How do I check if an Android app is misusing personal information?
Answer
Start by reviewing unfamiliar apps and the permissions that control Location, Microphone, Camera, Contacts, SMS, and Files. Remove access that does not make sense, then run Google Play Protect to scan for harmful apps.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- Uninstalling an app deletes that app’s local data; confirm it is not needed before removing it.
Follow these steps
Review installed apps
Go to Settings > Apps and look for anything unfamiliar, especially apps that may have come over from a previous phone or account.
You should see: A short list of suspicious or unrecognized apps is identified, or nothing unusual stands out.
Check sensitive permissions
Open Settings > Privacy > Permission Manager and review which apps can use Location, Microphone, Camera, Contacts, SMS, and Files.
You should see: Each sensitive permission shows a clear list of apps that currently have access.
Remove unnecessary access
For any app that does not need a sensitive permission, change the permission to Deny or Ask every time, then uninstall apps you do not recognize and do not need.
You should see: Untrusted apps lose sensitive access, or are removed from the phone.
Run Play Protect
Open the Google Play Store, tap the profile icon, open Play Protect, and run a scan.
You should see: Play Protect reports no harmful apps, or names an app to remove.
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Extra tips
What to look for: Unfamiliar apps under Settings > Apps, sensitive permissions in Permission Manager, and any Play Protect warnings in the Google Play Store.
Before you change anything: Write down any app names that look unfamiliar before uninstalling them. Confirm you can still open important banking or email apps after changes. Use only Settings and the official Play Store for security scans. Never share passwords or verification codes with unexpected callers.