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The green dot on a Samsung phone running Android 12 or later means an app is using the camera, microphone, or both. To see which app, swipe down from the top of the screen to open the notification shade or Quick Settings, then tap the green indicator. If the access is unexpected, check that app’s permissions.
What the green dot tells you
Samsung describes the dot as a real-time indicator of camera or microphone use. It reports that a sensor is being accessed; by itself, it does not establish that an app recorded, saved, or transmitted audio or video, or that it acted maliciously. That is the limit of what the indicator measures, not a guarantee about an app’s data practices.
Samsung says this indicator is available on its devices running Android 12 or later. The exact appearance and menu labels can vary by Galaxy model, software version, and region.
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Find which app is using the camera or microphone
- When the green dot appears, swipe down from the top of the screen to open the notification shade or Quick Settings.
- Tap the green indicator. The system shows the app or apps currently using the camera or microphone.
- Consider whether the access matches something you just started, such as a call, voice input, camera, or other feature.
Google also documents checking recent sensor access in the Privacy Dashboard on supported Android versions. On Android 12, the dashboard can show when apps accessed camera or microphone permissions; the exact route and available history can depend on the device and software.
#1 Best Overall
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
Check or change one app’s permission
To limit access for a particular app, review its camera or microphone permission in Settings. Samsung’s Saudi Arabia instructions give this route: Settings > Privacy > Permission Manager. Open Camera or Microphone, choose the app, and change its permission if appropriate. Samsung Australia documents a different route: Settings > Apps > More options > Permission manager.
If neither route matches your phone, use Settings search for “Permission manager,” “Camera access,” or “Microphone access,” or consult the manual for your Galaxy model. These paths differ across regional variants and software versions.
Rank #2
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Turn camera or microphone access off for all apps
Supported Android 12 or later devices provide device-wide camera and microphone controls in Quick Settings or the Privacy settings screen. Samsung also documents controls in the Quick Panel. Turn off the relevant sensor toggle to block apps from accessing that sensor, then turn it back on when you need it.
A device-wide block can interrupt any feature that needs the sensor, including calls, video meetings, camera apps, and voice messages. If only one app’s access is unexpected, changing that app’s permission is narrower than disabling the sensor for every app.
Rank #3
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
If you do not see the green dot
Do not treat the dot’s absence alone as proof that a device is malfunctioning or that no sensor access occurred. Samsung advises updating device software if the indicator does not appear. The documented behavior applies to Android 12 or later, and the interface may differ by model and Samsung software version.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Rank #4
- AWESOME SCREEN. ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES: Elevate your content no matter where you are with the 6.7" Super AMOLED display¹ of the Galaxy A37 5G. Enjoy massive detail and stunning clarity on the go
- LONG-LASTING BATTERY: Whether it’s family moments or important calls, stay powered without the wait with Galaxy A37 5G. Super Fast Charging 2.0² ensures you’re back up and running quickly
- NEVER MISS THE SHOT, EVEN IN LOW LIGHT: With effortless Nightography, you can capture clear high-quality photos and videos on your phone automatically without adjusting manual settings
- PRO SHOTS, NO PROBLEM: Capture every moment effortlessly on Galaxy A37 5G with the advanced triple-lens camera system featuring a 50MP HDR main camera and a studio-grade front camera
- MORE POWER. MORE AWESOME: Enjoy smooth performance on Galaxy A37 5G. From detailed graphics while gaming to quick app launches and effortless multitasking, the Exynos 1480 keeps everything running
Sources and device scope
- Samsung Saudi Arabia: What does the green dot mean on my Samsung phone and how do I control it (updated April 23, 2026).
- Google Android Developers: Behavior changes: all apps | Android 12.
- Google Android Developers: Explain access to more sensitive information (last updated October 1, 2026 UTC).
- Samsung Australia: Green Camera & Microphone Icon appearing on my Galaxy Phone (updated September 9, 2026; guidance for Australian Galaxy variants).
- Samsung UK: Know what the green dot at the top of your screen means (updated May 25, 2022).
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