Which apps can see your photos

Many apps asked for your photos once, years ago, and still have them. Checking takes five minutes and is one of the most effective free privacy steps on a phone.

The levels of access

Full access: every photo and video, including new ones, and usually their metadata such as location.
Limited or selected: only the items you picked.
Photo picker: the system hands over the one photo you choose, with no ongoing access.
Add only (iPhone): the app can save photos but not read your library.
None.

Check on iPhone

Settings, then Privacy and Security, then Photos. Each app shows its level. Tap one to change it. For apps you rarely use, choose None; they will ask again when they need to.

Check on Android

Search Settings for "Permission manager" (it is often under Security and privacy), then tap Photos and videos. Change apps to limited access or Don't allow where that makes sense. Android can also remove permissions from apps you have not used for a while; look for an unused apps option in each app's settings. Menu names vary by manufacturer and version.

What does each app really need?

A messaging app needs the photo you choose, and the picker handles that. A photo editor needs the image you are editing. A backup app is one of the few that genuinely needs full access. Be thoughtful about apps that ask for everything in order to offer "cleanup" or effects.

Do hidden and locked photos stay out of it?

Google Photos Locked Folder and Samsung Secure Folder are not visible to other apps. The iPhone Hidden album is left out of the picker and limited access, but apps with full access may be able to read hidden items depending on how they are built. That is a good reason to keep full access for apps you trust. Items inside a separate encrypted vault app, such as VaultWell (coming soon), are not part of the photo library at all, so library permissions do not reach them; remember to delete the originals once they are in.

Camera access is separate

Photo library access and camera access are different permissions. An app can have one without the other. While you are in the permissions list, check Camera and Microphone too, and remember that recent iPhone and Android versions show a small indicator when either is in use.

Make it a habit

Look at the list every few months, and delete apps you no longer use; their access goes with them.