What are app permissions?
When you download an app on a phone or tablet, it often asks for permission to use parts of your device — like your camera, microphone, location, contacts, or photos. These are called app permissions. They are the app’s way of asking: "Can I access this part of your device?"
Some permissions make complete sense. A maps app needs your location to give you directions. A video call app needs your camera and microphone. But when an app asks for permissions that have nothing to do with what it does — like a simple calculator asking for your contacts and microphone — that is a serious red flag.
Granting unnecessary permissions can put your privacy at risk. An app with access to your microphone could potentially listen to your conversations. An app with access to your location could track everywhere you go. Always think carefully before tapping "Allow."
Ask before you allow: Always check with a trusted adult before granting any app permission. You can also go into your device settings at any time to turn off permissions you no longer want to give.
Common permissions and when they make sense
- Location
- Maps, navigation, weather apps
- Games, calculators, flashlight apps
- Camera
- Photo apps, video call apps
- Games, music apps, shopping apps
- Microphone
- Voice call apps, voice assistant apps
- Games, drawing apps, calculators
- Contacts
- Messaging apps (with caution)
- Games, entertainment apps, utilities
- Photos
- Photo editing apps, social apps
- Games, calculators, weather apps
- Notifications
- Most apps (low risk)
- Apps that send excessive or misleading alerts
How to manage permissions
The good news is that you are in control of app permissions. Here is how to manage them:
- When installing an app: Read each permission request carefully. If a permission does not make sense for what the app does, deny it.
- After installing: Go to your device’s Settings app, find the app, and review its permissions. You can turn off any permission at any time.
- When in doubt: Ask a trusted adult to help you decide whether a permission is appropriate.
- Principle of least privilege: Only grant the minimum permissions an app needs to work. Do not give extra access "just in case."
Key words to remember
- App permission
- Location permission
- Microphone permission
- Principle of least privilege
- Permission review
Match each permission to when it makes sense
App permissions — quiz
A simple drawing app asks for permission to use your microphone. What should you do?
- Allow it — all apps need the microphone
- Deny it and ask a trusted adult why it would need that
- Delete your device
- Share the app with friends
Answer: Deny it and ask a trusted adult why it would need that
A drawing app has no reason to use your microphone. Unusual permission requests are a red flag.
Which app permission makes sense for a maps and directions app?
- Access to your contacts
- Access to your location
- Access to your microphone
- Access to your photos
Answer: Access to your location
A maps app needs your location to show you directions — that permission makes sense.
Once you give an app a permission, you can never take it back.
- True
- False
Answer: False
You can go into your device settings at any time to turn off permissions you no longer want to give.
What is the "principle of least privilege"?
- Giving apps as many permissions as possible
- Only granting the minimum permissions an app needs to function
- Never giving any app any permissions
- Sharing permissions with friends
Answer: Only granting the minimum permissions an app needs to function
The principle of least privilege means only granting what is necessary — no extras that could put your privacy at risk.
Why is it a red flag when a calculator app asks for your contacts?
- Calculators need contacts to work
- A calculator has no reason to access your contacts
- Contacts make the calculator faster
- All apps need contacts
Answer: A calculator has no reason to access your contacts
If an app requests permissions that have nothing to do with its function, it is a warning sign.
An app with microphone permission could potentially listen to your conversations.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Microphone access gives an app the ability to listen through your device — only grant it to apps that genuinely need it.
Where can you review and change app permissions after installing an app?
- Inside the app only
- In your device’s Settings app
- On the app store website
- You cannot change them after installation
Answer: In your device’s Settings app
You can review and update any app’s permissions at any time through your device’s Settings.
What should you do before tapping "Allow" on a permission request?
- Always allow — it makes the app work better
- Think about whether the permission makes sense for what the app does
- Deny all permissions always
- Ask your friends what they did
Answer: Think about whether the permission makes sense for what the app does
Always think about whether a permission is necessary before granting it.
Which of these is the safest approach to app permissions?
- Allow all permissions to avoid pop-ups
- Only grant permissions the app genuinely needs
- Never install any apps
- Grant permissions and forget about them
Answer: Only grant permissions the app genuinely needs
Granting only necessary permissions protects your privacy and limits what apps can access on your device.
You should ask a trusted adult to help you decide whether an app permission is appropriate.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Trusted adults can help you evaluate whether a permission request makes sense and whether an app is trustworthy.