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Android 11 has a clever trick to deal with unused apps
June 06, 2025
We previously reported about Android 11’s ability to granttemporary one-time permissionsto apps. Building on that feature, thelatest developer previewbrings yet another option to revoke app permissions for unused apps.
You might have many redundant apps on your phone that you downloaded enthusiastically at one point and later forgot about completely. If so, the new “Auto revoke permissions” feature in Android 11 is meant for you.
First spotted byXDA’sMishaal Rahman and reported byAndroid Police, the new setting automatically revokes permissions for camera, files, contacts, location, etc, for apps that you haven’t used in a while.
The option is available within the “App Permissions” section for each app. You can access it by long-pressing the app icon in the recents menu and then heading toApp info>Permissions. Alternatively, you can go toSettings>Apps & notifications>the app you want tweak>Permissions.
Enabling the option will automatically cancel all permissions for the app if you haven’t used it for “a few months.” You can see the new option and its description in the screenshot below.
Looking for other cool features headed to Android 11? Check outthis listof the most notable new Android 11 features we’ve found so far. Have a new Android 11 feature to report?Tip usand we’ll ensure to cover it on the website.
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