Review Android apps allowed to read and reply to notifications

Some assistants, wearables and automation apps request special access to read, reply to or control notifications. That can be useful, but notification text can contain personal conversations or one-time codes. An old app should not keep this access without a reason.

Before you start​

Know which devices or services legitimately mirror your notifications. Manufacturer menus may use different names; do not disable a work-managed service without checking its owner.

Do it step by step​

1. Open Android Settings, Apps, Special app access, then Notification access or Notification read, reply & control.
2. Read each enabled app's name and purpose. Compare it with the installed app's publisher and the function you still use.
3. Turn off access for apps you no longer use or cannot explain. Do not uninstall a critical accessibility or safety tool without planning an alternative.
4. Send a harmless test notification and confirm the intended watch or assistant still works. Check that the removed app no longer mirrors the test.
5. Review lock-screen notification previews separately. Limiting preview text can reduce what appears to anyone holding the phone, regardless of special access.

Check the result​

The access list should contain only expected apps. A removed app should no longer receive notification content after the setting takes effect.

If something goes wrong​

A permission change does not erase messages already stored by an app. If the app behaved suspiciously, review its account and data retention options too.

Know the limit​

Google documents notification access as a special app permission; it is broader than ordinary permission to post a notification. Google's Android notification-access instructions