Stop your devices from listening

March 15, 2025

By Kim Komando

What’s the obvious downside for always-on devices that constantly listen for commands? They’re always listening. Voice-activated tech uses microphones that listen for wake words, meaning they can hear personal conversations you don’t want them to hear. Don’t worry, you can stop it.

The tech you can’t see

“Ultrasonic” refers to radio waves humans can’t hear. It’s like a secret language for your smart devices. And guess what? Apps are using this tech to listen in.

Sneaky apps listen for “beacons” to determine where you shop and what you buy. They then pair browser cookies to your device to track you. The good news is you can outsmart this technology, and it’s as simple as flipping a switch (well, almost).

Turn off microphone access for apps without a logical reason to use it. Think flashlights and other apps that don’t need to listen.

Note: The steps may vary depending on your device’s model and operating system version.

On iOS:

• Open the Settings app, then scroll and tap Privacy & Security.
• Locate the menu labeled Microphone and tap it.
• Find the app you want to turn off the mic for and toggle the green switch to the off position.

On Android:

• Open the Settings app, then scroll and tap Security & Privacy.
• Tap Privacy, followed by Permission manager.
• Tap Microphone and locate the app you want to turn the mic off for.
• Toggle the slider to the off position.

Stopping voice assistants

Now, let’s tackle those helpful (yet sometimes nosy) virtual assistants.

• Amazon Alexa: Find a button resembling a microphone or a circle with a line. Push that to mute your device or keep it from listening. Unmute it when you want to chat with Alexa again.
• Apple Siri: Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad, then scroll and tap Apple Intelligence & Search. Tap Talk & Type to Siri and select Off. You can also turn off Allow Siri When Locked to prevent Siri from activating if a button’s pressed in your pocket.
• Google Assistant: Open the Settings app on your phone, then scroll and tap Google. Tap All services in the top right, followed by Settings for Google apps > Search, Assistant and Voice > Google Assistant > Hey Google & Voice Match. Toggle off the Hey Google slider.

With your devices no longer playing detective with your conversations, you can finally relax and enjoy some privacy. 

😂 Speaking of listening … Barry swears the CIA put a listening device in our yard disguised as a tree. I told him it was just a plant.