The blue dot next to apps on an iPhone is a visual indicator that a particular app is using your microphone. It is part of the voice control feature on iOS devices. When an app is actively using your microphone, the blue dot will appear to let you know that your voice is being picked up and processed.
Voice control is a feature that allows you to control your device using voice commands. It can be particularly useful for individuals with physical disabilities or those who prefer hands-free operation. By enabling voice control, you can perform various tasks on your iPhone, such as making calls, sending messages, launching apps, and more, just by using your voice.
The blue dot serves as a visual cue to let you know when an app is actively listening to your voice. This can be helpful in situations where you may not want an app to have access to your microphone or when you want to be aware of when your voice is being recorded.
If you find the blue dot to be intrusive or unnecessary, you have the option to turn off voice control or restrict microphone access for specific apps. To do this, follow these steps:
1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap on “Accessibility.”
3. In the Accessibility menu, tap on “Voice Control.”
4. Here, you will find various settings related to voice control. To disable it entirely, toggle off the switch next to “Voice Control.”
5. If you want to restrict microphone access for specific apps, you can tap on “Microphone” under the “Press and Hold” section. From there, you can choose to either allow or deny microphone access for individual apps.
By adjusting these settings, you can customize your iPhone’s voice control experience and manage which apps have access to your microphone. It’s important to note that disabling voice control will prevent you from using voice commands to control your device, so consider your preferences and needs before making any changes.
The blue dot next to apps on an iPhone indicates that the app is actively using your microphone as part of the voice control feature. It serves as a visual indicator to let you know when your voice is being picked up and processed. You have the option to disable voice control or restrict microphone access for specific apps in the device’s settings.