Users are presented with a system-level permission request before the microphone can be used for the first time. This request is controlled by the Android or iOS operating systems, not by WeChat. WeChat's use of your microphone in-line with common industry practice and only for features that users expect the microphone to be used such as for recording Voice Messages, Voice Input, or recording and sending videos. It is never used surreptitiously or without the user's permission or knowledge.

To review or disable access to my phone's microphone, camera, contacts, and location information, using WeChat v8.0.16 or above go to the Me tab > Settings > My Information & Authorizations > System Permissions. You may view system features that WeChat currently has your authorization to use and change the authorizations by tapping Go to System Settings.

For users using WeChat v8.0.15 or below, you will have access to review and disable access via your phone's system settings.

For Android: Go to your device Settings > Apps & notifications > App permissions > Camera/Location/Microphone/Phone > Enable or disable WeChat from these permissions.  

For iOS: Go to your device Settings > WeChat > Enable or disable Location/Contacts/Microphone/Camera.

Note: The setting path varies to different devices.