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Android 16 Adds Blue Status Icon to Flag Location Access

A new on-screen cue makes location use visible in real time, which helps users spot unwanted tracking and act fast.

Overview

  • Android 16 now shows a light-blue dot in the status bar when any app accesses your location.
  • The indicator appears for location use in the foreground or in the background.
  • Tap the blue icon to see which app is using location, then remove its access or delete the app if it looks suspicious.
  • Manufacturers may style the cue differently, with tests showing a green icon with a location badge on a Xiaomi phone.
  • Android can also show a white dot that acts as a space saver when the status bar is too full to display all system icons.