Here's how Android Marshmallow app permissions work and how you can use them for more control over your smartphone or tablet.

Android Marshmallow App Permissions Explained

With the introduction and release of Android 6.0 Marshmallow, Google brought to the table a new feature which gives you more control over how app permissions work. Prior to Marshmallow, app permissions were absolutely haywire, and you had no way of finding out which app is using what on your device. But thanks to a dedicated 'App Permissions' entry in Marshmallow, all of that changes for the better.

What Are App Permissions?

Whenever you install an app, let's say Instagram, it requires access to certain parts of your device in order to deliver a full-fledged experience. The app will require to use the device's camera if you want to take a photo on the fly and then share it, or you can just pick one from the photo library if you so wish. The access to the camera and the photo library is a permission that has been granted to the app itself to function. In Marshmallow, you have total control over this, and have the ability to turn off which part of Android an app should, or should not have access to. For example, you might allow Instagram to have access to your photo library but not the camera hardware itself, and vice versa.

When To Use App Permissions?

There can be a lot of scenarios whereyou'd want to use app permissions. For instance, a usermight want to alter app permissions to gain some battery life by turning off certain features such as access to location services. Others might want to take a different route and use said feature to boost their security credentials. it's completely up to you which direction you wish to take with app permissions.

How To Use And Access App Permissions?

Provided that you have a device at hand running Android Marshmallow, follow the steps below to access the 'App Permissions' feature.

1. Launch the Settings app.

2. Scroll down and then tap on 'Apps.'

3. Here you'll see a cogwheel icon on the top right hand corner. Tap on that as well.

4. At the top you will see an option labelled 'App permissions.' Simply tap to open it up.

Over here you'll see a list of things that can be used by different apps that are installed on your device. This includes body sensors, calendar, location data, the microphone and whatnot. Simply tap on any entry to view the apps that have access to that certain aspect on your device.

Next to each entry is a toggle switch to allow or deny access tothat app or service. Remember, there are certain things that require absolute access otherwise your device might not function properly, so be vary of that fact before you go out on a denying spree.

If security is your main concern, then we highly recommend that you go through all your permissions in order to find something suspicious. For example, you don't want a wallpaper or ringtone app to have access to your contacts or email now would you?

-How to Install Official Android 6.0 Marshmallow on Nexus (Windows, OS X, Linux)