{"id":689182,"date":"2026-01-11T15:47:13","date_gmt":"2026-01-11T15:47:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/689182\/"},"modified":"2026-01-11T15:47:13","modified_gmt":"2026-01-11T15:47:13","slug":"app-permissions-on-your-phone-what-apps-can-really-see-and-access","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/689182\/","title":{"rendered":"App permissions on your phone: What apps can really see and access"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!\n  <\/p>\n<p class=\"speakable\">Protecting your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxnews.com\/category\/tech\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">personal information online<\/a> starts with understanding the language behind your apps, devices and accounts. We&#8217;ll break down five essential tech terms that directly impact your digital privacy, from app permissions and location tracking to VPNs and cross-app advertising.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"speakable\">Learning these concepts will help you limit data exposure and stay in control of who can see what.<\/p>\n<p>Stay tuned for more in this series as we dive deeper into privacy-related tech terms and other essential concepts, answering the top questions we get from readers like you!<\/p>\n<p><strong>Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report<\/strong><br \/>Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you\u2019ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide \u2013 free when you join my\u00a0<strong>CYBERGUY.COM<\/strong> newsletter.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxnews.com\/tech\/why-january-best-time-remove-personal-data-online\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>WHY JANUARY IS THE BEST TIME TO REMOVE PERSONAL DATA ONLINE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>1) App permissions<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>What your apps are really allowed to see<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Every app on your phone requests permissions, approval to access features like your camera, microphone, location, contacts or photos. Some permissions are necessary for an app to function, but many apps ask for far more access than they actually need.<\/p>\n<p>Once granted, these permissions can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxnews.com\/category\/tech\/technologies\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">allow apps to collect data in the background<\/a>, sometimes even when you&#8217;re not actively using them. Over time, this can quietly expose sensitive personal information.<\/p>\n<p>Regularly reviewing and limiting app permissions in your phone&#8217;s settings is one of the easiest and most effective ways to improve your privacy. Pay special attention to apps with access to your location, microphone and photo library.<\/p>\n<p><strong>iPhone steps (iOS 18 and later)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>To review permissions by category<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Open\u00a0<strong>Settings<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Tap\u00a0<strong>Privacy &amp; Security<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Select a category such as\u00a0<strong>Location Services<\/strong>,\u00a0<strong>Microphone<\/strong>,\u00a0<strong>Camera<\/strong>,\u00a0<strong>Photos<\/strong> or\u00a0<strong>Contacts<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Review each app<\/strong> listed<\/li>\n<li>Change access to\u00a0<strong>Never<\/strong> or\u00a0<strong>While Using the App<\/strong> when available<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>To review permissions by app<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Open\u00a0<strong>Settings<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Scroll down and tap the\u00a0<strong>app&#8217;s name<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Toggle off<\/strong> any permissions the app does not truly need<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Extra privacy tip<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>For\u00a0<strong>Photos<\/strong>, choose\u00a0<strong>Limited Access<\/strong> instead of full library access when possible<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/person-holds-phone.jpg\" alt=\"Person holds a phone\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\"\/> <\/p>\n<p>Many apps request more access than they need, quietly collecting data in the background.\u00a0 (Kurt &#8220;CyberGuy&#8221; Knutsson)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Android steps (Android 14 and later)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Settings may vary depending on your Android phone\u2019s manufacturer<\/p>\n<p><strong>To review permissions by category<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Open\u00a0<strong>Settings<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Tap\u00a0<strong>Privacy<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Tap\u00a0<strong>Permission manager<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Select a category such as\u00a0<strong>Location<\/strong>,\u00a0<strong>Camera<\/strong>,\u00a0<strong>Microphone<\/strong> or\u00a0<strong>Contacts<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Review apps and change access to\u00a0<strong>Don&#8217;t allow<\/strong> or\u00a0<strong>Allow only while using the app<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>To review permissions by app<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Open\u00a0<strong>Settings<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Tap\u00a0<strong>Apps<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Select\u00a0<strong>an app<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Tap\u00a0<strong>Permissions<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Remove any permissions<\/strong> that aren&#8217;t essential<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Extra privacy tip<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Disable\u00a0<strong>Allow background usage<\/strong> for apps that don&#8217;t need constant access<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Why this matters<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Apps can collect data even when you&#8217;re not using them<\/li>\n<li>Location, microphone and photo access are the most sensitive<\/li>\n<li>Fewer permissions mean less data exposure<\/li>\n<li>You stay in control without breaking most apps<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Extra protection beyond settings:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Even with careful permission management, malicious apps and phishing attempts can still slip through. A trusted antivirus solution helps block malware, fake pop-ups and dangerous downloads before they compromise your device.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at\u00a0<strong>Cyberguy.com.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxnews.com\/tech\/malicious-chrome-extensions-caught-stealing-sensitive-data\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>MALICIOUS CHROME EXTENSIONS CAUGHT STEALING SENSITIVE DATA<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>2) Location services<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>When your phone knows where you are, constantly<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxnews.com\/category\/tech\/technologies\/smartphones\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Location services use GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth<\/a>, and nearby cell towers to determine your location. While this is helpful for maps and weather, many apps request constant access they don&#8217;t actually need.<\/p>\n<p>Reducing location access limits, tracking and helps protect your daily routines.<\/p>\n<p><strong>iPhone steps (iOS 18 and later)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>To review all location access<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Open\u00a0<strong>Settings<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Tap\u00a0<strong>Privacy &amp; Security<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Tap\u00a0<strong>Location Services<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>For each app<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Tap an\u00a0<strong>app name<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Select\u00a0<strong>Never<\/strong> or\u00a0<strong>While Using the App<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Turn\u00a0<strong>Precise Location<\/strong>\u00a0<strong>off<\/strong> unless required<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Recommended settings<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Avoid\u00a0<strong>Always<\/strong> unless the app truly needs background tracking<\/li>\n<li>Use\u00a0<strong>While Using the App<\/strong> for most apps<\/li>\n<li>Disable\u00a0<strong>Precise Location<\/strong> for weather, shopping and social apps<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>System services (optional)<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Scroll down and tap\u00a0<strong>System Services<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Turn off items you don&#8217;t need, such as\u00a0<strong>Location-Based Ads<\/strong> and\u00a0<strong>Location-Based Suggestions<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/person-typing-on-phone.jpg\" alt=\"Person typing on cellphone\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\"\/> <\/p>\n<p>Location tracking can reveal your routines and movements long after you close an app. (Kurt &#8220;CyberGuy&#8221; Knutsson)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Android steps (Android 14 and later)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Settings may vary depending on your Android phone\u2019s manufacturer<\/p>\n<p><strong>To review location access<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Open\u00a0<strong>Settings<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Tap\u00a0<strong>Privacy<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Tap\u00a0<strong>Location<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>For each app<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Tap\u00a0<strong>Location access for apps<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Select an app<\/li>\n<li>Choose\u00a0<strong>Don&#8217;t allow<\/strong> or\u00a0<strong>Allow only while using the app<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Turn\u00a0<strong>Use precise location<\/strong>\u00a0<strong>off<\/strong> when available<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Recommended settings<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Avoid\u00a0<strong>Allow all the time<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Use\u00a0<strong>Allow only while using<\/strong> for navigation apps<\/li>\n<li><strong>Disable precise location for apps<\/strong> that don&#8217;t require accuracy<strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Why this matters<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Location data reveals routines, habits and patterns<\/li>\n<li>Many apps track location in the background by default<\/li>\n<li>Limiting access reduces profiling and data sharing<\/li>\n<li>You keep core features without constant tracking<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>3) Two-factor authentication (2FA)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Your second line of defense<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxnews.com\/tech\/what-two-factor-authentication-should-enable-it\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Two-factor authentication (2FA)<\/a> adds an extra layer of protection to your accounts by requiring something you know (your password) and something you have, like a one-time code sent to your phone or generated by an app.<\/p>\n<p>Even if hackers steal your password through a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxnews.com\/tech\/university-phoenix-data-breach-hits-3-5m-people\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">data breach<\/a> or\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxnews.com\/tech\/dont-click-that-link-how-to-spot-prevent-phishing-attacks-in-your-inbox\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">phishing attack<\/a>, 2FA can stop them from accessing your accounts. That&#8217;s why security experts strongly recommend enabling it on email, banking, cloud storage and social media accounts.<\/p>\n<p>It may take a few extra seconds to log in, but 2FA can prevent identity theft and unauthorized access, making it one of the most powerful security tools available.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Extra security tip:<\/strong><br \/>Strong passwords and two-factor authentication work best together. If remembering complex passwords or managing one-time codes feels overwhelming, a secure password manager can generate, store and autofill strong passwords safely.<\/p>\n<p>Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2026 at\u00a0<strong>Cyberguy.com.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxnews.com\/tech\/hackers-abuse-google-cloud-send-trusted-phishing-emails\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>HACKERS ABUSE GOOGLE CLOUD TO SEND TRUSTED PHISHING EMAILS<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>4) VPN (Virtual Private Network)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Hiding your online activity<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>A VPN creates a secure, encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet, masking your IP address and protecting your online activity from outsiders.<\/p>\n<p>VPNs are especially important when using <a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxnews.com\/category\/tech\/topics\/cybercrime\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">public Wi-Fi at airports, hotels or coffee shops,<\/a> where cybercriminals can intercept unprotected data. They also help limit tracking by advertisers and internet service providers.<\/p>\n<p>While a VPN doesn&#8217;t make you completely anonymous online, it adds a valuable layer of privacy and security, especially when browsing, shopping or accessing sensitive accounts.<\/p>\n<p>For the best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your\u00a0<strong>Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices<\/strong> at\u00a0<strong>Cyberguy.com.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>5) Cross-app tracking<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>How companies follow you across apps<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxnews.com\/category\/tech\/topics\/smart-and-safe-tech\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cross-app tracking<\/a> lets advertisers and data brokers link your activity across multiple apps and websites. That data is used to build detailed profiles based on what you do, buy and watch.<\/p>\n<p>On\u00a0<strong>iPhone<\/strong>, this tracking is controlled by Apple&#8217;s App Tracking Transparency system.<br \/>On\u00a0<strong>Android<\/strong>, it relies on advertising IDs and ad personalization controls.<\/p>\n<p>Turning these off limits how easily companies can connect your behavior across apps. You&#8217;ll still see ads, but they won&#8217;t be tailored to your personal activity.<\/p>\n<p><strong>iPhone steps (iOS 18 and later)<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Open\u00a0<strong>Settings<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Tap\u00a0<strong>Privacy &amp; Security<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Tap\u00a0<strong>Tracking<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Turn\u00a0<strong>Allow Apps to Request to Track<\/strong>\u00a0<strong>off<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Optional extra protection<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Review the app list below and make sure no apps are allowed to track you<\/li>\n<li>Apps already denied cannot track you across other apps or websites<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/woman-holds-a-phone-texting.jpg\" alt=\"Woman holds a phone\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\"\/> <\/p>\n<p>Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds a critical extra step that helps stop account takeovers.\u00a0 (Kurt &#8220;CyberGuy&#8221; Knutsson)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Android steps (Android 14 and later)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Settings may vary depending on your Android phone\u2019s manufacturer<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Open\u00a0<strong>Settings<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Tap\u00a0<strong>Privacy<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Tap\u00a0<strong>Ads<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Turn\u00a0<strong>Delete advertising ID<\/strong>\u00a0<strong>on<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Tap\u00a0<strong>Ad topics<\/strong> and turn them\u00a0<strong>off<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Tap\u00a0<strong>Ad measurement<\/strong> and turn it\u00a0<strong>off<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>What this does<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Removes your advertising ID<\/li>\n<li>Stops apps from sharing ad behavior across other apps<\/li>\n<li>Limits interest-based and cross-app ad profiling<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>One more thing to know:<\/strong><br \/>Turning off cross-app tracking helps going forward, but it doesn\u2019t remove data that\u2019s already been collected. Data removal services can help you request the deletion of your personal information from data broker sites.<\/p>\n<p>Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting\u00a0<strong>Cyberguy.com.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web:\u00a0Cyberguy.com.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Take my quiz: How safe is your online security?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Think your devices and data are truly protected? Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand. From passwords to Wi-Fi settings, you\u2019ll get a personalized breakdown of what you\u2019re doing right and what needs improvement. Take my Quiz here:\u00a0<strong>Cyberguy.com.<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n<p><strong>Kurt&#8217;s key takeaways<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Online privacy doesn&#8217;t have to feel overwhelming. Once you understand what these common tech terms really mean, it becomes much easier to spot where your data is being collected and decide what you&#8217;re comfortable sharing. Small changes, like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxnews.com\/category\/columns\/personal-tech\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">tightening app permissions or turning off cross-app tracking<\/a>, can make a meaningful difference over time. Staying informed is the first step toward staying in control, and we&#8217;ll keep breaking it all down so you can protect your digital life with confidence.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/foxnews.onelink.me\/xLDS?pid=AppArticleLink&amp;af_dp=foxnewsaf%3A%2F%2F&amp;af_web_dp=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.foxnews.com%2Fapps-products\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Confused by a tech term or want something explained? Let us know by writing to us at\u00a0<strong>Cyberguy.com.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report<\/strong><br \/>Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you\u2019ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide \u2013 free when you join my\u00a0<strong>CYBERGUY.COM<\/strong> newsletter.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Kurt &#8220;CyberGuy&#8221; Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News &amp; FOX Business beginning mornings on &#8220;FOX &amp; Friends.&#8221; Got a tech question? Get Kurt\u2019s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at <a href=\"https:\/\/cyberguy.com\/Newsletter\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">CyberGuy.com.<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Protecting your personal information online starts with understanding the language&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":689183,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3159],"tags":[2061,1666,547,3649,326,46870,53,11920,16,15],"class_list":{"0":"post-689182","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-mobile","8":"tag-android","9":"tag-iphone","10":"tag-mobile","11":"tag-smartphones","12":"tag-tech","13":"tag-technologies","14":"tag-technology","15":"tag-topics","16":"tag-uk","17":"tag-united-kingdom"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@uk\/115877252056235750","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/689182","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=689182"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/689182\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/689183"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=689182"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=689182"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=689182"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}