How to manage app permissions on iPhone

Your iPhone can do a lot—but only when you give apps permission to access certain features. From your location to your microphone, apps often need access to specific tools to work properly. But if you’re not careful, they can end up knowing more than you’d like. At Asurion, we help millions of people get the most out of their tech while keeping it secure. Here’s how to manage app permissions on iPhone and take control of your privacy.

What are app permissions on iPhone?

App permissions are settings that let apps use parts of your iPhone like the camera, contacts, microphone, and more. When you install a new app or use certain features, your phone will ask for your permission. You can say yes, no, or change your mind later in your settings.

Why permissions matter for your privacy

When an app has permission to access your personal info—like your location, photos, or messages—it could track your behavior or share that data with third parties. That’s why it’s important to regularly review and control your iPhone privacy settings. You should only allow access when you trust the app and understand how it uses your data.

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How to check and change app permissions on iPhone

If you want to change app access on your iPhone, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open the Settings app

Find and tap the Settings icon on your Home Screen.

Step 2: Tap Privacy & Security

Scroll down and select Privacy & Security. This is where you’ll find all the tools that control what apps can access.

Step 3: Choose a category

You’ll see a list of features like:

• Location Services.
• Camera.
• Microphone.
• Contacts.
• Photos.

Tap the one you want to check.

Step 4: Select an app and adjust its access

After choosing a category, you’ll see a list of apps that have asked to use it. Tap an app to change its permissions. You might see options like:

• Never.
• Ask Next Time.
• While Using the App.
• Always.

Choose the setting that fits your comfort level.

How to manage permissions by app

Want to review all the settings for one specific app? Here's how.

Step-by-step for changing permissions for a specific app

1. Open Settings.
2. Scroll down and tap the name of the app.
3. You’ll see a list of everything the app can access—like Camera, Microphone, and Location.
4. Turn each setting on or off depending on what you want the app to use.

Tips to keep your data secure

Here are some smart ways to protect your info:

Only allow permissions you trust

If an app asks for access to something it doesn’t really need (like a flashlight app requesting your location), deny the permission or delete the app.

Use App Privacy Report for insights

Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > App Privacy Report to see which apps have accessed sensitive data or sensors recently. This tool helps you spot apps that might be overstepping.

When to reset or revoke app permissions

If you think an app is acting strangely or you’re not sure what you’ve allowed, you can reset permissions:

• Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Location & Privacy.
• This will restore permissions to their default settings. You’ll need to grant access again the next time apps request it.

Common troubleshooting cases

• If your GPS isn’t working in a maps app, check your Location Services permissions.
• Can’t take photos in an app? Make sure it has Camera access.
• If an app stops working after a software update, recheck its permissions in settings.

FAQs

How do I check which apps have access to my location?

Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services. You’ll see a list of apps and their current access levels.

How do I stop an app from accessing my iPhone camera?

Open Settings, scroll to the app name, and turn off Camera.

Can I reset all app permissions at once?

Yes. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Location & Privacy.

What happens if I deny an app permission?

The app might lose some functionality. For example, a navigation app won’t work well without location access.

How do I see what data apps are using?

Use the App Privacy Report under Settings > Privacy & Security to view recent activity.