Whether we like to admit it or not, there are undesirable developers out there who want to try and get our information. You may think something like “I’m not important enough to be hacked”, but that’s simply not the case. That’s why Apple has pivoted a bit more to be more transparent about its privacy features.
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Over the years, we’ve been seeing Apple make a more concerted effort to ensure the privacy and security of your iPhone and other Apple devices. This is evidenced by features such as Lockdown Mode, Advanced Data Protection, and Private Relay. But those are things that Apple has control over, whereas third-party apps may try to access things like your camera or microphone without you knowing about it.
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Green and Orange Dots on iPhone 14
These indicators first appeared with the release of iOS 14 and will show up in the status bar quickly appearing and disappearing. Apple made the conscious decision to not crowd up the status bar any more than it already is. With most iPhone models starting with the iPhone X (iPhones with a notch), the Green and Orange dots will appear on the right side, just above the network strength icons in the status bar.
Thanks to the introduction of the Dynamic Island on the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max, the Green and Orange dots now appear within the Dynamic Island. The only caveat here is when you are using an app that is actively using the Dynamic Island integration, as the indicator dot will then appear to the right of the battery indicator.
Green Dot
If you come across the green indicator, that means one of two things. Either just the camera is being used, or both the camera and microphone are being used at the same time.
Again, this can happen with some social media apps, along with video-chatting services. If you’re concerned with what app could be using the camera or microphone, open and go through your recently used apps.
Orange Dot
If you’re using your phone, and you see the Orange indicator in your status bar, that means the microphone is being actively used. Whether it’s from Snapchat, the Phone app, or another video chatting app, something is using the microphone.
While you may start to worry, remember that it’s possible that Siri could be listening in. We’ve come across the icon continuing to appear for a brief moment even after Siri has completed its response after being asked a question.
Can you disable the Green or Orange Dots from appearing?
Those hoping to get rid of the temporary indicators from appearing are out of luck. Apple opted to make this mandatory for all iPhone 14 users, as this is a way for users to determine if an app is not doing what it should be.
Think of it this way, if the user was able to disable the microphone or camera indicator, an app could be engineered to do the same. Then, the malicious app could disable the notifications, and take advantage of your microphone or camera whenever it seemed fit. And you would be none-the-wiser.
It may be frustrating for Apple to add something without giving users access. But with security and privacy at the forefront of many things, this is just something that we as users have to deal with.
View Which Apps Are Using the Camera or Microphone
It’s one thing to know when your camera or microphone is actively being used, but Apple has implemented a quick and easy way for you to identify which apps are trying to use these iPhone features.
- Swipe down from the top right corner of your iPhone’s Home Screen to reveal the Control Center.
- At the top of the page, tap the Privacy header.
From here, you’ll be able to quickly see which apps have recently tried to use your camera, microphone, or even your location. And if you spot an app that shouldn’t belong on the list, you can quickly delete it from your iPhone.
Andrew Myrick is a freelance writer based on the East Coast of the US. He enjoys everything to do with technology, including tablets, smartphones, and everything in between. Perhaps his favorite past-time is having a never-ending supply of different keyboards and gaming handhelds that end up collecting more dust than the consoles that are being emulated.
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