We live with our phones practically glued to our hands—but most people have no idea how much personal data is leaking from their devices every day. There are dangerous phone permissions that are the culprits – App permissions.
Many apps request access to sensitive features they simply don’t need. While some permissions are essential, others can open the door to data mining, surveillance, and even identity theft.
If you’re serious about protecting your privacy, here are 7 dangerous phone permissions you should disable right now—before they do damage.
1. Microphone Access
Why it’s risky:
Apps with microphone access can listen in—even when you’re not using them. Think of voice assistants or social apps. Some apps may record ambient conversations or use audio data for ad targeting.
What to do:
Go to your app settings and revoke mic access from any app that doesn’t truly need it (e.g. notetaking, games, or flashlight apps).
Bonus tip:
Use a physical microphone blocker for added security.
2. Camera Access
Why it’s risky:
Malicious or overly-permissive apps can turn on your camera without you knowing. That’s a serious invasion of privacy—especially if your phone is often near your bed or bathroom.
What to do:
Only allow camera access to apps like your camera, video calling, or trusted photo apps. Revoke it for everything else.
Recommended product:
A simple camera cover slider gives you peace of mind when you’re not using the camera.
3. Location Services
Why it’s risky:
Precise location tracking lets apps build detailed profiles about where you live, work, and go. This data can be sold to advertisers—or worse, fall into the wrong hands.
What to do:
Switch from “Always” to “Only while using the app” or turn off location access altogether for non-essential apps.
Consider using a VPN like
NordVPN to mask your IP and location.
4. Contacts Access
Why it’s risky:
When an app gets access to your contacts, it can upload names, numbers, and even email addresses to its servers. This not only affects your privacy—it compromises your friends’ privacy too.
What to do:
Social media apps, games, and messaging apps often ask for this—deny it unless absolutely necessary.
5. SMS Permissions
Why it’s risky:
Apps with SMS access can read, send, or even delete your text messages. This is a major risk for identity theft and two-factor authentication hijacking.
What to do:
Check if any apps besides your default messaging app have SMS permissions and disable them immediately.
6. Phone Call Access
Why it’s risky:
Apps with this permission can read your call history, place calls without your knowledge, and even eavesdrop on calls in some cases.
What to do:
Unless you’re using a dialer or call-recording app, most apps don’t need this access. Revoke it.
7. Storage Access (Full File Access)
Why it’s risky:
This allows apps to read, modify, or delete anything stored on your phone—including photos, downloads, and personal documents.
What to do:
Be especially cautious with file manager or utility apps. If available, choose “media access only” or “limited access” options instead of full storage control.
Final Thoughts
Disabling these permissions takes less than 10 minutes, but the payoff is huge. You’ll reduce the chances of being tracked, targeted, or compromised—and take control of your digital privacy.
Bonus Gear for Extra Protection:
- Privacy screen protector – Keeps shoulder-snoopers from reading your screen.
- Secure password manager – Avoid using weak passwords stored in apps.
- VPN apps – Great for hiding your digital footprint.
Bonus Tips to Stay Safer Every Day
1. Set App Permissions Manually After Installation
Many people blindly tap “Allow” during app setup. Instead, skip the permission prompts and manually approve only what’s essential. Most apps still work just fine with limited access.
2. Use ‘Privacy Labels’ in the App Store
On iPhone, tap on an app in the App Store and scroll down to view “App Privacy” details. On Android, look under “Data safety” in Google Play. These show what data the app collects—even before you download it.
3. Run a Permission Audit Every Month
Make it a habit to review your phone’s permission settings monthly. You’ll be surprised how many apps quietly re-enable access or request new permissions during updates.
Bonus Tips to Stay Safer Every Day
1. Set App Permissions Manually After Installation
Many people blindly tap “Allow” during app setup. Instead, skip the permission prompts and manually approve only what’s essential. Most apps still work just fine with limited access.
2. Use ‘Privacy Labels’ in the App Store
On iPhone, tap on an app in the App Store and scroll down to view “App Privacy” details. On Android, look under “Data safety” in Google Play. These show what data the app collects—even before you download it.
3. Run a Permission Audit Every Month
Make it a habit to review your phone’s permission settings monthly. You’ll be surprised how many apps quietly re-enable access or request new permissions during updates.
