Tech Tip: Is Your Smartphone Listening To You? Heres How To Disable Microphone Access On Android

Turn Off Microphone Access On Android: Have you ever noticed that after discussing a product, advertisements for it suddenly start appearing on your smartphone screen—whether you’re browsing social media or using other social media apps? This isn’t just coincidence right?

Many users are surprised to learn that their devices might actually be listening to their conversations, and targeted ads are often a result of this passive data collection. This usually happens more on Android phones, which are the most widely used smartphones in the world. 

Let me solve this puzzle for you. The major reason behind this phenomenon is a Google feature that your phone’s microphone on to listen for voice commands. So, If this setting is turned on your smartphone, your device might pick up parts of your conversations and use that information to show you targeted ads—raising real concerns about your privacy.

Beware! Before Granting App Permissions: 

Many users tend to grant app permissions—such as access to the microphone, contacts, location, or camera—without fully evaluating the potential privacy risks. While certain permissions are necessary for core app functions, others may be excessive and open the door to data misuse by developers. It is crucial to assess each permission request and only allow access when it is clearly justified.

Adding further, most Android devices come with Google Voice Assistant enabled by default, keeping the microphone active in the background. Fortunately, users can enhance their privacy by manually adjusting these settings. So, by disabling voice assistant features can help minimize unintended data collection and better protect sensitive, personal conversations.

How To Disable Microphone Access On Your Smartphone

Step 1: Open Settings on your Android device and tap on the Google option.

Step 2: Select ‘Manage your Google Account.’

Step 3: Go to the ‘Data & Privacy’ tab.

Step 4: Scroll down and tap on ‘Web & App Activity.’

Step 5: Find ‘Voice & Audio Activity’ and uncheck the box to disable it. 

How To Check Microphone Permissions on Your Smartphone

Android users can review and manage the apps that have microphone access by visiting the Permission Manager. If you determine that a particular app does not require microphone access, you can manually select ‘Don’t Allow’ to revoke its permission to use the microphone