When an app asks for access to your camera, microphone, contacts, photos, or location, that is called a permission.

Not every permission request is bad. But Level 2 means you stop granting them automatically.

You usually see this as a small pop-up the first time an app needs something. The choices normally are:

  • Allow gives the app access from now on, until you change it.
  • While Using the App gives access only while the app is open on your screen. This is the safest yes.
  • Don’t Allow refuses it. The app usually still works, just without that one feature.

Ask:

  • does this app really need this permission?
  • do I want it to have it all the time, only while I use it, or not at all?

Founder note: Corey built Lumoset because many people are told technology is “smart” but are not shown where they still have choices.

What to do:

  • Review permissions for the apps you use most. Here is where to look:
    • iPhone: Settings, then Privacy and Security, then pick a category such as Location Services or Microphone.
    • Android: Settings, then Security and privacy, then Privacy, then Permission manager.
  • Say no to permissions that do not make sense for the app.
  • Change them later if you need to.

This lesson is part of Smartphone Basics from Lumoset Foundation, Fort Wayne, Indiana – free, always, with no account and no catch.

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