Why your iPhone shows green and orange dots, and what they reveal about your privacy
Apple’s green and orange iPhone dots warn when apps use the camera or microphone. They cannot be disabled, but managing app permissions ensures only trusted apps can trigger them.
What the green and orange dots mean The green dot shows your camera is being used, while the orange dot indicates microphone access. These appear near the Dynamic Island and are intentional privacy alerts, not glitches.
Why Apple added them Introduced in iOS 14 and redesigned in iOS 18, the indicators give you an immediate, visible warning whenever an app accesses sensitive sensors in the background.
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How to check which app is using what If a dot appears unexpectedly, swipe into Control Center. iOS will display the exact app currently using your camera or microphone, helping you spot suspicious behaviour instantly.
You cannot turn them off, but you can control permissions The indicators are permanent. To manage access, head to Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera or Microphone and revoke permissions for apps you do not trust.
Why these dots matter for your privacy Security experts say these alerts may be your only warning if malware or a misbehaving app is active. Reviewing permissions regularly ensures only essential, trusted apps can use your camera or microphone.
