Green dot on a Samsung Galaxy: what it means
By Saadat Rafiq · 2 min read · 4 steps · Updated 5 October 2026
The green dot at the top right means an app is using the camera or microphone right now. Swipe down to see which app. To check the last 24 hours, open Settings, Security and privacy, and look at Permissions used in last 24 hours.
- Device
- Android
- Shown on
- Samsung Galaxy A57 5G (SM-A576B), One UI 8.5, Android 16
- App
- Camera
- Real screenshots
- 2 of 4 steps
- Checked
- October 2026
- Sources
- 2 official, linked below
Step by step
See which app is using it
Swipe down from the top while the dot shows. A camera or microphone icon with the app name appears at the top of the panel. Tap it to manage the app.
Open Security and privacy
Settings, Security and privacy. Under Privacy, Permissions used in last 24 hours shows Camera, Microphone and Location. None had been used on ours.
See every app and permission
Tap the row to open Permission usage. Pick Last 24 hours and tap a permission to see which apps used it and when.
Take a permission away
Tap the app you do not trust and choose Don't allow, or uninstall the app.
About this guide
The dot is a privacy indicator from Android, not a fault. It is normal while you use the camera, a voice assistant, a call or voice typing.
The screenshots are from a Samsung Galaxy A57 5G with One UI 8.5 and Android 16. Other Galaxy phones on One UI 8 use the same menus; on older One UI versions a few names and positions differ. We only looked at these screens on our phone and changed nothing.
Good to know
App permissions in general: Settings, Apps, the app, Permissions.
In short: Green dot = camera or mic in use; swipe down to see the app; Settings, Security and privacy, Permissions used in last 24 hours.
- Samsung AE: What does the green dot at the top of my Galaxy phone mean?
- Samsung AU: Green camera & microphone icon appearing on my Galaxy phone
Links checked on 4 October 2026. Rules and prices change. Check the official source before you act.