Apple users have recently raised concerns about a small but noticeable feature: the orange dot that appears on their screens. While some wonder if it’s harmless, others fear it may signal a privacy issue. The orange dot is Apple’s way of notifying users when an app is actively using the microphone.
Common situations include phone calls, voice recordings, or voice notes. In most cases, this is normal and nothing to worry about.
However, some users report seeing the dot even when they aren’t using the microphone, sparking fears that their devices may be listening without consent.
Experts advise that if the orange dot appears unexpectedly, it’s worth investigating. Often, the cause is an app running in the background that users forgot to close.
A simple fix is to close all open apps until the dot disappears. If it persists, restarting the device usually resolves the issue. If the dot remains after a reboot, it may indicate a deeper problem requiring attention.
Apple also introduced a green dot, which signals when the camera is in use. For example, opening the camera app may trigger a green dot, sometimes briefly followed by orange when the microphone activates.
These indicators are designed to increase transparency, alerting users when their microphone or camera is accessed. For added security, users can adjust app permissions in settings, limiting access to trusted apps and maintaining better control over their privacy.