{"id":9584,"date":"2018-12-08T09:00:20","date_gmt":"2018-12-08T17:00:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/?p=9584"},"modified":"2024-01-25T11:40:03","modified_gmt":"2024-01-25T19:40:03","slug":"how-to-review-permissions-given-to-your-mobile-apps","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-review-permissions-given-to-your-mobile-apps\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Review Permissions Given to Your Mobile Apps"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you are anything like millions of other mobile device users, you probably spend most of your time using apps. Recent studies<\/a> have shown that, on average, we spend a little over three hours each day interacting with mobile apps. Mobile apps can be used for just about everything, from checking the news to playing games to keeping in touch with friends and family. While we all want to trust the companies that make these apps not to overreach and collect more data than needed, it isn\u2019t always the case. It is a good idea to spend some time reviewing your apps and the permissions you grant them.
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What are App Permissions?<\/h2>\n

Whenever you download an app, it requests certain permissions from you, like being able to access your contact list or your camera. These permissions are generally required for the app to function as it should. For example, Facebook Messenger requests access for your phone\u2019s camera. This is not so it can take pictures without your knowledge, but because the app allows you to share photos with your contacts immediately after you take them.
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Which Permissions Should You Disallow?<\/h2>\n

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to which permissions you should disallow and which you should keep. It all comes down to comfort level, which features you actually use, and personal preference. For example, a person who never uses voice to text features may want to revoke permissions granted to Facebook Messenger for access to the microphone. Other users may find that feature invaluable. Generally speaking, if you don\u2019t plan to use a feature that has requested access to part of your mobile device, feel free to disallow it. If you aren\u2019t sure why an app requires permission to access part of your mobile device, you may be able to find the answer on the developer\u2019s page. Additional insight into how the feature works with the app can help you decide if you want to continue granting it access.
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Reviewing Android App Permissions<\/h2>\n

Reviewing and revoking permissions on Android devices is relatively simple:<\/p>\n