What connected apps are on Android?
Connected apps are third-party services and mobile apps that can access parts of your Google account, device data, or app-specific permissions.
On an Android phone, this often includes apps linked through Google Sign-In, Google Play services, email permissions, cloud storage access, contacts sync, location access, and other account integrations.
Knowing how to review connected apps on Android phone settings helps you spot outdated permissions, remove apps you no longer use, and reduce the risk of unwanted data sharing.
It is also a useful way to identify logins you may have forgotten about, especially if you have used “Sign in with Google” across multiple services.
Why reviewing connected apps matters
Every connected app expands your digital footprint.
If an app still has access after you stop using it, it may continue to read profile information, sync data, or retain tokens that keep it connected until you revoke access.
Regular reviews are important for several reasons:
- Privacy control: You can see which services can access your Google account and device data.
- Security: Removing unknown apps lowers the chances of account misuse.
- Account hygiene: Old integrations can create clutter and make it harder to manage logins.
- Battery and background activity: Some linked apps keep syncing in the background when permission is still active.
How to review connected apps on Android phone settings
The easiest place to start is your Android settings.
The exact labels can vary by Samsung, Pixel, OnePlus, Motorola, and other Android devices, but the overall process is similar.
Check your Google account connections
- Open Settings on your Android phone.
- Tap Google.
- Select Manage your Google Account.
- Open the Security tab.
- Look for Your connections to third-party apps and services or a similar section.
This area shows apps and services that have been granted access through your Google account.
Tap each one to see what permissions it has, when it was last used, and whether you can remove access.
Review account access in the Play Store
Some app connections are tied to Google Play or subscription activity.
Open the Google Play Store, tap your profile icon, and check the account and payment settings if you suspect an app is linked through purchases or subscriptions rather than a direct sign-in.
Inspect app permissions on the device
Connected apps are not limited to account-based access.
An installed app can also have direct permission to use your camera, microphone, contacts, storage, calendar, location, or SMS.
To check these permissions:
- Go to Settings.
- Tap Apps or Apps & notifications.
- Select an app.
- Open Permissions.
- Review which permissions are allowed, denied, or set to ask every time.
If an app has access to more than it needs, remove the unnecessary permissions immediately.
How to find apps connected through your Google Account
Google account connections are one of the most common ways Android users link apps and services.
These connections can include productivity tools, fitness apps, shopping accounts, streaming services, and gaming platforms.
Within Google Account security settings, look for the following details:
- App name: Confirms which service is connected.
- Access level: Shows whether it can read basic profile data or more sensitive information.
- Last activity: Helps you identify dormant connections.
- Sign-in method: Indicates whether the app uses Google login or another identity provider.
If you do not recognize a connection, search the app name before removing it.
Sometimes services appear under a parent company name or a less familiar brand name.
What permissions should you look for?
When you review connected apps on Android phone settings, focus on permissions that can expose personal information or control device functions.
High-risk permissions
- Contacts: Can reveal who you communicate with.
- SMS: May allow access to verification messages or messaging content.
- Location: Can create a detailed movement history.
- Camera and microphone: Enable audio or video capture when active.
- Files and storage: Can expose documents, photos, and downloads.
- Accessibility access: Powerful permission often used for automation, but risky if unnecessary.
Lower-risk permissions
- Notifications: Usually less sensitive, but still worth reviewing.
- Calendar read access: Useful for scheduling apps, but not needed by most others.
- Activity and fitness data: Relevant only for health or wearable integrations.
As a rule, an app should only have access to data that is necessary for its core function.
How to remove or revoke access
If a connected app looks outdated, unfamiliar, or overly permissive, revoke access right away.
In Google account settings, select the app or service and choose Remove access or Disconnect.
After revoking access, consider these follow-up steps:
- Uninstall the app if you no longer use it.
- Clear the app’s storage and cache if it remains installed.
- Change your password if you suspect unauthorized access.
- Turn on two-factor authentication for your Google account.
For apps installed directly on your phone, you may also need to open the app’s own account settings to fully disconnect cloud services, sync features, or social logins.
How to review connected apps in other Android-related places
Some connections are not visible in one screen alone.
A thorough review should include these areas:
- Samsung account: If you use a Galaxy phone, review linked services inside Samsung account settings.
- Device admin apps: These apps can manage security policies and should be reviewed carefully.
- Accessibility services: Check for apps that can read screen content or control taps.
- Autofill services: Password managers and browser tools may have broad access to form data.
- Bluetooth and nearby device access: Smartwatches, earbuds, and trackers may remain paired even after you stop using them.
Signs a connected app should be removed
Not every app connection is harmful, but some warning signs should prompt a closer look.
Remove or investigate any app that matches these patterns:
- You do not remember installing it.
- The app has not been used in months.
- It requests permissions unrelated to its purpose.
- It appears under a strange developer name or duplicate listing.
- It was granted access during a one-time trial or promotional sign-up.
- It is tied to an old work account or inactive email address.
Pay special attention to apps that can access Google Drive, Gmail, Contacts, or Photos, since those services often contain highly personal information.
How often should you check connected apps?
A simple schedule works best.
Review connected apps at least once every three to six months, and do an immediate check after installing a new service that uses Google Sign-In or account linking.
It is also smart to review connections after:
- Resetting your phone
- Changing your Google password
- Signing in on a shared device
- Stopping use of a subscription app
- Receiving a security alert from Google
Quick checklist for Android app review
Use this checklist to keep the process fast and consistent:
- Open Google Account security settings.
- Review third-party app and service connections.
- Check each app’s last activity and access level.
- Inspect installed app permissions for camera, microphone, location, contacts, SMS, and storage.
- Remove unknown, unused, or over-permissioned apps.
- Reinstall only trusted apps from Google Play.
- Enable two-factor authentication on your main account.
By building this habit, you can keep your Android phone more secure while limiting unnecessary data sharing across the apps and services you use every day.