How to See Which Apps Are Using Your Camera and Microphone

Many apps on your smartphone ask for permission to use your camera and microphone. Some of them genuinely need it for video calls, voice notes, or document scanning. However, a few apps may access these features in the background without you realizing it. That is why it is important to know how to check which apps are using your camera and mic.

The good news is that both Android and iPhone already include built-in privacy tools. You do not need to install any third-party app. Once you understand these settings, you can easily protect your privacy and stay in control of your device. Let’s go through everything in simple, clear steps.

Also read: How to Find Hidden Apps on Your Phone – An Easy Guide for Everyone

What the Green and Orange Dots Mean

If you use a modern smartphone, you may have noticed a tiny green or orange dot appearing at the top of your screen. These dots are actually privacy indicators.

A green dot means your camera is currently in use. An orange dot means your microphone is active. These signals appear instantly when any app starts using these features. When the app stops, the dot disappears automatically.

If you see one of these dots while you are not making a call, recording a video, or using a camera app, you should be cautious. This could mean an app is accessing your device without your direct action.

How to Check Camera and Mic Activity on Android

Android phones provide a detailed record of app activity related to your camera and microphone.

First, open your phone’s Settings. Then go to Privacy, and tap on Privacy Dashboard. Here, you will see separate sections for camera and microphone usage.

When you tap on either option, you will get a timeline showing which apps accessed your camera or mic and at what time. This makes it easy to spot any app that looks suspicious or unnecessary.

Checking this section regularly is a good habit for keeping your data safe.

How to Check Recent Access on iPhone

Apple has designed iPhone privacy settings to be simple and transparent. Whenever an app uses your camera or microphone, you will see the green or orange dot near the battery icon.

To find out which app triggered it, swipe down to open the Control Center. The name of the active app will appear at the top of the screen.

You can also go to Settings > Privacy & Security, then tap on Camera or Microphone. You will see a list of all apps that have permission. From here, you can remove access from any app you do not trust or no longer use.

How to Remove Camera and Mic Permissions

If you feel that an app does not need access to your camera or microphone, you can easily turn it off.

On Android, go to Settings > Apps, select the app, then tap Permissions. From there, you can disable camera or microphone access.

On iPhone, go to Settings > Privacy & Security, choose Camera or Microphone, and switch off access for unwanted apps. You can also select the option Allow Only While Using the App, which is safer than full-time access.

What to Do If Something Looks Suspicious

If you notice an unknown app using your camera or microphone, stay calm. First, check the app name and the time it was active. If it still seems suspicious, remove its permissions immediately.

If necessary, uninstall the app completely. Avoid downloading apps from outside the official Play Store or App Store. Always read reviews before installing new apps.

Keeping your phone updated is also very important because software updates often fix security problems.

Also read: How to Make Your Phone Faster Without Installing Any App

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to check which apps are using your camera and microphone is a powerful privacy skill. Make it a habit to review app permissions once a month. Do not grant access without thinking.

Delete apps you no longer use, as fewer apps mean fewer privacy risks. Pay attention to those green and orange dots — they may be small, but they play a big role in keeping you safe.

Your camera and microphone are personal tools, so always stay in control of who gets to use them.