The small green dot that appears in the top corner of an Android phone is a built-in privacy signal. It lets you know when an app is actively using sensitive features like the camera, the microphone, or both. This indicator was added to give users clearer, real-time insight into how their device is being used.

You’ll often see the green dot when doing things like video calls, recording audio, or taking photos. In those cases, it’s completely normal and simply confirms that the app has permission and is currently using it. However, if the dot shows up when you’re not expecting it, it’s a good idea to check what’s going on.

To see which app is responsible, swipe down from the top of your screen to open the notification panel and tap the indicator. Your phone will show exactly which app is accessing the camera or microphone. If everything looks appropriate, you don’t need to do anything else.

If you want more control, you can go into Settings, open Privacy or Permissions, and manage access for individual apps. Keeping an eye on these permissions helps protect your personal data and ensures apps only use features when you intend them to.