Stop Your Phone From Eavesdropping: How to Check App Microphone Access

Understanding Phone Eavesdropping

• 💡 Many users wonder if their phones are listening to them, especially after seeing ads for products they've only spoken about.
• 🎯 While location tracking and proximity to friends discussing products can influence ads, direct microphone access by apps is also a concern.

Identifying Listening Apps on iPhone

• 📱 Kurt Knutsson found 26 apps on his iPhone that did not need microphone access, highlighting a common privacy issue.
• ⚠️ New software updates or app downloads can sometimes reset privacy settings, granting apps unintended microphone permissions.
• 🚨 An orange dot at the top of the iPhone screen indicates that an app is currently accessing the microphone, signaling a need to check settings.

How to Check and Revoke Microphone Access

• ⚙️ To check microphone access on an iPhone, go to Settings, then Privacy & Security, and select Microphone.
• ✅ Apps listed with green access have permission to use your mic; gray means no access.
• ❌ Users should review this list and revoke access for apps like Gmail, Instagram, Uber, or even calculators that do not require microphone use.

Malware and Android Devices

• 🦠 Even iPhones can be vulnerable to malware, which could allow scammers to listen in.
• 🔍 Regularly checking the microphone access list and removing unnecessary permissions is crucial for protection.
• 🔄 Instructions for Android devices are very similar, emphasizing the universal importance of managing app permissions.