Modern smartphones are filled with icons that appear in the notification bar—and one of the most frequently seen, yet often misunderstood, is the call symbol in the notification bar. Whether it’s a phone receiver icon, headset, or VoIP symbol, its appearance can cause confusion if you’re unsure what it means. This post will help you decode these call icons, understand why they appear, and know what actions to take if needed.
Understanding Notification Bar Icons
The notification bar at the top of your smartphone screen is designed to provide quick access to alerts, messages, and system statuses. Each symbol serves a specific purpose. From Wi-Fi and battery to Bluetooth and alarms, these icons tell you what’s running or active on your device. Among them, the call symbol is directly related to telephony features or voice functions.
What Is the Call Symbol in the Notification Bar?
The call symbol typically appears as a phone handset—either upright, tilted, or with waves coming from it. Depending on your device and Android version (or iOS), this icon may appear in different colors or styles.
Common Forms of the Call Icon:
- Plain handset: Indicates that a call is in progress or has just ended.
- Handset with Wi-Fi or waves: Shows that VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi) is active.
- Handset with clock or timer: Represents a missed or scheduled call reminder.
- Headset icon: May appear if you’re using wired or Bluetooth audio during a call.
These symbols help you stay aware of your device’s voice communication status at a glance.
Why the Call Symbol Appears
There are several reasons why you might see the call icon in your notification bar. Understanding the context is key to knowing what it means.
Active Call
If you’re currently on a call but have minimized the screen, the icon may remain at the top to let you return quickly to the call interface.
Ongoing Background Call
Some apps, such as WhatsApp, Signal, or Skype, allow background calling. The icon alerts you that a VoIP call is still active even if you’ve switched to another app.
VoWiFi or VoLTE Active
If your device supports calling over Wi-Fi or LTE, you might see a special icon indicating that voice calls are being made over internet protocols.
Missed Call Notification
A faded or gray call icon can indicate a missed call. Tapping it usually opens your call log or recent activity.
Call Recording Apps
If you’ve installed a third-party call recording app, the icon might remain active during or after a call to show that recording is in progress.
How to Identify Call Icons by Phone Brand
Different smartphone brands may use slightly different visuals or placements for call-related notifications.
Samsung (One UI)
Call icons often appear in green or gray depending on call status. VoWiFi and VoLTE indicators are also included near the signal icon.
Xiaomi (MIUI)
You may see icons for both voice call status and network call features. MIUI’s notification shade offers detailed tooltips when you expand it.
OnePlus (OxygenOS)
The icon may appear along the top bar and stay during background calls or call forwarding operations.
iPhone (iOS)
A green bubble or bar at the top shows an active call. A missed call appears as a red badge in the Phone app, but not always in the top bar.
Can You Remove the Call Symbol from the Notification Bar?
Yes, depending on the scenario, the symbol can be cleared in the following ways:
- End the call: This removes the icon if it’s tied to an ongoing call.
- Clear notifications: For missed call alerts, swipe or tap ‘Clear All’.
- Restart the phone: Useful if the icon remains stuck due to a system glitch.
- Disable VoWiFi/VoLTE: Go to network settings if you prefer not to use these features.
- Uninstall third-party call apps: If an app is causing lingering icons, removing or disabling it may help.
Troubleshooting: Call Symbol Won’t Disappear
If the icon remains even when no call is active, try these steps:
- Restart your phone.
- Check recent call logs or call-related apps.
- Update your operating system.
- Clear cache of dialer or system UI (on Android).
- Perform a network reset if settings seem off.
If the issue continues, contacting your phone manufacturer’s support may be necessary.
Symbols Related to the Call Icon
- VoLTE: Calls are being made over LTE instead of 2G/3G.
- VoWiFi: Indicates use of Wi-Fi for calling in poor network areas.
- Tethering + call symbol: Shows when you’re sharing your connection while on a call.
- Call forwarding: May show a phone + arrow icon.
These variations depend on carrier support and device capabilities.
Best Practices to Manage Call Notifications
- Keep call-related apps updated.
- Use “Do Not Disturb” to avoid constant pop-ups.
- Customize notification settings for missed calls, call recordings, and VoIP apps.
- Monitor battery usage—some call functions stay active in the background.
Keeping track of what the symbols mean will help ensure your device is functioning properly and save you from missing important calls.
FAQs About the Call Symbol in Notification Bar
What does the phone symbol in the notification bar mean?
It usually indicates an ongoing or missed call, VoWiFi use, or background call activity.
Why is there a call icon even when I’m not on a call?
Some apps or system processes may keep the icon active temporarily. Restarting or clearing notifications usually resolves it.
Can I remove the call icon from the notification bar?
Yes, by ending the call, clearing the notification, or disabling VoWiFi or VoIP features.
Does the icon look the same on all phones?
No, different brands use slightly different visuals for the call icon based on their UI design.
Is the call icon related to missed calls?
Yes, a faded or alert-style phone symbol often means you have a missed call waiting in your log.
The call symbol in the notification bar is a small but important indicator of your phone’s voice-related activity. Whether you’re in a call, missed one, or using VoWiFi, that tiny icon serves a key function in keeping you connected and informed. Understanding its variations across devices and platforms helps you troubleshoot quickly and use your smartphone more effectively. With this guide, you’ll never need to guess what the call symbol means again.