Apple Intelligence is now available on iPhone, iPad, and Mac!

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Microphone orange dot won’t go away

Orange dot at top of screen won’t go away even though I turned off microphone for all the apps that previously had access to it. When I swipe down, it shows a little orange microphone and it says “unknown,” as if it is unknown who is using it. Worried if I am being hacked or something?

iPhone 11, iOS 14

Posted on Feb 14, 2021 10:26 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Feb 14, 2021 10:47 PM

No, you are not being hacked. Something (an App) or a process in the background is probably stuck with the microphone when you last used it.

Try and Force Restart your iPhone EXACTLY as shown below and see whether that resolves the issue:

  • Press and quickly release Volume UP button
  • Press and quickly release Volume DOWN button
  • Press and Hold the SIDE button until an Apple logo appears and then release the Side button (Can take up to 20 seconds. (DO NOT release Side Button when invited to Slide Power OFF). 


Axel F.


1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Feb 14, 2021 10:47 PM in response to Usernameisdumb

No, you are not being hacked. Something (an App) or a process in the background is probably stuck with the microphone when you last used it.

Try and Force Restart your iPhone EXACTLY as shown below and see whether that resolves the issue:

  • Press and quickly release Volume UP button
  • Press and quickly release Volume DOWN button
  • Press and Hold the SIDE button until an Apple logo appears and then release the Side button (Can take up to 20 seconds. (DO NOT release Side Button when invited to Slide Power OFF). 


Axel F.


Microphone orange dot won’t go away

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.