iOS 14 is the latest version of Apple’s mobile operating system, and it introduces several new security features. While these will be largely invisible for most users, some of them make their presence known immediately. This is the case with the green dot that frequently appears in the iPhone status bar. Here’s what the green dot in iOS 14 means and why you should pay attention when it pops up.
iOS 14 | What is the green dot?
The green dot that appears in the iPhone status bar is a new security feature added in iOS 14. It shows up any time an app uses your camera, whether to record videos, capture images, or run facial recognition.
Since a lot of apps use the iPhone camera, you’re likely to see the green dot often. That’s part of the reason why it was made so small and unobtrusive. It will appear when unlocking your phone with FaceID or when capturing photos. You can also expect the green dot to show up when using Snapchat, TikTok, FaceTime, Instagram, or even just taking a photograph.
Of course, you’ll probably be aware of when you’re actively using your iPhone camera. However, the off chance that you’re not aware of when your camera is recording is why the green dot appears to begin with. That’s what makes it a security feature: The dot will show up any time any of your cameras is in use. If it appears when you’re not using the camera, an app is watching you without your permission, and you need to figure out which one.
Fortunately, iOS 14 makes this easy. All you need to do is open the Control Center. At the top of the screen will be a green icon with the name of the app that’s using the camera. The Control Center will even tell you which app used it last, in case you aren’t able to check before the dot disappeared.
The green dot in iOS 14 means one of your apps is using one your iPhone cameras. It will appear frequently, but don’t let your guard down, as this dot can alert you if any apps start watching you without your permission.
