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App Permissions

Apps ask to use your camera, location and contacts. Grant only what the app truly needs for its job.

Class 6 to 8beginner18 min3 lessons1 interactive lab
By the end you will be able to
  • Name common phone permissions
  • Match permissions to what an app does
  • Revoke permissions that no longer make sense

Finish first

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Topic contents

Lesson 1 of 3

What apps want to touch

When you install an app, it may ask to use your microphone, camera, location, photos or contacts. Those are permissions. They let the app reach parts of your phone.

Some requests make sense. A map app needs location. A camera app needs the camera. A simple calculator should not need your contacts.

Open the permission board lab. Drag each app to the permissions it truly needs and leave out the rest.

Interactive lab

Permission board

Match apps to the permissions they need. Deny extras that do not fit the app's job.

App permissions

Small yeses add up to a big profile

GlowUp Selfie

  • ○ Camera
  • ○ Microphone
  • ○ Location
  • ○ Contacts

What the app can learn

    1 / 6

    Install

    A free photo app asks for permissions one popup at a time. Each yes adds another clue about your life.

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    Lesson 2 of 3

    Say yes, no, or later

    Phones let you allow once, deny, or allow while using the app. Choose the smallest access that still lets you do the task.

    Free games sometimes ask for contacts to spam friends. Deny that unless you understand why and a trusted adult agrees.

    Review permissions in settings every few months. Delete apps you no longer use so they stop listening or tracking.

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    Lesson 3 of 3

    Privacy is a habit

    Permissions are not only about strangers. They are about who gets to see what you do. Many apps share usage information with ad companies unless you turn tracking off in settings.

    Talk with family about rules for location sharing and public posts. School trips may need location on for safety, but not every social app needs it all day.

    Next you will think about kindness and safety when people, not apps, hurt feelings online.

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    Practice

    Work these out yourself

    No answer key here on purpose: these are the questions worth thinking through before you move on. Open one and work it out.

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    Assessment

    Check your understanding

    Answer each question, then read the explanation. That is where the learning is.

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    1. Question 1: What is an app permission?
      Question 1 / 4

      What is an app permission?

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    2. Question 2: A map app most likely needs what?
      Question 2 / 4

      A map app most likely needs what?

      Select an option first
    3. Question 3: A calculator app asking for contacts is what?
      Question 3 / 4

      A calculator app asking for contacts is what?

      Select an option first
    4. Question 4: Old apps you no longer use should be what?
      Question 4 / 4

      Old apps you no longer use should be what?

      Select an option first
    4 of 4 questions left.

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