam
Ammar writes clear, practical tech guides that help everyday users fix problems, stay safe online and get more from their devices.