How to Revoke App Access to Your Camera and Microphone

iPhone

Open Settings > Privacy & Security, then Camera or Microphone. Disable access for the relevant app. The privacy indicator shows when a feature is in use, but system behaviour and recent-use details vary by iOS version.

Android

Use the Privacy dashboard or Permission manager to revoke camera and microphone access. Supported Android versions also provide quick controls that can disable camera or microphone access more broadly.

Investigate unexpected use

1. Close the app and check whether the indicator stops.
2. Review recent permission access.
3. Update the app and system.
4. Remove the app if its behaviour cannot be explained.
5. Review account sessions if recording or calling activity is suspicious.

Know the trade-off

Revoking access will stop video calling, voice notes, scanning and other legitimate functions in that app until permission is granted again.

If access keeps returning

Check whether the app is being reinstalled from a backup, managed by an employer or granted access through a different profile. Remove an untrusted app rather than repeatedly toggling its permission.

Check the app after access is removed

Revoking permission is successful only if privacy improves without breaking a function you deliberately use.

• Remove access from apps that have no clear recording or calling feature.
• Watch for camera or microphone indicators after the change.
• Use a browser or operating-system alternative if an app demands continuous access for a minor feature.