5 Tips for Mobile App Permissions

Have you noticed that every time you install a new app on your phone or tablet, it immediately asks for access to your photos, camera, location or something else that you're not quite sure you should give it access to? How do you decide which apps need what kind of access?

Here are a few tips to consider:

Read app permissions and reviews before installing – Developers are usually responsible for outlining what kind of permissions their app will need (and for what reason) in their respective app store listing. If it doesn't make sense, or if other users have warned of permission issues in reviews, stay away.

Use common sense – It stands to reason that you're not going to be able to use a photo editing app if you don't give it access to your photos, but they probably don't need access to your location. Similarly, a GPS app will need access to your location but shouldn't need access to your photos.

If offered, enable "only while app is open" – This helps you keep your data to yourself when you're not using the app and it will also likely save on battery consumption.

Keep in mind that you can always change these permissions later in your phone's settings, and you should go in there periodically to review which apps have access to what. Staying on top of permissions can give you an added layer of peace of mind as you use some of these helpful apps!