Every time an app asks for camera, microphone, location or file access, it is requesting a small slice of trust. Device Permission Panel gives you language for those choices so you can clean up old approvals and keep your phone closer to your comfort level.
This page is general guidance. Always follow the instructions for your exact device model and any official Android documentation when you change settings.
When you open your settings, you might see a long list of permissions. It helps to begin where the impact feels the strongest. For many people this means camera, microphone and location access.
Ask a simple question for each app: does this match what I actually use it for. For example, a navigation app that knows where you are while you drive can feel reasonable. A casual game with constant location access may not.
Instead of scanning everything at once, select one permission type and review that list from top to bottom. This removes pressure and keeps your decisions clear. You can come back later for the remaining categories.
Some settings use phrases like "draw over other apps", "change system settings" or "view usage data". These are special access options that give certain apps extra influence over what you see and how the device behaves.
You do not need to be a technical expert to review them. Move slowly, read the short descriptions, and keep these options limited to tools you trust and actually use. If an app name looks unfamiliar, that is a good reason to pause and decide whether it still belongs.
Many devices also list notification access and default apps in these areas. Adjusting them can make your phone quieter and more predictable without removing any data.
The easiest way to keep permissions tidy is to treat them as a small ongoing habit, not a one time project. You do not have to configure everything today. A few thoughtful changes each week are enough.
A simple pattern is to review permissions whenever you uninstall an app or install a new one. While you are already thinking about that app, it is easy to check what access it had or will request.
Over time, you will recognize which patterns feel comfortable. That makes it faster to spot permission prompts that stand out or do not match an app's purpose.
Reading about permissions helps you think more clearly. The next step is to open your settings and try one or two changes that feel safe and reversible. You can always adjust again if something does not match your routine.
If you would like a guided flow while you work, you can open an external toolkit that walks through common areas and reminds you of questions to ask yourself.
Use any helper as a companion to your own judgement. Your comfort with how your phone behaves is the final reference point.