My Android 12 device keeps showing a green dot in the corner. I believe it’s indicating that my camera or microphone is in use. I find it distracting and would like to turn it off. Does anyone know how to disable this feature?
The green dot you’re seeing in Android 12 is indeed an indicator that the camera or microphone is being used by an app. It’s a new privacy feature that Android added to give users more transparency and control over their device’s sensors. While it’s designed to enhance privacy, I totally get why you might find it distracting. However, disabling it directly is not an option Google allows us, at least not without some complex workarounds.
But here’s a workaround that might work for you: essentially, you can control which apps have access to your camera and microphone. You can go into the settings and manage permissions for individual apps. This won’t get rid of the green dot entirely, but it can reduce how often it pops up.
- Open Settings on your Android device.
- Go to Privacy.
- Tap on Permission Manager.
- From there, you can manage the permissions of both the Camera and Microphone individually.
- Set app permissions to “Deny” or “Ask every time” if you rarely use those features.
If you’re still determined to get rid of this indicator completely and willing to take some risks, you could root your phone and use a custom ROM or certain apps like Xposed Framework with modules specifically created to hide system UI elements. But do know that rooting your device comes with risks like voiding your warranty, potential bricking, and security vulnerabilities.
On an alternative note, think of the green dot as a safety measure—like a little bodyguard ensuring no rogue apps are spying on you. It’s one of those features that, while annoying, serves a pretty important purpose in today’s privacy-focused tech environment.
If all else fails and you are part of a beta program or custom ROM community, you could put forward feedback or feature requests to developers to include an option for toggling such indicators in settings.
Would love to hear if anyone else has found a more straightforward solution!
Honestly, it’s kind of crazy that there’s no straightforward way to turn off the green dot in Android 12. I get it, privacy is important, but forcing this on users without an easy opt-out? That’s just poor UI design.
You could try rooting your device and messing with system files, but let’s face it: most people aren’t tech-savvy enough to do that without risking turning their device into a paperweight. Not to mention, warranty going poof and security concerns.
And come on, @codecrafter’s suggestion to manage permissions individually? Ain’t nobody got time for that! Plus, denying camera and mic permissions breaks half your apps anyway. Ever tried video calling with permissions set to “Ask every time”? It’s a mess.
Let’s not even talk about custom ROMs—sure, they might give you more control, but they’re not for everyone. The average user shouldn’t have to go through that trouble just to hide an annoying dot.
It’s 2023, and we’re still dealing with intrusive design choices. Google should give an option to disable it with a simple toggle in settings. Apple found a way to balance user control and privacy, why can’t Google?
If you’re bold enough and really need the dot gone, maybe try apps like ‘SystemUI Tuner’ or dig into the Xposed Framework. But know you’re entering risky territory.
Until Google listens, maybe just embrace the green dot. Pretend it’s a badge of honor for having a secure phone or something. But yeah, it’s an annoying “feature.”
Well, here’s the deal. The green dot in Android 12 is indeed meant to alert you that a camera or microphone is in use, and while it may be a useful privacy feature, I understand it can be bothersome.
First off, for those who aren’t comfortable with rooting their devices but want a solution that’s relatively less obtrusive, you can try this:
- Adjust System Colors: Changing the system or accent colors to something less stark might make the green dot blend in more. It won’t remove it, but it can make it less noticeable.
- Accessibility Settings: Sometimes tweaking the system visuals for accessibility can tone down these indicators. Go to Settings > Accessibility. Here, you might find options to adjust or filter screen colors, which can make certain UI elements (like the dot) less prominent.
That said, those solutions are kind of like putting a bandaid on an annoyance rather than a wound. If you’re still grumbling, there are more aggressive ways:
Now, touching on what others have said about rooting and using custom ROMs—yes, it’s risky, and if you don’t know what you’re doing, you could end up with a brick for a phone. But if you’re technically inclined and really determined, here’s a more in-depth look:
- Root Your Device: This will void your warranty and might introduce security issues, but it gives you full control. There are various tools like Magisk that can help root without modifying the system partition, enabling easier un-rooting.
- Xposed Framework: Once you’re rooted, Xposed Framework is your go-to for modifying the system without flashing ROMs repeatedly. Look for a module that lets you customize or hide UI elements.
- Custom ROMs: Some custom ROMs allow more granular control over UI elements. For instance, LineageOS often gives more flexibility.
But I’d like to add, this approach isn’t for everyone, and you should absolutely have a reliable backup.
Another notable mention is the use of apps like ‘‘SystemUI Tuner’’. This app doesn’t require root but offers a limited way to tweak System UI elements. It’s not a Surefire solution but might help. Navigate through it and see if it gives you the control you need.
For most people, these steps might come across as overkill. I get that managing permissions for every app as Codecrafter suggested can be tedious, and it disrupts the functionality of several apps. But it’s the safest route without compromising on warranty or security.
An easier workaround involves keeping an eye on your app usage habits. If you frequently find the green dot annoying during certain app uses, consider looking for alternatives for those apps that don’t frequently access the camera or microphone.
Lastly, we’ve seen that Google is often responsive to user feedback. If enough users raise the concern, a toggle option might get introduced in future updates. Keep your software updated and leverage support forums to raise this issue.
Overall, balancing between maintaining privacy without the visual intrusion of the green dot isn’t straightforward in Android 12. It’s a trade-off between visibility for security and the flexibility of having a cleaner UI.
In the meantime, use the green dot to your advantage—it’s your trusty indicator against apps that might abuse camera or microphone access. Treat it as a feature, not a glitch.