settings either won’t allow me, or won’t show the option, to give photos/microphone access to apps.

"settings either won’t allow me, or won’t show the option, to give photos/microphone access to apps.: [...]i checked settings and it does not come up as an option when i’m looking specifically at the google photos app in settings. i was also trying a practice app and it wouldn’t let me allow it access to the microphone in settings either.[...]"

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Google Photos Accessing Microphone:

A. Is this what you are performing?

1. Go to: Settings app
2. Tap: Privacy & Security
3. Tap: Microphone
4. Toggle On: Google Photos

B. Options Going Away:

Goole Photos does not have direct connection to Microphone, and its usage and option may not be available to you, given your location.

1. Go Here: Get started with Google Photos - Google Help
2. As it Reads: "New features are rolled out gradually. If you can’t find a new feature, check back over the coming weeks. If you still don’t find a feature, it may not be available in your country or region at this time."

So, in conclusion, ask this in the Google Photos Help Community. These are just Apple forums, and you might get a better answer there.

Seems like a google problem. Try using the app or poking around the app settings.