If you had to sum up the major theme of the recent iOS 14 update in a single word, “Privacy” would undoubtedly be it.
There is a wide range of different new features that are designed to limit tracking online, for example, as well as ones that significantly restrict what types of data apps can collect and share while you use your iPhone.
Likewise, there is a new feature intended to make sure that no apps are listening in on your conversations using your iPhone’s built-in microphone.
It would be a good idea to go through the procedure below every once in awhile. Check to make sure there aren’t any apps sharing your microphone that you don’t really need microphone sharing.
Here’s how to check your App’s microphone access…
1. Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll through the list and select the option labeled “Privacy.”
3. Find and tap on the option labeled “Microphone.”
4. Go through the list and disable microphone access for any app you don’t want using the switch on the right side of the screen.
That’s it! If the switch is green, that app has microphone access. If it is grayed out, it means that the app in question won’t be able to use your microphone for any reason.
Excellent tip!
Thanks for all the great lessons on using iPhone and iPad. You have taught and helped me so much.
I’m in my 80s. And don’t understand a lot of technology. But why would an app want my microphone. I like to use the microphone to talk to Google to hunt for things and to dictate this comment.But I don’t understand why they would need my microphone. Can you explain please. Thanks
If you had the app Shazam, it would need access to the microphone to listen to and identify music. It would only be listening while you are trying to identify a piece of music. Otherwise, it’s just not interested.
Voice input would also be a good thing for any map apps that you have.That would make them hands-free and safer to use.
I also let my calendar app and my notes and reminder apps use my microphone for ease of use.
I’m also skeptical of letting a lot of apps use the microphone if I can’t see an immediate and practical benefit from it.
WOW! Thank you!
Thank you for keeping us updated. Your service is remarkable
Wow thank you
So good to know!! Thanks!
How do you add date stamp to iPhone camera
What benefit is there to me in having the Mike. On or off? Please explain. Thank you.
Good to know and take action on. Thank you.
What would benefit me if I have my microphone on for a particular app? Maybe give an example. Thank you.
Will I still be able to use Siri? And speak instead of type messages?
What are some examples of why I might want an app to “listen in?” Or, what are some reasons why I would want an app to “listen in?”
Thank you.
Thank you!
Thank you! I love seeing your tips and lessons everyday!
Thank you. I’m 77 years old and not as tech savy as I would like to be. You are a wonderful help.
Wow I had 6 on that I didn’t know about! Thank you for all the knowledgeable things I had no clue about!!
I’ve noticed that after my wife and I have conversation about a particular subject, we got ads on our phone for that subject. Is that a coincidence?
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