What does the orange dot mean on iPhone? (And the green dot)
The colored dot at the top of your screen is a privacy alert. It tells you when an app is listening or watching.
What each color means
- Orange dot: the microphone is in use, for example during a call, with Siri or when recording audio.
- Green dot: the camera is in use, with or without the microphone.
- Blue arrow or pill: an app is using your location.
The fix
Find out which app used it
- 1
Swipe down from the top-right corner to open Control Center.
- 2
Look at the top of the screen for the app name and whether it used the microphone or camera.
The fix
Stop an app using the microphone
- 1
Open Settings › Privacy & Security › Microphone.
- 2
Turn off the switch next to any app that should not have access.
Frequently asked questions
Does the orange dot mean I am being hacked?
Usually not. It appears whenever any app uses the microphone, including calls, Siri and voice messages. Only worry if Control Center shows an app you do not expect.
Can I turn off the orange dot?
No. It is a privacy feature and cannot be hidden. You can stop it appearing for a specific app by removing that app’s microphone permission.
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