How to review and reduce app permissions on your phone

Reading is great. Tracking makes it stick. Sign up for a free Dashboard to tick off tasks and see your Security Score.

Get my free Dashboard →

Cyber Nova AI helps you prepare for Cyber Essentials. It doesn't award or certify it. Follow the steps here to get ready, then apply for certification through an accredited Cyber Essentials body when you're set.

User AccessMedium priority

About 20 minutes to complete

Check which apps have access to your location, camera, microphone, and contacts, and remove any permissions that are not needed. Many apps request more access than they actually need to function.

Step-by-step guide

On iPhone: go to Settings → Privacy & Security. Review each category (Location Services, Camera, Microphone, Contacts) and tap each one to see which apps have access.
On Android: go to Settings → Privacy → Permission Manager. Review each permission type and see which apps have access.
For each app, ask: does this app genuinely need this permission to do its job? A navigation app needs location. A photo editor needs the camera. Most other apps do not.
Remove permissions that are not needed by setting them to 'Never' or 'Ask Next Time.' The app will still work for its core function.
Pay particular attention to location permissions: set apps to 'Only While Using' rather than 'Always On' unless the app specifically requires background location (such as a navigation app).

5 steps

Why this matters

Apps frequently request access to your location, camera, microphone, and contacts, even when those permissions have nothing to do with the app's function. A torch app does not need your location. A game does not need your contacts. Unnecessary permissions create privacy risks and can allow data to be collected and sold without your knowledge. Reviewing permissions takes twenty minutes and is a meaningful improvement.

How to confirm it worked

The setting is saved and active on your device
You have tested it works before closing the page

Tick this task off in your Dashboard to update your Security Score.

Want a device-specific walkthrough?

Android: See our full guide to Android app permissions →
Windows: Review your Windows privacy and app permissions →

Need step-by-step instructions? How to review app permissions on Android →

Related security tasks

Track your security score for free

Create a free Cyber Nova AI account to tick off tasks like this one, see your Security Score, and stay on top of what you've done and what's still to do.

Start your free security check