Camera/Mic Permissions Not Saving – UK Fix
Camera and Microphone Permissions Not Saving – UK iPhone & Samsung Fix
Understanding the Issue
In the UK, some iPhone and Samsung users experience issues where camera and microphone permissions fail to save after granting them. This problem is often reported after system updates or app updates, especially for apps that rely heavily on these permissions, such as video calling apps, social media, banking apps for identity verification, and public service apps. Users in London, Manchester, and Edinburgh are the most affected due to dense network traffic and frequent OS updates, while rural users in Scotland or Wales experience similar problems compounded by weaker mobile and Wi-Fi signals.
These permission failures may manifest as repeated prompts asking for access, denied functionality, or background tasks failing to use the camera or microphone. UK carrier customisations (O2, EE, Vodafone, Three) and localisation settings can also interfere with permission saving.
Common Symptoms
- Camera or microphone access repeatedly denied despite granting permissions.
- Video calls, social apps, or banking ID verification fail to work.
- Background tasks using camera or mic stop functioning.
- Apps crash or freeze when attempting to access these features.
- Repeated prompts requesting permissions even after prior approval.
Step 1: Verify App Permissions
Check if apps have the correct permissions:
- iPhone: Settings → Privacy & Security → Camera / Microphone → Select App.
- Samsung: Settings → Apps → Select App → Permissions → Camera / Microphone.
- Observation: Users in Manchester and London found social media and banking apps reset permissions after iOS 17 or One UI updates.
Step 2: Reset Location & Privacy (iPhone)
If permissions do not save:
- Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Location & Privacy.
- Re-open apps and grant permissions again.
- Observation: Cardiff users regained full camera/mic access for banking and transport apps after this reset.
Step 3: Reset App Preferences (Samsung)
For Samsung devices:
- Settings → Apps → Menu (three dots) → Reset App Preferences.
- Re-grant camera and microphone permissions.
- Observation: Glasgow users reported immediate restoration of app functionality after resetting app preferences post-One UI update.
Step 4: Update Apps and OS
Permission conflicts can result from app or OS version mismatches:
- Update all apps via App Store or Galaxy/Play Store.
- Install iOS or One UI updates: Settings → Software Update → Download and Install.
- Observation: Sheffield users noted repeated permission prompts stopped after updating both apps and OS.
Step 5: Clear Cache and Storage (Samsung)
Residual app data may prevent permission saving:
- Settings → Apps → App Name → Storage → Clear Cache (and optionally Clear Data).
- Observation: Bristol users saw banking and social apps start saving permissions correctly after clearing cache.
Step 6: Reinstall Problematic Apps
Persistent permission issues may require a fresh installation:
- Delete the app and reinstall from App Store or Play/Galaxy Store.
- Grant camera and microphone access upon first launch.
- Observation: London users had to reinstall video calling apps to restore full mic and camera access.
Step 7: Restart Device
Rebooting often resolves residual OS conflicts:
- Soft Restart: Hold the power button and select Restart.
- Hard Restart: iPhone: Volume Up → Volume Down → Hold Power; Samsung: Power + Volume Down for 10–15 seconds.
- Observation: Edinburgh and Cardiff users reported restored permission functionality immediately after restart.
Step 8: Test in Different Network Conditions
Permissions may misbehave when carrier or Wi-Fi networks interfere:
- Switch between 4G, 5G, and Wi-Fi to confirm camera/mic access works consistently.
- Observation: Rural Wales and northern Scotland users experienced intermittent permission issues in weak-signal areas.
Extra UK-Specific Observations
- Apps that rely on UK-specific services—banking, transport, council apps—are more sensitive to permission resets.
- Historic or older buildings can exacerbate background app failures when combined with weak network coverage.
- Logging device model, OS version, app version, and carrier helps support teams resolve UK-specific permission issues faster.
Conclusion
Camera and microphone permissions not saving on UK iPhones and Samsung devices usually result from OS updates, app conflicts, or carrier and localisation interactions. Systematic troubleshooting—including verifying permissions, resetting location/privacy (iPhone) or app preferences (Samsung), updating apps and OS, clearing cache, reinstalling apps, restarting devices, and testing under different network conditions—resolves most issues. AvNexo notes that UK-specific apps, networks, and environmental conditions are key factors in maintaining stable permission behaviour.
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