At dinner, I mentioned that I would like to go hiking in Patagonia.I never searched for these trips or anything like it. Yet, an hour later, I started getting ads on my phone about hiking adventures in Patagonia.
While there’s been no concrete evidence that your device’s microphone is always listening, many Americans believe apps and sites routinely collect their voice data and use it for marketing purposes. Your smart speaker with its virtual assistant is always listening. On my site, you’ll find the exact steps to disable the camera and microphone in your digital life from your Amazon Echo to Facebook.
Your smart TV is smart because it’s also collected valuable data on your use. Tracking happens on the pixel level that can identify every ad, TV show, or movie you're playing on your TV including content from streaming boxes, cable/over-the-air TV, and even DVD and Blu-Ray disk players. Tap or click here to stop your smart TV from spying on you.
Apple’s iOS 14 update is bundled with tons of useful new privacy options. You can see detailed reports in Safari that show what kind of trackers and data requests you’ve encountered online. You’ll also see exactly what data certain apps use right in the App Store before you hit download.
Follow the dot
I love the new camera and microphone notification icons that appear in the upper-right hand corner of your iPhone’s screen.
When your iPhone’s microphone is on or was recently accessed, a small orange dot appears in the upper-right hand corner of the screen. If your camera is in use or was recently recording, you'll see a green dot.
When your iPhone’s camera and microphone are in use, you’ll see the green camera dot. It’s an easy way to keep tabs on your privacy. Because it’s built into the operating system, apps can’t get around it.
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What should I do if my iPhone’s dots are showing?
If you see the icon but don't know which app uses your camera or mic, it's time to close out all your programs and check your app permissions.
On the iPhone X and later,swipe up from the bottom of the screen to the middleand let go. You’ll see a stack of open apps. Gently drag each of these icons up to the top of the screen to close them out. Do this for each app until the camera or microphone icon disappears.
If you have an iPhone with a home button,double-press the home buttonto see the stack of open apps. Repeat the same process as above.
Once your apps are closed, follow these steps to check your app permissions:
•OpenSettings. Scroll down and tapPrivacy.
•Tap eitherMicrophoneorCamera. Look through the apps listed and toggle the switch for any apps you don't need the camera or mic to theoffposition.
You can choose which apps you want to deny the camera or microphone permissions. Some, like a video chat app, will need full access. But games, utilities like flashlights and many other apps don't need access to your camera or mic.
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If you change your mind and want to give permissions back, just follow the same steps and toggle the switches to theon(green)position.
I have an Android phone. Is there any way I can see when my mic or camera is recording?
By default, Android won’t notify you if the camera or mic is recording. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find out for yourself.
If you want an indicator like iOS 14’s,check out the Access Dots app for Android. This free app will show an icon just like iOS does in the upper-right corner of your phone’s screen.
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Access Dots shows you ads the first time you open it or open the app. Once it is set up, you won’t see ads because it runs in the background. You can also adjust the colors of the indicator icons to your liking.
How do I adjust app permissions in Android?
If you see the light on and want to stop your mic or camera from being used,swipe up to the middle of your screenfrom the bottom, thenswipe your finger from left to right. On the left, tapClear all. This will close all your apps at once.
Next, check your permissions. These directions may vary depending on the Android phone you use.
•Open theSettingsapp. Then, scroll down and tapPersonal.
• TapPrivacy and Safety, followed byApp Permissions.
•TapMicrophoneorCameraand locate the app you want to turn the mic or camera off for. Toggle the slider to theoffposition.
Apple iOS 14 has a ton of new privacy features, but Android 11 is no slouch. The latest update lets you grant apps one-time permission to access the camera or mic.Tap or click here to see all the best Android 11 features and how to update them.
With your device’s mic and camera off, you can take a deep breath and relax the next time you use your phone. Just make sure to pay close attention and watch for the icon in the upper-right corner.
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Learn about all the latest technology on theKim Komando Show, the nation's largest weekend radio talk show. Kim takes calls and dispenses advice on today's digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks. For her daily tips, free newsletters and more, visit her website atKomando.com.
