David & David show you how to stop Android apps from spying on you. There are a lot of different Android settings that can restrict what apps can do and have access to on your Android. Unfortunately, Androids aren’t completely secure. In December 2022, Google had to release an update to fix more than 80 security vulnerabilities affecting Android phones. Four of these vulnerabilities were classified as “critical”, meaning they were especially serious. One “critical” vulnerability allowed hackers to run code on Androids using Bluetooth. The hackers were able to do this without even requesting permission to use Bluetooth on the device! When there’s a serious security issue that could allow hackers or your Android to spy on you, make sure to download and install the latest security update. The Sensors Off developer option turns off all sensors on your #Android, including the camera, microphone, accelerometer, and gyroscope. When Sensors Off is on, the Camera app won’t open and your Android will display a message saying “security policy prevents use of camera.” However, big tech doesn’t need to tap your camera or microphone to collect information about you. A lot of apps probably already have access to your location, contacts, text messages, and more. Head to Permission Manager and be intentional about which apps have access to other apps, services, and information on your Android. We also recommend turning off Diagnostics & Usage data as well as Personalized Ads for both Google and manufacturer of your Android. Next, make sure the apps on your Android don’t have the ability to install other apps without your permission. We recommend turning off Install Unknown Apps for every app so you have control when an app wants to install another app on your Android. Finally, head to Device Admin Apps to see which apps have been given administrative control over your Android. This control can include simple things like locking and unlocking the screen, but some apps could have the ability to erase all the data on your Android. Make sure any untrustworthy app doesn’t have admin access you don’t want it to have.

1. Turn On Developer Options [0:23]
2. Sensors Off [0:58]
3. Permission Manager [3:27]
4. Location Services [4:25]
5. Messages [5:42]
6. More Permissions [6:40]
7. Customized Ads [7:24]
8. Personalized Ads [8:18]
9. Google Location History [9:30]
10. Google Ads [10:42]
11. Usage & Diagnostics [11:27]
12. Install Unknown [12:05]
13. Device Admin Apps [13:49]