I discovered a hidden Android feature that shows which apps are watching me, and what it revealed was startling. Here's how to take back control of your phone
A hidden feature on Android devices reveals which apps are accessing sensitive data like location and microphone. Users can access the Privacy Dashboard to review app permissions and identify any unnecessary access. This tool allows individuals to regain control over their personal information and manage app permissions effectively.
- ▪The Privacy Dashboard shows which apps accessed sensitive data in the last 24 hours.
- ▪Users can identify apps that have unnecessary permissions and revoke them.
- ▪The feature is available on Pixel phones and similar functionality exists on Samsung devices.
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Phones I discovered a hidden Android feature that shows which apps are watching me, and what it revealed was startling. Here's how to take back control of your phone How To By Kaycee Hill published 29 May 2026 You should look at your Android's Privacy Dashboard right now When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. (Image credit: Tom's Guide / John Velasco) Copy link Facebook X Reddit Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter I discovered my Android phone was constantly sharing my location, microphone, camera, and contacts with apps running in the background.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Tom's Guide.