With the iOS 14 update, Apple introduced a new 'orange dot' feature to let users know which apps have access to the microphone. There is nothing to worry about being scammed or overheard as it focuses on user Privacy and Security to save you from scams.
As this new update was introduced, iPhone users had an unsettling feeling that they were being heard or recorded. But actually, Apple has updated it to show the Orange Dot, which means the app is using a microphone, and the Green Dot, which means the app is using a camera.
And now the question arises: how to get rid of the orange dot on the iPhone? Therefore, in this blog, we will look into the depths of how to remove this point and first consider whether it is possible at all.
How to check which app is using the microphone?
The orange dot is a round dot at the top of the iPhone screen. Indicates that the application is using the microphone. However, you can easily control which app will use the microphone. Also, this can be turned on or off as per the user's preference.
To do this, the iPhone user can follow these steps:
- Step 1: Go to settings
- Step 2: Navigate to Privacy and Security
- Step 3: Click Microphone
- Step 4: Here you will be able to see which app is using the microphone.
From here, the user can easily enable or disable microphone usage for apps as needed.
How to get rid of an orange dot on iPhone: possible reasons why Apple introduced the feature
Apple, the maker of iPhones, vows to put users' privacy and security first. Therefore, with every new upgrade, Apple finds some or the other way to make iPhone and other Apple devices more secure for users. Therefore, the update adding an orange dot at the top can be due to three reasons:
- Let us know when the microphone is in use: It is important for users to know which applications are using their microphones. Hence, the orange dot is a good indicator of the same.
- You can track your privacy: Whenever an orange dot appears, users will know their microphone is in use. Therefore, they can easily disable it if they want to maintain their privacy with the given app.
- Which app is recording things: Many times, many third-party applications are suspicious enough to record the person using the iPhone and then use it for misuse. Therefore, whenever an orange dot appears, the user would know that the Apple device is recording or using the microphone.
How to get rid of orange dots on iPhone: Possible fixes
Unfortunately, Apple doesn't make it possible for you to get rid of the orange dot completely. But if you want to know how to turn off the orange dot on your iPhone, here is a fix that can help you customize the orange dot. This will also allow you to control which apps can access your microphone by making basic settings on your iPhone.
Therefore, here are some simple steps on how to get rid of the orange dot on your iPhone:
- Step 1: Open the settings
- Step 2: Tap Privacy
- Step 3: Tap the microphone
- Step 4: Change the mute button for apps where you don't need the microphone.
However, sometimes, the orange dot will still not go after this setting, so it is better to restart your device to save and apply the settings. To do this:
- Step 1: Quickly press and release the volume up button
- Step 2: Press and release the volume down button
- Step 3: Hold the side button and restart it when the Apple logo appears
Last words
Here are some of the fixes you can try. I hope it will help you as I have given you all possible ways. But let me tell you some famous apps like Zoom, Whatsapp, Signal, Maps, Instagram, Facebook, etc. will need access to your microphone. It's a new Apple privacy feature to let users better understand when apps access their microphones. There is nothing to worry as it is an update from Apple to protect your privacy and security.
Unfortunately, you can't get rid of it completely unless you stop using the app that's accessing the microphone. This is not possible in any case, but you can be more aware and prevent hackers from accessing your microphone or camera. Moreover, if you want to know how to get rid of the orange dot on your iPhone, you can also take the help of some third-party applications, but their safety will not be guaranteed.
