When you download games or apps on your Android device, something important to pay attention to is called “permissions.” These are like requests from the app to access certain parts of your phone. But here’s the thing – these requests might not always be honest or clear.
Thankfully, in 2015, Google introduced something called Android Permissions. This is like a guard for your phone, especially in versions like Android 6.0 Marshmallow, and newer.
In this article, we’re going to talk about what Android Permissions used to be like and how they’re changing. It’s important to know this stuff so you can keep your private info safe!
What Occurs When Android Apps Sidestep Permissions to Access Your Data?
Android apps rely on a system of permissions to determine the extent of access they have to your device’s data. These permissions are categorized into two groups: Normal and Dangerous.
- Normal Permissions: By default, Android grants normal permissions to apps. These permissions are considered less risky to your privacy.
- Dangerous Permissions: On the other hand, the dangerous permission group has the ability to access sensitive information such as contacts, call history, private messages, camera, and location. Android, being mindful of user privacy, always prompts you to approve these permissions before granting access to an app. It’s crucial to pay attention to these requests to ensure that your personal data remains secure.
Why You Should Be Careful?
When it comes to granting app permissions on your device, exercising caution is crucial to safeguarding your privacy and personal data. Here are some specific areas where careful consideration is essential:
- Body Sensor App: Be cautious while granting access to body sensor apps. Malicious apps may exploit this permission to spy on your health, monitor your routines, and even delete important entries from your calendar.
- Camera: The camera feature, while incredibly useful, can be misused by apps to record your surroundings without your knowledge, potentially compromising your privacy.
- Contacts: Installing a malicious app could lead to the theft of your contacts and address book. This information can then be used to target your friends and family with spam, phishing scams, and other malicious activities.
- Location: Malicious apps may secretly track your exact location, enabling the creation of a fake profile that follows your daily habits. This poses a security risk, potentially informing burglars when you’re not at home.
- Microphone: While it’s understandable for calling apps to request microphone access, be wary when seemingly unrelated apps like Calendar or Weather seek this permission. Malicious apps can exploit this access to secretly record your conversations, whether they’re with family or during confidential business meetings.
- Messages: Granting access to your messages can be risky. Malicious apps might read, delete, or edit your messages, potentially causing disruptions or unauthorized changes to your communication.
What are Android Permissions?
In Android devices, permissions represent a privilege that applications must request to access sensitive media. Within Android devices lie a wealth of personal information, encompassing contact numbers, emails, precise location, personal images, and cameras capable of recording at any time.
Prior to the introduction of permissions, applications had unfettered access to these elements without seeking user consent. However, following subsequent updates, a pivotal change was implemented: no application can access these sensitive areas unless explicit permission is granted by the user, ensuring a more controlled and privacy-conscious user experience.
How to Check App Permissions on Android Mobile?
To review the permissions granted to an app on your device, follow these simple steps. Navigate to your device settings, locate and tap on the desired application you wish to inspect. Once on the app’s information screen, either tap directly on the permissions section or scroll down to access the comprehensive list of permissions.
Now, if you’re wondering whether there’s a way to check an app’s permissions before installing it, the answer is yes. While exploring the app in the Google Play Store, you can find detailed information about its permissions by scrolling down to the “App Permissions” section on the app’s page. This allows you to make informed decisions about whether you’re comfortable granting the necessary permissions before the installation process begins. Checking permissions beforehand ensures you have better control over your device’s security and privacy.
How to Check Permissions Before Installing?
Curious about an app’s permissions before installing it? Fortunately, it’s an easy process on the Google Play Store.
- Google Play Store: Simply visit the Google Play Store and find the app you’re interested in. Click on “Permission Details” to explore the permissions it requires.
- Categorized Permissions: Permissions are conveniently categorized, giving you a clear understanding of the app’s access needs. This step allows you to make an informed decision about whether you’re comfortable with the permissions before proceeding with the installation.
Common App Permissions
App permissions can seem complex, but many are straightforward and repeated across various applications. Here are some common ones and what they mean:
- Camera: Multimedia apps request access to your camera. Granting permission allows the app to utilize your device’s camera.
- In-app Purchase: This permission enables purchases within the app or games. Be cautious with freemium games, as they may entice you with free content but encourage in-app purchases.
- Microphone: Granting this permission gives the app full access to your microphone for recording audio.
- Storage: Apps with storage permission can access your files or save files. Typically used for sharing or saving images.
- Location: GPS-based apps request this permission to detect your exact location using Wi-Fi networks or GPS.
- Identity: Used when apps want to know which accounts you’ve signed in on your device, such as Google or Facebook accounts.
- Device ID: Allows apps to detect when you’re on a call to avoid disturbances during calls.
- App & Device History: Let apps know what other apps are installed on your device, commonly used by task killers or battery optimizer apps.