Summary created by Smart Answers AI
In summary:
- Tech Advisor reports that Google’s new blue dot feature is rolling out to Android phones, appearing when apps actively track your location in real-time.
- This privacy enhancement helps users identify which apps access location data in the background, improving transparency and control over personal information.
- The feature launched on Pixel devices with Android 16 QPR3 and is expected to reach all Android users with the Android 17 release in June.
Android smartphones are constantly being updated with new features. With the upcoming Android 17, Google is introducing a number of new features, some of which you may find more useful than others.
Among the more helpful changes is this: for the first time, you may see a blue dot appear at the top of the status bar (next to the battery icon) on your smartphone. Some users may already have spotted a green or orange dot, but the blue one serves a different purpose.
What the blue dot means
The blue dot is designed to alert you that an app on your phone is currently tracking your location. There may be obvious reasons for this, such as when you’re navigating with Google Maps. But it may be that an app is accessing your location in the background without you even realising it.
With this new feature, Google aims to ensure that apps don’t track your every move without you being aware of it. A quick glance at the status bar will be enough to understand what your device is currently doing.
Quick tip: Tap the blue dot to see which app is currently using your location.
What an orange or green dot means
Incidentally, a green dot indicates that the camera is in use, while an orange dot indicates that the microphone is in use. These indicators are important because if apps are using these functions without you realising, it could indicate a hacking attempt. Or they could simply be draining your battery unnecessarily. GPS services in particular are known to be very power-hungry.
When will the feature be available?
Google first announced the new feature at the end of last year. At the time, it said it wanted to introduce the blue dot in early 2026. Google Pixel devices received it with Android 16 QPR3, as reported by Android Authority. Some Reddit users, however, discovered the blue dot more recently.
We expect the feature to be rolled out to everyone as soon as Google releases the final version of Android 17. The release is expected any moment now, as it’s scheduled for June. However, an exact date has not yet been confirmed.
How to view location access without the blue dot
In your Android device’s settings, you can view and specify which apps are allowed to use your location at any time. This option is usually found under ‘Privacy & Security ’ or ‘Privacy’.
If you have a Pixel, it’s under Settings > Security and privacy > Privacy controls > Permission manager > Location.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
On a Samsung, go to Settings > Security and privacy > Permission usage (sometimes shows as Permissions used in last 24 hours) > Location > … (three dots) > Manage apps with this permission.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Remove the permission for location access if you feel the app shouldn’t have it. However, when you launch the app again, you may be prompted to re-enable it.
Wondering if your phone will get the Android 17 update? Heres the list of phones that will.
This article originally appeared on our sister publication PC-WELT and was translated and adapted from German.
