9 Best Privacy Settings on Android: Protect Your Data in 2022

Android has made significant improvements in privacy and security features over the years, and with the release of Android 12, Google has introduced some impressive privacy settings. In this article, we will explore the best privacy settings on Android phones running Android 12 or higher.

Check Permission Dashboard

Android 12 introduces the Permission Dashboard, which allows users to audit installed apps on their phones. With this feature, you can see which permissions installed apps are using in the background. To access the Permission Dashboard:

  1. Open the Settings on your Android phone.
  2. Go to the Privacy menu.
  3. Open the All permissions option.

You can now see which apps have accessed specific permissions and when. This feature allows you to identify apps that are accessing unnecessary permissions in the background.

Privacy Dashboard

Manage Permission for Apps

If you notice an unknown app constantly accessing location or microphone permissions, you can disable those permissions. Follow these steps:

  1. Open the Settings menu and go to the Apps tab.
  2. Select the app that you want to modify.
  3. Go to App Permissions and deny any unnecessary permissions.

App Permissions

Check Microphone and Camera Access

Android now displays a green dot in the upper right corner of the screen whenever an app or game is accessing the camera or microphone. This feature ensures that you are aware of which apps are using these features. If you notice an app accessing the microphone in the background without your consent, take immediate action.

Turn Off Microphone Access

If you want to block microphone access completely, you can disable it in the Privacy menu or add a Microphone toggle to the quick toggles menu. To add the Microphone toggle:

  1. Reveal the notification area and scroll left on the toggles.
  2. Tap on the “+” icon to drag and drop the microphone toggle.

From now on, you can easily enable or disable microphone access from the notification area.

Add Microphone Toggle

Give Approximate Location

To protect your privacy, you can choose to share an approximate location instead of your precise location with apps. Follow these steps:

  1. Open Settings and go to the Apps menu.
  2. Select the app you want to modify.
  3. Go to Permissions.
  4. Disable the “Use precise location” toggle.

You can also enable the “Allow only while using the app” permission for location access.

Alert When Clipboard Is Accessed

Android now alerts you whenever an app tries to read the clipboard in the background. This feature ensures that you are aware of any app accessing text, images, or other content you have copied. To enable this feature:

  1. Launch Settings and navigate to the Privacy menu.
  2. Enable the “Alert when clipboard accessed” toggle.

Ditch Google Chrome

Google Chrome is not known for its privacy features. Consider using a privacy-focused browser like Brave, which blocks harmful ads and trackers and offers better battery life compared to Chrome.

Invest in Password Manager and 2FA App

While Android offers default password management, using third-party password managers like 1Password, Bitwarden, or Enpass provides better security. Additionally, set up two-factor authentication (2FA) for major apps and services.

Download Regular Android Security Updates

To ensure the security of your Android device, regularly install the latest Android security updates released by your device's manufacturer. These updates patch vulnerabilities and protect your device from potential threats.

Enjoy Privacy on Android

Don't let the reputation of Android's past deter you from using the operating system. With Android 12 and its privacy features, Google has made significant strides in protecting user data. By following these best privacy settings, you can enjoy a more secure and private Android experience in 2022.