If you’ve recently updated your iPhone to the iOS 14 operating system, you may have noticed a series of new colored dots that occasionally appear in the upper right corner of the screen.
These indicator lights are actually a visual way to alert you to when apps are using either your camera or your microphone.
They’re both a part of Apple’s new emphasis on protecting the privacy of iPhone users everywhere.
In the past, sometimes apps would be using your microphone (or worse, accessing your camera) without your knowledge.
Now, if you see the indicator lights pop up, you can put a stop to it or at least understand exactly why it is happening.
The Orange Microphone Dot
Whenever you’re using your iPhone and you see an orange dot appear right above the cellular bars, it means some app is currently using the microphone.
If you open the “Voice Memo” app and then navigate back to your “Home” screen, for example, that orange dot will appear.
The same is true if you’re in the process of making a phone call, or if you’re using some other type of Siri function.
You don’t necessarily have to do anything when this happens – just understand that your microphone is currently active and some app is using it to listen to what you say.
The Green Camera Dot
When a green dot appears on your iPhone’s screen in the same location, it means that some app is using your iPhone’s camera. Note that because the camera also records video, the app in question could be using your microphone as well.
If you try to record a video with sound, for example, you’ll see this green dot appear. It could happen when you’re interacting with the stock “Camera” app, or when you’re trying to make a FaceTime call.
That’s it! Now, you have all the actionable information you need to make more informed decisions regarding your iPhone privacy.
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Thank you for satisfying inquiring minds!
Thanks, Pete for keeping up informs. Your tips are very helpful!
Thank you for all the great information. I’m retired and not up to date on a lot of things. Very much appreciate your insight!!
Your information is very important to me others.. Keep the great information coming….
I just read the orange light and green light explanation. Is there anyway you can turn those functions off? This is very concerning.
I’m guessing you must close the app that might be active in the background.
I would like to know this is as well! Why provide the info and then not tell us how to disable?????
If you turn them off your microphone would not work so any thing you say would not go out. Same as with the green video, you would not be seen. They only come on when you are using apps that to video and sound. If you see them on and you are not using any of those apps that might be reason for concern.
I can’t thank you enough for what you’re doing to assist us in understanding how to use our phones!
How will we know which apps are recording? And how do we turn it off?
Thank you for all your useful information!
Thank you for information
How do I find out what app is using my microphone and camera? How do I block them?
How do you stop it?? You don’t necessarily have to do anything when this happens – just understand that your microphone is currently active and some app is using it to listen to what you say.
omit question–my son just explained
Why is this allowed to happen?
My iPad is running really slow. Is there something I can do to fix it?
Make sure your cleaning out your trash & junk mailboxes . Also double tap your home button & remove any apps that are open. The way you access your trash & junk mailboxes is by moving your left top yahoo etc. button by depressing it. The way to remove open apps is by swiping the app to the top.
As Sandra Herron asked, what can we do about this????? Please let us know.
Is there a way to block the dots?? I don’t think they should have this ability!!
Can these green and orange lights be turned off?
Great info, who knew???
If I am not using either the camera or the microphone and see the light on, how do I stop this from anyone listening or using the camera?
Thanks good info
I am new to smartphones but have gotten the iPhone 12 Pro Max with its great camera. Being a photographer by addiction what I would like to see offered is a phone holder that would attach to my tripod.
Thank you Pete. I find your tips are very useful. Look forward to your posts
I recently upgraded from iPhone 7+ to iPhone SE 2nd gen. When I transferred my data from the 7+ to the SE, all my contacts were duplicated. How can I eliminate the cloned contacts in one fell swoop rather than delete each cloned entry one at a time? Thanks in advance for your help.
Great Information; your helpful advice is always appreciated. Thank you for all that you do.