Stop your apps listening in

Feeling like your phone is in on every conversation? It might be!  Learn how to take back control and silence the eavesdroppers in just a few steps.

We've all been there: you're casually chatting with a friend about needing a new pair of shoes, and then BAM! Your social media feed is flooded with targeted ads for sneakers. It's enough to make you wonder if your phone is actually listening to your conversations.Well, the truth is, it depends. Many apps request permission to access your phone's microphone during installation. Buried deep within those privacy policies you probably skimmed (we've all done it!), could be the key that unlocks your phone's ability to listen.
You can take control to some degree by adjusting your phone's settings, you can decide which apps get to listen in and which ones don't.
iPhone:

1. Open your iPhone's Settings.
   
2. Tap on Privacy & Security.
   
3. Scroll down and select Microphone.
   

This screen will display a list of all the apps that have requested microphone access. Simply toggle off the switch for any app you don't want to have listening privileges.
Android:Slightly different:

1. Head to your phone's Settings.
   
2. Tap on Apps or Apps & notifications (depending on your device).
   
3. Find Permissions manager.
   
4. Select Microphone.
   

Just like on iPhone, you'll see a list of apps with microphone access. Review the list and disable microphone access for any apps you don't trust to be listening in.
Don’t worry, you won’t break anything… If the app needs it, it will ask for permission next time you try to use the mic feature in that app.

Taking control of your phone's microphone permissions is a simple step towards protecting your privacy. So go forth, chat freely, and don't worry about your phone turning into a secret eavesdropper!