Yesterday, I noticed some apps on my Android phone had new permissions enabled that I never agreed to, like camera and microphone access for apps that shouldn’t need them. I haven’t installed anything new recently, and I always check app permissions carefully. I ran a malware scan with Malwarebytes, but it didn’t find anything suspicious. I also checked for software updates and installed the latest patches. I’m worried that maybe someone remotely accessed my phone or that some app silently escalated permissions in the background. I use a strong lock screen and two-factor authentication on my Google account, so I thought I was pretty secure. I’m not sure if I should factory reset or if there’s a way to trace what triggered these permission changes. Has anyone else experienced random permission changes without manually approving them? What’s the best way to confirm if my device has been compromised or if it’s just a bug? Also, are there reliable tools you trust to monitor app permission changes in real time?

That sounds super frustrating and honestly pretty unsettling. Sometimes apps do update in the background and request new permissions as part of their updates, even if you didn’t explicitly approve them each time. It’s worth checking your Play Store update history to see if any apps recently updated and then reviewing their permission changes.

If you want to dig deeper, apps like “Bouncer” can help by granting temporary permissions and revoking them automatically, so you have more control. Also, consider using “App Ops” or “Permission Manager” tools that can track permission changes over time, though they might require a bit of tech savvy. If you still feel uneasy, a factory reset is the safest bet but definitely back up your important data first.

Lastly, keep an eye on unusual battery drain or data usage - it can be a clue that something sketchy is happening behind the scenes. Hope this helps you get to the bottom of it!