How to Find Out Which Android Apps Have Used Your Camera or Microphone

Your phone contains a camera, microphone, location services, and a considerable amount of personal information. Many applications need access to some of these features to work properly. But you may not remember which permissions you granted months ago.

Android includes a Privacy dashboard that can help you review permission activity.

Open the Privacy dashboard

On supported Android devices:

• Open Settings.
• Select Security and privacy or Privacy.
• Find Privacy dashboard.
• Select the permission you want to investigate.

Menu names vary depending on the Android version and phone manufacturer. Google explains that the dashboard can show which applications accessed particular permissions and when that access occurred.

Check camera access

Select Camera in the dashboard. Review the applications listed. A video-calling application accessing the camera during a call is expected. An unfamiliar application appearing in the history deserves closer investigation. However, an entry alone does not prove malicious behavior.

Check microphone access

Repeat the process for Microphone. Consider whether each application's access matches how you use it. For example, a voice-recording application needs microphone access to record audio. An application that has no apparent reason to use your microphone may not need that permission.

Change unnecessary permissions

Select the application and review its permission options. Depending on the permission and Android version, you may be able to allow access only while using the application, require permission each time, or deny access.

Choose the setting that matches the application's legitimate purpose. Remember that denying a required permission can prevent certain features from working. You can reverse the change later through the application's settings.

The bottom line

You do not need a separate privacy-cleaning application to review basic Android permissions. Start with the built-in Privacy dashboard and make informed decisions about which applications should access your phone's sensors.

Sources and further reading

Google — Manage permissions from the Privacy dashboard: https://support.google.com/android/answer/13530434