How to check if an app is using microphone, camera in background

WhatsApp has come under fire for allegations of using microphone even when app is not used. The Mark Zuckerberg's company has denied involvement.

In a viral post, a user claimed that WhatsApp was listening through smartphone's microphone even when the app was not in use, raising serious privacy concerns. The instant messaging application has denied the allegations, claiming that it was a false signal caused by the device's operating system problem.

WhatsApp has denied charges of using microphone in background. (MINT_PRINT)

However, users should exercise caution if their privacy is not infringed as a result of direct or indirect faults in any applications they use. For this, we have provided tips on how to determine whether a particular app has access to use the microphone or camera, and if it is currently using them in the background.

For iPhone:

1. On your iPhone, launch the Settings app.
2. Scroll down and click on Privacy.
3. Tap Microphone or Camera to check which apps have access to them.
4. If you find an app that you don't want to have access to your microphone or camera, simply toggle the switch to the left to disable it.

To check if any app is currently using your microphone or camera:

1. Look for a green or orange dot on your iPhone's status bar at the top of the screen.
2. A green dot indicates that an app is utilising your camera, whereas an orange dot indicates that an app is using your microphone.
3. You can also open Control Centre by swiping down from the top right corner of the screen, which will also show you which apps are using your microphone or camera.

For Android:

1. On your Android device, open the Settings app.
2. Scroll down to Apps & Notifications.
3. Locate and tap on the app you want to check.
4. Tap Permissions to view which permissions have been granted to the app.
5. If you see Microphone or Camera mentioned under permissions, the app has access to them.

To check if any app is currently using your microphone or camera:

1. Swipe down from the top of your screen to open the notification panel.
2. Look for the microphone or camera indicators in the status bar of your screen.
3. If you see one of these icons, tap it to find out which app is using your microphone or camera.