Is there some way to really know when you microphone is being used on android 13? I know there are notifications for it if applications are using it and it might even display some icon, but that doesnt really help if the phone is in my pocket.

In f-droid, there used to be application called vigilante that did this, but it's development was discontinued because apparently its features are part of android itself now, according to its github page.

I also don't know if the system itself can be trusted to always tell me. I started thinking about it more when I noticed that google play wants to update some 'qualcomm voice assist' application that was installed without my permission and isnt even displayed on the list of applications. I also cant modify its permissions so i have to assume it has permission to do anything.

So is there any program or anything that lets you know when mic is recording and maybe even if phone is transmitting that information, even if android itself isnt telling me about it.

I wish i could just install some better operating system, but that isnt an option for me at the moment.