Managing App Permissions on Android

App permissions are an essential aspect of using an Android device. They determine what data and features an application can access on your device. It is crucial to review and manage these permissions to ensure your privacy and security. In this tutorial, you will learn how to manage app permissions on Android.

Step 1: Accessing App Permissions

Open the Settings app on your Android device. You can usually find it in the app drawer or by swiping down from the notification center and tapping on the gear icon.
Scroll down and tap on Apps & notifications or similar options (varies depending on your Android version).
You will see a list of recently opened apps. Tap on the desired app to manage its permissions. If the app is not listed, tap on See all apps or App info to access a full list of installed applications.

Step 2: Reviewing App Permissions

After selecting an app, you will be presented with the app info screen. Tap on Permissions.
Now, you can see a list of all the permissions the app requests. Review each permission to understand what data or features the app can access on your device.
Some permissions may have an information icon (i) next to them. Tap on the icon to learn more about the permission and its usage by the app.

Step 3: Revoking App Permissions

To revoke a specific permission, simply toggle off the switch next to it. This will restrict the app from accessing that particular resource or feature.
Android may display a warning message about potential issues if you disable certain permissions. Carefully read the warning and consider the implications before proceeding.
Repeat this process for each permission you want to revoke.

Step 4: Resetting App Permissions

If you want to reset all permissions for a specific app to their default state, go back to the app info screen.
Tap on Permissions and then look for the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner of the screen.
Select Reset app preferences from the menu. This will reset all permission settings for that app to their initial state.

Step 5: Advanced Permission Controls (Optional)

In recent Android versions, there are additional options for managing app permissions.
From the app info screen, tap on Advanced.
Here, you may find features like Permission usage, which displays the specific resources each permission relates to. You can also enable or disable certain permissions for specific scenarios.

Conclusion

Taking control of app permissions on Android is essential for maintaining your privacy and security. By following the steps outlined in this tutorial, you can review, revoke, and reset app permissions to ensure that applications access only the necessary resources on your device.