By using the permissions, you can specify which data or functions will be used by applications downloaded through the Play Store.
Most often they are configured immediately after installation at the first start. If necessary, you can limit access to previously released functions and data after downloading. Next, we will explain how to disable access to the microphone on Android using settings and special applications.
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How to limit access to the microphone through settings
On Android , you can limit access to applications to previously issued permissions (for example, to the microphone and camera) at any time. How to do it:
Step 1 . Open settings and select “Permissions” here . On the page that opens, touch the “Application permissions” line .
Step 2 . Find the microphone in the list. A new page will open, where you can restrict microphone access to specific applications. To do this, move the sliders to the “Deny“ state .
Step 3 . If your smartphone does not have a separate permission menu, go to settings and select “All applications“ (it may have a different name). Find the application you want to limit access to the microphone to.
Step 4 . A page with installed programs will open. Here, find the item “Application privileges“ (may have a different name), and in the window that opens, limit access to the microphone or other functions, data.
Step 5 . If you want to display a list of all permissions available for the application, click the three points icon and select “All permissions“ .
Step 6 . You can also reset user permissions and settings for all applications installed on the smartphone. To do this, in the list of applications, click the icon in the form of three points, and then in the drop-down menu, touch “Reset application settings“ .
Don’t forget that regular microphone access is required for normal operation of some applications. Most often they are voice assistants, instant messengers and other programs that support calls or sound recordings.
ANTI-SPYWARE APPS
If you have forbidden other applications to use the microphone in the settings, but this seems insufficient to you, for maximum security of your personal data you can use special tools that block unauthorized access to the microphone, camera and geolocation.
Antispyware: camera and microphone lock
Anti – Spyware is a free tool that you can use to lock the camera, microphone, hide location and prevent other applications from using user data. If necessary, you can configure notifications so that Anti-Spyware notifies you if a program is trying to access a camera or microphone.
KvdAntiSpy-anti-spyware, camera and microphone lock
KvdAntiSpy is an anti-spyware application that allows you to control other programs that have access to the microphone, camera and geolocation. Thanks to KvdAntiSpy you can monitor permissions in real time, create lists with approved applications and block programs with suspicious activity.
Paranoia Lite: Anti-Spyware
Paranoia Lite is a free Android application that protects your smartphone from unauthorized access to the camera, microphone and user data. Among the main functions – continuous real-time monitoring. In addition, Paranoia Lite automatically records all activities. Therefore, you can check application activity logs at any time.
