us Technology & digital loss repeated permission popups • system permissions after update • permission prompts feel wrong • app asking for camera access • app asking for microphone access • app asking for contacts access • app asking for photos access • app asking for location access • unexpected privacy prompts • android permission manager • iphone privacy and security • new permissions request loop • possible malware on phone • suspicious app behaviour • update changed permissions • prompts won’t stop • device privacy panic • app privacy report iphone • permission fatigue

What to do if…
your device keeps prompting for new system permissions after an update and it feels wrong

Short answer

Stop granting new permissions and revoke sensitive access (camera, mic, location, contacts, photos/files) for the app(s) involved using your device privacy settings. If anything suggests fraud or account takeover, change your main email password from a different trusted device.

Do not do these things

Don’t keep hitting “Allow” just to clear the pop-ups.
Don’t download a “permission fixer/cleaner/security” app from an ad, pop-up, or message.
Don’t log in to banking, email, or your password manager until you’ve reviewed permissions and removed suspicious apps.
Don’t follow links that claim you must “verify” your Apple ID/Google account because of “security warnings”.
Don’t factory reset in a rush without first identifying the likely app and securing key accounts.

What to do now

Pause and contain the risk.
For a few minutes: no logins, no payments, no entering passwords, and no scanning/uploading ID documents from the possibly-affected device.
Deny the permission prompt unless you clearly expect it.
If the prompt is unexpected (or the app name looks unfamiliar), choose Don’t allow. If the same request keeps repeating, treat it as a problem to investigate, not a problem to comply with.
Find the app(s) requesting access using built-in settings.
- iPhone/iPad: Settings → Privacy & Security and review each category (Location, Contacts, Photos, Microphone, Camera, Bluetooth, Local Network). If available, turn on and review App Privacy Report.
- Android: Settings → Privacy (or Security & privacy) → Permission manager and review each sensitive permission type to see which apps have access.
Remove high-impact permissions first (camera/mic/location/contacts/photos).
For any app you don’t fully trust, set sensitive permissions to Don’t allow / Never / Only while using (if available). If you don’t use the app, revoke permissions and uninstall it.
On Android, run a built-in safety check (Google Play Protect).
Open the Google Play Store, go to Play Protect, and run a scan. If it flags an app, follow the on-screen steps to remove or disable it.
Check what changed after the update.
Review recently installed/updated apps and anything installed outside the official store. Uninstall anything unfamiliar, unused, or “lookalike” (name/icon resembles a real app).
Update normally, but only through official channels.
Apply updates through the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Treat “update required” prompts inside pop-ups, texts, or emails as suspicious.
If you suspect account takeover, secure your primary email from another trusted device.
Change your email password and enable two-factor authentication. Then review signed-in devices / recent activity and sign out of anything you don’t recognize.
If you lost money or believe you were the victim of cyber-enabled fraud, report it.
File a report with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) using the official FBI reporting portal.
If your workplace/school manages the device, treat it as a security issue immediately.
Contact your IT/helpdesk and tell them: “After the update, the device repeatedly requests new permissions and I denied them; please advise next steps.”

What can wait

You don’t need to decide right now whether this was malicious or just an app behaving badly.
You don’t need to contact every service you use—focus first on your primary email and any account with suspicious activity.
You don’t need to do a factory reset unless the situation stays uncontrolled after you revoke permissions and remove suspicious apps.
You don’t need to “clean” the device with multiple tools—containment (permissions + uninstall + official updates) is the priority.

Important reassurance

It’s normal to feel rattled by repeated permission prompts—apps and operating systems often ask at stressful moments, and it can feel like you’re being pushed to agree. Denying first and reviewing access in settings is a safe, reversible way to regain control.

Scope note

These are first steps to stabilize and prevent irreversible mistakes. If the prompts continue even after you revoke permissions and remove suspicious apps, you may need device-specific support (manufacturer support or a trusted technician) to check for deeper compromise or configuration issues.

Important note

This is general information, not professional legal, financial, or technical advice. If you believe you’re a victim of cybercrime or fraud, preserve basic details you already have (dates, app names, screenshots) and use official reporting and support channels.

Additional Resources

Support us

What to do if…your device keeps prompting for new system permissions after an update and it feels wrong