With so many apps and services, it’s natural for an Android user to worry about their own problems. privacy and security: Malware and fraud are not the only threats we are exposed to when using smartphones. Some applications request access to certain elements of our mobile phone that are necessary for its operation, such as the microphone.

However, granting the relevant permissions can open the door to the entry of malware and is also a window through which our data can be used. This is not a new thing for large companies that provide services. Google, as the hero of Android and one of the most representative companies, can access the microphone and use what they hear to improve their products. unless you put an insurmountable obstacle with these three settings We recommend that you apply.

Your Android phone has a ‘snitch’ that lets you know when they’re using the microphone

Controlling permissions in Android is pretty complete: Google offers users a section where they can control apps that have access to features such as: microphone, internal memory files, notifications and countless personal items.

Go to “Settings” > “Security & privacy” > “Privacy” > “Permission manager” (may vary depending on your mobile phone manufacturer’s customization layer) List of applications using “Microphone”. In addition to knowing which ones are using it, the operating system also has a signal that becomes evident when the microphone is listening.

This is a green dot that appears on the screen. upper right cornerwith remaining battery and other connection icons: before knitting, it is a visual indicator that shows an icon inside for the microphone or camera, depending on whether it is used.

Three settings to exclude Google from Android microphone

But perhaps we’re less concerned with knowing when the microphone is being used than with not allowing it. Google will not use what it records against us, and guarantees that the information will not leave its servers and will only be used to improve its services. However, many users who prefer this do not like it. Disable “Google microphone” (quite a funny name).

This is what the first edit is about. permission managerSpecifically, we will deny microphone permission to the excellent Google app: Google, namely the Google app that provides access to the Discover news feed and Google Assistant.

When accessing the previously mentioned route, enter “Microphone”, tap on the “Google” app and check the option “don’t let”. You will never again hear what our smartphone’s microphone detects. On the other hand, Google Assistant also abuses this permission, especially if “Hey Google” detection is enabled.

To disable it, open the “Google” app, tap your profile picture in the top-right corner, then tap “Settings,” then “Google Assistant,” tap “Hey Google and Voice Match.” Turn off the switch for the “Hey Google” option.

There’s another loophole that Google has overheard: “Activity on the Web and Apps”. You will find this section in the same application, tapping on the image of your Google account, now click on “Manage your Google account”. Then all you have to do is reach the “Data and privacy” section and scroll down the list a little bit until you see the section mentioned above: disabling is just a tap on the screen.

With these three settings we managed to disconnect Google from the microphone of our Android smartphone. Although it is not harmful, it is important to know that we can make decisions about our privacy. Because the microphone picks up our voice many careful users will prefer this.

via | BioBioChile

Cover image | DALL·3 with Photoshop editing

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