How to see which apps can access your contacts and location on iPhone

2 min read · 5 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Every time an app asks to use your location, contacts, photos, camera or microphone, your answer is saved in one place. It is worth looking through that list once in a while and switching off what an app does not need.

Step by step

1. 

   Open Settings and tap Privacy & Security

   Scroll down the Settings list. Privacy & Security has a blue hand icon.

   Done

2. 

   Open Location Services

   Tap Location Services at the top. You see every app that has asked for your location and what it is allowed. Tap an app to choose Never, Ask Next Time, While Using the App or Always. Switch off Precise Location for apps that only need your city, such as weather or news.

   Done

3. 

   Go back and open Contacts

   Each category below works the same way. Tap Contacts to see which apps can read your address book.

   Done

4. 

   Switch off the apps that do not need it

   Tap an app and choose None, or share only the contacts you pick. Messaging apps need contacts to find your friends. A torch or a game does not.

   Done

5. Repeat for Photos, Microphone and Camera

   Scroll further down the Privacy & Security page for Photos, Microphone and Camera. For Photos, Limited Access lets an app see only the pictures you select.

   Done

Good to know

Tracking, near the top of the same page, controls whether apps may ask to follow you across other companies' apps and websites. Switch off Allow Apps to Request to Track to refuse all of them at once.

If an app stops working after you remove a permission, it will ask again the next time it needs it. Nothing is lost by saying no first.

In short: Settings, Privacy & Security, then one category at a time. Never or While Using is enough for most apps.