Google Play Protect removing the permissions of least and unused apps is now available for Android 10 and older versions of Android phones and tablets, which is probably one of most needed safety and privacy feature for the OS.
The operating system of the Android 11 has the intelligence to recognize apps that haven’t been used by the owner of a device for a long period and with an automated system it cuts out all permissions and access granted to the apps to keep the privacy of your device intact. The most common and sensitive permissions that are automatically removed include permission to use your camera, location, documents, files, contacts, and access to your microphone.
Not so long ago, in September 2021 Google officially announced that they would be releasing the same security features for the Android 10 and older versions of Android phones and tablets via the Play Protect suite inbuilt into the play service.
Further, several other elements do and do not support the app. If you wish to have your app’s permissions removed automatically then the uploaded APK must meet Google Play’s target API level requirements. New apps and app updates must aim for Android 11, API level 30 or higher to begin with. All thanks to the Google Play Store because if any app has been updated since November 2021 the Play Store targets API level 30 or above.
In addition, developers have the full authority to keep the Play Protect from removing permissions from their apps since Google has only a few conditions set out which allow the app’s permission removal such as family safety apps or an app that shares data with the other connected wearable devices.
You can explore the automatic permissions setting of the Play Protect on your phone and tablet by first opening the Play Store and now tapping on your profile picture on either upper corner of the app this action will open the main menu. Now click on the “Play Protect” to view your current security status. On the same page of the main menu, you should see a setting labeled “Removing permissions for Unused apps”, if you tap on that, this will lead you to a checklist of apps.
Here, Play Protect will put an entire list of apps that you have not been using for quite a while, this list also helps the owners to look for and in the decision of uninstalling the unwanted apps.
With this menu, you are now also able to choose the number of apps of your choice to have permission to the sensitive data and access other apps on your phone while removing the app’s permission for the rest.
One thing that you must remember is that to secure your privacy status Google Play Protect only asks for or automatically removes (if the permissions are already granted) the app’s permission if that certain has been out of use for 3 months or above.
H/T: Nikhil Patil / Mishaal Rahman
Read next: Advanced Phishing Attacks Saw Twofold Increase in 2021
The operating system of the Android 11 has the intelligence to recognize apps that haven’t been used by the owner of a device for a long period and with an automated system it cuts out all permissions and access granted to the apps to keep the privacy of your device intact. The most common and sensitive permissions that are automatically removed include permission to use your camera, location, documents, files, contacts, and access to your microphone.
Not so long ago, in September 2021 Google officially announced that they would be releasing the same security features for the Android 10 and older versions of Android phones and tablets via the Play Protect suite inbuilt into the play service.
Further, several other elements do and do not support the app. If you wish to have your app’s permissions removed automatically then the uploaded APK must meet Google Play’s target API level requirements. New apps and app updates must aim for Android 11, API level 30 or higher to begin with. All thanks to the Google Play Store because if any app has been updated since November 2021 the Play Store targets API level 30 or above.
In addition, developers have the full authority to keep the Play Protect from removing permissions from their apps since Google has only a few conditions set out which allow the app’s permission removal such as family safety apps or an app that shares data with the other connected wearable devices.
You can explore the automatic permissions setting of the Play Protect on your phone and tablet by first opening the Play Store and now tapping on your profile picture on either upper corner of the app this action will open the main menu. Now click on the “Play Protect” to view your current security status. On the same page of the main menu, you should see a setting labeled “Removing permissions for Unused apps”, if you tap on that, this will lead you to a checklist of apps.
Here, Play Protect will put an entire list of apps that you have not been using for quite a while, this list also helps the owners to look for and in the decision of uninstalling the unwanted apps.
With this menu, you are now also able to choose the number of apps of your choice to have permission to the sensitive data and access other apps on your phone while removing the app’s permission for the rest.
One thing that you must remember is that to secure your privacy status Google Play Protect only asks for or automatically removes (if the permissions are already granted) the app’s permission if that certain has been out of use for 3 months or above.
H/T: Nikhil Patil / Mishaal Rahman
Read next: Advanced Phishing Attacks Saw Twofold Increase in 2021
