Millions of Android users urged to check Google settings immediately – or it could cost you

ALL Android users should regularly check their app permissions, cyber-experts say.

It means you might catch a naughty app probing your personal info.

You'll usually see permission requests when you first install an app on your Google-powered phone.

Or you might find them pop up when you try to access a new feature within an app.

You'll be asked to grant permission to something like the microphone, or your texts.

But cyber-experts at security firm Avast say you should keep a close eye on these requests.

"App permissions sound great in theory, but they can make your device unsafe or slow down your phone if the app misbehaves," explained.

"Some permissions can hog your phone’s resources. Others can present privacy risks — you may think you’re giving an app permission only when you’re using it, when in fact you’ve given it permission to access certain parts of your phone all the time.

"Meanwhile, some apps are fakes that can cause havoc if they get app permissions to access parts of your phone, so learn how to spot a fake app or Android spyware — even if the app is hidden on Android."

Remember that there may be good reasons for an app to have permissions.

You can't upload photos to Instagram without giving it access to your photos or camera.

And good luck recording a voice note on WhatsApp without granting microphone permission.

But sometimes apps carry out nefarious tricks to snoop on you – so keeping an eye on permissions is extremely important.

The good news is that it's very easy to review your app permissions.

You can deny a permission at any time.

How to change Android app permissions

Unlock your Android phone and then open Settings.

Now go to Apps & Notifications, or Apps.

Choose an app that you want to investigate.

Then tap on Permissions to reveal a list of app permissions.

You can tap on something like Contacts, Camera or Location to check their settings.

And you can allow or deny any app permission as often as you like.

You can also vet apps based on their permissions (rather than by app name).

So you could see which apps are accessing your location or microphone.

Go to Settings > Apps & Notifications (or Apps), then Advanced and look for the Permission Manager.

Then you can allow or deny apps based on specific permissions.

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