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Why does my iPhone screen have a red dot in iOS 14?

After updating to IOS 14, my Iphone 8 a red dot will appear on the top right of the screen while making call. It is clearly not orange/yellow color.I had compare with my another Iphone 7, while making call a yellow/orange dot did show on the top right of the screen.

May I know what happen to my Iphone 8? Further question is I could not switch on the tracking service on my iphone that appear in the privacy.


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPhone 8, iOS 14

Posted on Sep 19, 2020 10:57 PM

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Posted on Sep 28, 2020 7:58 AM

Can you please guid me how to turn this red dot off. This is will be a helpful

74 replies

Oct 15, 2020 12:58 PM in response to Sharklasers065

Apple 🍎 allegedly providing a ‘Red/ Orange’- mine is red, but in any case, the red dot 🔴 indicates the microphone is being used by an app/ application, however each time I place a call I received indication that my microphone is in use but when verifying intently I cannot locate or discover any such app/ application so what is really going- on? Moreover, this matter is concerning and should be of a major concern .

Nov 22, 2020 9:35 AM in response to Lawrence Finch

People seeing the red dot are right about the colour, I had the same red dot for a while and all I can tell is that was off when not using any app, just looking at the main menu screen where are all the icons with apps and after I pressed on any app, it appeared on above the signal strength. After I turned off everything from location and mostly everything I could turn off in settings and what app’s uses it disappeared, only dots I’m having now are the orange one when I’m on a call. Pretty weird the experience with the red dot because it leaves me with the idea that is something recording from a third party while I use anything on my phone, and that’s some spy shi* “discovered” by iOS 14, (it doesn’t mean, if now we can see exactly what is happening with our phone, is something bad and has to be removed straight away)

The orange and green dots also let you know if you’re mic or camera is on and should be on screen either if you’re using any of them or “someone else”, without your permission or knowledge , does it. It’s all about being aware if someone or something is listening to you or even watch trough your camera or even worse is recording the all shi* that you’re watching on your phone screen. #tapedphone

Jan 4, 2021 10:47 AM in response to Imagine1980

You are entitled to your opinions, but not to your fake facts. Apple has stated explicitly what the red or orange dot means→About the orange and green indicators in your iPhone status bar - Apple Support. It means that the phone’s microphone is on; nothing else. If you believe they are lying then you certainly should never use any Apple product. I think even a flip phone would be too risky for you, because even flip phones can be (and are) tracked. How about a cabin in the woods off the grid?

Feb 15, 2021 12:07 PM in response to kcdonegan

As has been explained umpteen times in the thread you posted to and didn’t bother to read, the Red/Orange dot means the microphone is on, which is sort of a necessity when you are on a phone call, or the other party couldn’t hear your voice.


The dot is orange, but with some background colors and settings it appears to be red.


Here is the official explanation→About the orange and green indicators in your iPhone status bar - Apple Support

Oct 3, 2020 12:09 PM in response to Lawrence Finch

Yes that one is orange. I even noted that it was ORANGE. The other pics I posted seem to be lost! So I’ll repost them now. PLEASE note the RED dot, RED end call button, and RED low battery icon. I did try the mute button and it does in fact make the dot go away. Does not however change the FACT that during a call the mic dot is RED, and Siri and other apps that use the mic are ORANGE. If apple is only using GREEN and ORANGE I would really like to know why, what is happening with the “recording” indicator when it’s RED? Thank you!!!

Sep 28, 2020 1:11 PM in response to Hebroniphone5

The explanation makes perfect sense:

An indicator appears at the top of your screen whenever an app is using your microphone or camera. And in Control Center, you can see if an app has used them recently.


What is unclear about that?


To turn off the microphone turn off whatever app is using it. If you are on a phone call it is the phone app. So hang up the call, or tap the Mute button. Either one will turn off the indicator. If you are taking a picture exit the Camera app.


If the indicator is on and you are not using the camera and not using the phone app it will be off, unless the app you are using requires either. For example, it will be on for Snapchat. It will be on for Voice Memos. It will be on for FaceTime. Because all of those use either the microphone or the camera (or both).


BTW, the camera indicator is green, the microphone is orange. (I know it looks red, but compare it to the red hang up button).

Oct 3, 2020 12:57 PM in response to Lawrence Finch

Doesn’t change the fact that there are 3 colors and not just 2 either. Which would logically point in the direction that there were 3 features being used and not just 2. However, after being told that they were NOT red like so many others were also, I used that same logic and inquisitive thinking to find out WHY there was a RED dot. Perhaps you could report to apple that it might be a bug having something to do with the dark mode feature. I have absolutely no idea how to go about that process, and if it’s half the challenge to report something I THINK might be happening as it was to even be acknowledged about something I was seeing with my own eyes I have no desire to try. Thanks again. Have a great day.

Nov 1, 2020 7:12 PM in response to ang194

This sounds a little suspicious. If my camera is on, so is the entire camera screen. If I am on call, the dial screen is on, as well as the time turns green if I change pages. There is already app security as it asks you when you would like the phone to use those features. What would MAKE sense is to have something show up when the person on the other line has me on their speaker phone! That would be an actual security feature. These days I wouldn’t doubt it means you call is being recorded by some agency or your carrier. I’m glad someone thinks this is a great feature. But in my opinion I’m never going to notice it. If I pocket or pursedial, I wouldn’t see it. And like I said it is easy to tell what your phone is doing. I really don’t buy this a bit. It’s either recording and watching us, or they just wanted the feature list to look longer. Hi Alexa!!!


Nov 2, 2020 1:07 AM in response to Carter333

In other words, you would rather not know if your microphone is on. Apple should get rid of the dot, so you won’t know. I get it.


What you are asking for is impossible. Your iPhone has no idea what the settings are on the other end of the call. Which is good, because it protects their privacy. And yours, when you are on the other end of a call.

Why does my iPhone screen have a red dot in iOS 14?

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