When the Galaxy Note 5 screen is on, you can find on the top of the screen, there is a transparent status bar with some icons. Galaxy Note 5 status bar is similar to most other Android phones.
This stats bar is always visible in Galaxy Note 5 home screen, apps screen and lock screen.
Some apps may hide the stats bar when in full screen (immersive) mode. In this case, you can still make it visible by swiping downwards from the top of the screen.
The purpose of Galaxy Note 5 status bar is to let you know the “status” of the phone and app notifications.
Icons in the right side of Galaxy Note 5 status bar, is usually called status icons. These status icons tell you the status of the mobile network signal, WiFi connection, time, battery levels and many other system status. Most of them cannot not be turned off.
Icons in the left side of Galaxy Note 5 status bar, is called notification icons. These notification icons tell you there are some notifications for you. Normally, you may should get a notification message in the notification panel.
This galaxy Note 5 how-to guide page tries to help you know the meaning of the status icons and notification icons in Galaxy Note 5.
Of course, because in different regions and for different carriers, the status icons may be quite different, it is impossible to cover all possible icons. We try to cover most-commonly encountered status icon and notification icons from pre-installed apps.
If you find a status icon or notification icon that is not covered in this guide, you can take a screenshot and share it in our Facebook page. Other members will try to help you.
It is also very common to use indicator icons to refer to status icons and notification icons.
Most Galaxy Note 5 owners use the phone with a SIM card, which is issued by your phone company (carrier). Unless you set Galaxy Note 5 to flight mode (airplane mode), Galaxy Note 5 will try to connect to the carrier’s mobile network automatically. And you will see some mobile network related Galaxy Note 5 status icons
The mobile network status usually include signal strength and network type for mobile data connections.
| Icon | Meaning |
| No mobile network. Galaxy Note 5 is NOT registered with any mobile networks. So, you can not use the phone for voice or mobile data.You need contact your carrier to find a solution. When you see this status icon in Galaxy Note 5, you can still use other functions that do not require mobile network, e.g., browse the internet through WiFi connections, use most apps, use camera…. | |
| Mobile network signal strength indicator. This Galaxy Note 5 status icon shows you how strong the mobile network signal is in your area. More bars mean stronger signal, and therefore, the connection is usually more stable. If you can only see one bar, voice or data connection may be interrupted frequently. Because different phones manufacturers may use different ways to normalize the signal strength, it is meaningless to compare the number of bars on your Galaxy S6 with other phones. You can get accurate (and actual) signal strength in dBm in Settings–About device –Status. | |
| Roaming. Your Galaxy Note 5 is registered in a partner’s network, not in your carrier’s own mobile network. This status icon usually shows when you are visiting other countries.The roaming charges are usually expensive in most regions. So, it is better to check the roaming rate before using any services when you get this Galaxy Note 5 status icon. | |
| GPRS network connected. GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) is the slowest 2G mobile data connection.If 4G, 3G or Edge networks are not available, mobile data connection in Galaxy Note 5 will fail back to GPRS.When data are transmitted, the arrows in this Galaxy Note 5 status icon will flash or show different colors (orange in most regions). In some regions, there are no arrows in the bottom of this status icon, i.e., it could be just a plain G.If your mobile plan includes 3G data or 4G LTE data, you may check with your carrier on the 3G and 4G network coverage. | |
| EDGE network connected. EDGE (Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution) is normally faster than GPRS. But it is still a 2G connection, and it is too slow for downloading files. If 4G or 3G networks are not available, mobile data connection will fail back to EDGE.When data are transmitted, the arrows in this Galaxy Note 5 status icon will flash or show different colors. In some regions, there are no arrows in the bottom of this status icon, i.e., it could be just a plain E. If your mobile plan includes 3G data or 4G data, you may check with your carrier on the 3G and 4G network coverage. | |
| 3G network connected. For different carriers, the 3G status icon can mean quite different things. This Galaxy Note 5 status icon usually means the phone is connected to a 3G network, not a 2G network.If it is a HSPA or HSPA+ network, in most regions, different notification icons (see below) will be shown.When data are transmitted, the arrows in this Galaxy Note 5 status icon will flash or show different colors.In some regions, there are no arrows in the bottom of this Galaxy Note 5 status icon, i.e., it could be just a plain 3G. | |
| HSPA network connected. HSPA (High Speed Packet Access) is considered as mobile “broadband”. The typical speed is about a few Mbits per second. In some regions, it is stated as 3.5G network. In a few regions, it is just called 4G.When you see this Galaxy Note 5 status icon, you can use your phone for most online activities, including watching online videos.When data are transmitted, the arrows in this Galaxy Note 5 status icon will flash or show different colors. In some regions, there are no arrows in the bottom of this Galaxy Note 5 status icon, i.e., it could be just a plain H. | |
| HSPA+ network connected. HSPA+ (Evolved HSPA) is considered as the fastest 3G data connection you can get currently. In some regions, it is named as 3.75G or 4G. The typical speed of HSPA+ network is about 10-20 Mbits per second.When data are transmitted, the arrows in this Galaxy Note 5 status icon will flash or show different colors. In some regions, there are no arrows in the bottom of this Galaxy Note 5 status icon, i.e., it could be just a plain H+. | |
| 4G network connected. This Galaxy Note 5 status icon is very confusing, because it is usually NOT 4G LTE.This status icon can indicate a network that could be anything from HSPA to HSPA+, but definitely NOT 4G LTE. This Galaxy Note 5 status icon is used in some regions to differentiate 3G and 4G LTE. In other words, in these regions, the status icon means H or H+. | |
| 4G network is transmitting data. Again, this 4G status icon means data are transmitted through anything from HSPA to HSPA+, except 4G LTE. | |
| 4G LTE network connected. LTE (Long-Term Evolution) is usually called 4G in most regions.Of course, there is a even faster LTE+ in some regions. You will see an additional + sign on the top right.Unlike 3G, HSPA, and HSPA+, the frequency of 4G LTE in different regions (and different carriers) differs dramatically (bands). When you travel to other regions, you may find out your Galaxy Note 5 is limited to 3G or HSPA or HSPA+ network. This is normal because the radio frequency used in that region for LTE may be not activated in your Galaxy Note 5. | |
| Data transmitting through 4G LTE. In some regions, this Galaxy Note 5 status icon is different. In these regions, there are two arrows below 4G in the status icon to indicating data transmitting through 4G LTE network | |
| Airplane mode (flight mode) activated. Once you see this Galaxy Note 5 status icon, you cannot send or receive calls. You cannot send or receive sms. You cannot use mobile data. However, it is possible to manually enable WiFi and Bluetooth after they are disabled.By default, when you enable airplane mode (flight mode), all radios are turned off, including WiFi and Bluetooth. If you know it is allowed to use WiFi or Bluetooth in that location, you can manually enable them although the flight mode status icon is still shown there. But you cannot enable mobile data or voice as long as you have this Galaxy note 5 status icon. If mobile data or voice is enabled, this Galaxy Note 5 status icon should disappear. | |
| SIM card missing. This Galaxy Note 5 status icon indicates the phone fails to detect any SIM card inside.To save battery on SIM card detection, it is a good practice to enable flight mode (airplane mode) if you plan to use Galaxy Note 5 without a SIM card. |
When you receive a text message or MMS, or email or voice mail message, you will get Galaxy Note 5 notifications icons in the status bar.
Normally, you also get a preview of the messages except voice mail messages in the notification panel.
When WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC, and location (GPS) is activated, you will find the corresponding Galaxy Note 5 status icons in the status bar.
When File transfer or USB connection is active, you will find the Galaxy Note 5 notification icons in addition to notification message in notification panel.
| Icon | Meaning |
| WiFi activated and connected. This Galaxy Note 5 status icon indicates WiFi connection is activated and Galaxy Note 5 is successfully connected to an access point.When data are transmitted, the arrows in this Galaxy Note 5 status icon will flash or show different colors. | |
| WiFi activated, but not connected. This Galaxy Note 5 status icon indicates there are some WiFi networks in range, but Galaxy Note 5 is not connected to any of them yet. | |
| WiFi Direct is activated. This Galaxy Note 5 status icon indicates your Galaxy Note 5 is now connected to other device through WiFi Direct.WiFi Direct in Galaxy Note 5 offers a quick way to transfer files between devices. It is generally faster than Bluetooth. | |
| Portable WiFi hotspot enabled. You will see this Galaxy Note 5 status icon if your phone is configured as a portable WiFi hotspot. This means you are sharing your mobile data with other devices through WiFi. This feature may be blocked by some carrier. | |
| | Download booster enabled. With download booster, you can combine 4G LTE connection and WiFi connection to download a single file. This of course means faster downloading. |
| Bluetooth enabled, but not paired. | |
| Bluetooth enabled and paired with other devices or accessories. | |
| | Screen mirroring enabled. This Galaxy note 5 notification icon indicates you are sharing Galaxy Note 5 screen with other TV through Miracast.For more details on screen mirroring, and Chromecast, you may check this post. |
| Downloading or downloaded. This Galaxy Note 5 notification icon reminds you there are one or more downloading jobs.If the downloading is in progress, the arrow is usually animated downwards.In some regions, the color may also change. Once the files are downloaded, you can tap the notification to open the file in Galaxy Note 5. | |
| Uploading or uploaded. This Galaxy Note 5 notification icon indicates uploading (e.g., uploading your photos to Facebook). | |
| Data synchronization in progress. The sync notification icon indicates sync jobs, including email, gmail, photos, contacts, calendar are in progress. Once the sync is done, this Galaxy Note 5 notification icon will disappear automatically. | |
| USB connection with PC established. You will see this Galaxy Note 5 notification icon when Galaxy Note 5 is connected to PC with the USB cable. | |
| Tethered through USB connection. This Galaxy Note notification icon is displayed when Galaxy Note 5 is tethered via a supported USB cable connection. You can share your mobile data connection with PCs in this way. | |
| | NFC enabled. NFC (near field communication) provides a fast way to share small files and mobile payment.By tapping two NFC enabled devices, you can quickly share some files. This Galaxy Note 5 status icon is shown if NFC is activated . |
| Location service (GPS) enabled. When this Galaxy Note 5 status icon is shown, it means some apps are requesting location info, which is usually provided by GPS. |
| Icon | Meaning |
| Do Not Disturb enabled. When DND is enabled, Galaxy Note 5 is connected to mobile network and functions as usual except that it rejecting all incoming calls. The caller will get a busy tone in most mobile networks. If you disable the it in Settings–Sound and Notifications–Do not disturb, this Galaxy Note 5 notification icon will disappear and you are accepting incoming calls.Samsung Galaxy Note 5 combines the old blocking mode with downtime in Android Lollipop. | |
| Call in progress. When you are in a call, you will see this Galaxy Note 5 notification icon. | |
| Call on hold. This Galaxy Note 5 notification icon tells you there is call on hold. Some carriers may not support this feature. | |
| Call forwarding enabled. You will get this Galaxy Note 5 notification icon when you choose to forward all calls to other number or to voice mail. | |
| Missed call. This Galaxy Note 5 notification icon indicates there are one or more missed calls. You can check the call log or notification area to see the caller number. | |
| Call muted. If you tap the mute button again, it will be unmuted and this Galaxy Note 5 notification icon will disappear. | |
| Silent mode (or mute mode) activated. This Galaxy Note 5 notification icon indicates it is under mute (silent) mode. The phone will neither ring nor vibrate for incoming calls and notifications. But this does not affect alarms and media players and other apps. | |
| Vibrate mode activated. Galaxy Note 5 is in vibrate mode. | |
| Speakerphone is on. |
For more info on charging Galaxy Note 5 battery, please check this page.
| Icon | Meaning |
| Battery full. | |
| Battery level indicator. You can enable battery percentage (Setting—battery) so that you can read the exact percentage of the battery left. | |
| Battery level critically low. When the battery has less than 5% capacity left, this Galaxy Note 5 status icon will shown. Galaxy Note 5 will automatically adjust some settings, for example, the brightness of screen will be automatically dimmed and you cannot adjust it. When you see this Galaxy Note 5 status icon in the status bar, you should charge your phone as early as possible. It may shorten the lifespan of the battery if you often drain battery to this level before charging. Please read this page on how to charge Galaxy Note 5 battery. | |
| Battery being charged. It is a good practice to let the battery fully charged before unplug the charger. When you connect your Galaxy Note 5 to PC through USB cable, you will also see this Galaxy Note 5 status icon in the status bar. However, charging through PC is usually far slower than from the bundled charger. If you are using the USB 2.0 port in your PC, sometimes you may notice that the battery percentage is decreasing. This is due to insufficient current of most USB 2.0 ports, especially those in notebooks. |
| Icon | Meaning |
| Calendar event. You will see this Galaxy Note 5 notification icon if there is a new calendar event. Tap the notification and you will get the details of the event. | |
| Alarm activated. Please note alarm will NOT work if Galaxy Note 5 is powered off. | |
| Screenshot saved. Once a screenshot is taken, you will see this Galaxy Note 5 notification icon in the status bar.The screenshot will be automatically saved to pictures/screenshots in the internal storage.Please follow this guide if you wan to take screenshot on Galaxy Note 5. | |
| Smart Stay activated. | |
| | Security warning. |
| TTY device inserted. | |
| Emergency Alert. When you see this Galaxy Note 5 notification icon in the status bar, you should check the notification message in the notification panel. | |
| Keyboard/keypad is active. | |
| Connected to other devices. This Galaxy Note 5 notification icon will be shown in the status bar if it is being used to control streaming media, and is connected to a Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) certified device using the Samsung Link application. | |
| | Private mode activated. |
| | App updates available. This Galaxy Note 5 notification icon is from Google Play store app. |
| | App installed or updated. This Galaxy Note 5 notification icon in Samsung Galaxy S6 is from Google Play store app. You should get notifications on apps installed or updated. |
| | S Pen detected. This notification icon indicates S Pen is removed from the S Pen slot in your Galaxy Note 5. |
If the Galaxy Note 5 status icon or notification icon is on the left side of the status bar, you usually should get corresponding notifications. Tap and hold the notification, then tap App info to find out the app behind it.
If the Galaxy Note 5 status icon or notification icons is on the right side of the status bar, very likely, they are from the system apps or some pre-installed apps.
If you have any problems or questions to understand the meaning of Galaxy Note 5 status icons or notification icons, please let us know them in the comment box below. You can also post a screenshot to our Facebook page.
We will try to help you find a solution.
For other Galaxy Note 5 features and detailed Galaxy Note 5 how-to guides , please check Galaxy Note 5 how-to guides page.
You may also download and read the official Samsung Galaxy Note 5 user manual here.
View Comments
I have a status icon that is a plus sign with a around 180° circle around it. I just don't know what it is.
Very likely, it's data saver in the Nougat update as explained in this page http://gadgetguideonline.com/s7/new-galaxy-s7-status-icons-in-galaxy-s7-and-galaxy-s7-edge-nougat-update
If not, you may post the screenshot in our Facebook page so that others can see it.
Hi dear reader
I see a circle and a + within the circle. the border of the circle is highlighted partly and inconsistently.
please let me know the meaning.
thanks
Data saver in Android Nougat update. It's explained in this page http://gadgetguideonline.com/s7/new-galaxy-s7-status-icons-in-galaxy-s7-and-galaxy-s7-edge-nougat-update
I see a circle moving when I go to WIFI setting every few seconds.
Next time, you may take a screenshot when you see it and share it on our Facebook page so that others can see it.
I have a cross sign inside the network signal ?
This means data saver mode on.
Mobile data is disabled?
This also means wifi calling is activated.
I have a bell symbol in the top right hand corner of my home screen when I swipe from screen lock. It also has a red circle with number 4 written in the right hand corner of the bell. There are also adverts on the same screen which I can't get rid of. Please help! I have a galaxy note 5.
Take a screenshot and share it in our Facebook page so that others can see what you are talking about.
I have a new icon on the top right side of my note5? It is between the bluetooth and wifi icons. It is a picture of a phone hanset with a range indicator? The range indicator is a smaller version of the wifi icon without the arrows. It is not the same icon as when i have the speaker phone activated.
Can anyone tell me what it is please?
Muchly appreciated
Very likely, it's WiFi calling, which is a new mobile network feature. You can make and receive phone calls through WiFi network when mobile signal is not strong enough or when there is no mobile signal.
Hello I have a half circle with a plus sign in the middle of it. What does that mean?
Data saving mode
Data saver in Android Nougat. You may refer to this guide http://gadgetguideonline.com/s7/new-galaxy-s7-status-icons-in-galaxy-s7-and-galaxy-s7-edge-nougat-update/
What does white keyhole icon in the top keft of my Samsung Note 5 mean and how do I shut it off?
Did you check notifications?
Anyway, you can take a screenshot and share it in our Facebook page so that others can see it.
There is a battery icon that just showed up in my status bar. It has the recycle symbol inside of it. Does anyone know what this means? I've had the phone for almost two years and have never seen this icon.
Battery saver. Please refer to this guide http://gadgetguideonline.com/s8/meaning-of-galaxy-s8-status-icons-and-notification-icons-in-samsung-galaxy-s8-and-s8/
It's a half filled circle with a plus sign in the middle I don't know what it means.
Data saver icon in Android Nougat. Please refer to this guide http://gadgetguideonline.com/s7/new-galaxy-s7-status-icons-in-galaxy-s7-and-galaxy-s7-edge-nougat-update/
I also have the circle with the highlighted half and plus sign in the middle. I have been waiting for a comment by someone.
Also, it first showed up when I updated my note 5 to 7.0.
Data saver. Please check this guide http://gadgetguideonline.com/s7/new-galaxy-s7-status-icons-in-galaxy-s7-and-galaxy-s7-edge-nougat-update/
Hi Andriod Geeks
How can I increase the font for notification messages in andriod naugat galaxy note 5
regards/imran
Use screen zoom (only available after Android Nougat update) as explained in this guide http://gadgetguideonline.com/s7/how-to-use-screen-zoom-to-adjust-the-size-of-icons-notifications-and-lock-screen-keypads-in-android-nougat-update-for-galaxy-s7-and-s7-edge/
I have a half of a circle with a plus sign in the middle. What does it mean? Not in the above diffinations
Very likely, it's the data saver icon in Android Nougat update. Please check this guide fur details http://gadgetguideonline.com/s7/new-galaxy-s7-status-icons-in-galaxy-s7-and-galaxy-s7-edge-nougat-update/
I have a blue icon on my faebook wall that looks like a 'compose message' icon. I dont know where it came from or how to get rid of it. I have a Galaxy Note 5. Please help!!
You can take a screenshot and share it in our Facebook page so that others can see what you are referring to.
Camera icon appears on notification bar of Note 5 on and off with notification 'Camera Received; 0 successful, 2 failed'.
Camera operation was not involved. Can anyone let me know to stop it.
Not sure. But it seems some apps may try to use camera. You can tap and hold the notification, then find out the app sending this notification. It's very fishy.
If you installed any apps from other sources, you should be cautious. Some apps may have malware. In this case, you should back up the phone and try a factory data reset.
Many thanks.
I had a notification on my phone yesterday that said Boxed, next to the icon. When I swiped to open my phone, it went away. I do not recall exactly what the icon looked like. Any idea what that meant?
It's hard to guess. If you get it again, you can take a screenshot.
What does the note 5 phone icon look like when I'm not on a call.
Will it show no icon or a hung up phone icon?
What do you mean "not on a call"?
If you did not pick the call, it should show a missed call icon.
Is there anyway to get the date on my status bar, along with the time?
The default launcher hide the date in status bar. You can tap the status bar to show date briefly.
hi what does it mean if on my setting icon there displays a #1
Take a screenshot and share it in our Facebook page so that others can see it.
Hi Sir
How can i increase/enlarge the size of the notificaiton bar also the notifications background colour? i have weak eyesight so it is difficult to see all that stuff
No, you cannot adjust the height of the status bar. It's hard-coded in Galaxy Note 5 as I know.
You can adjust font size in settings - display and other accessibility settings.
Thanks Simon... not a good news if it is hard coded :(.... also the fonts of notification area are not getting adjusted i am sure these are hard coded as well... Cant we use any themes where all these settings are adjustable?
Regards.
Theme does not change size of notification bar either. For Galaxy phones, there are probably no way to adjust the size, as I know.
On my messages screen ( with all recent texts) on one contact it has the scilent icon next to the contact name
did you mute the contact?
There is no sim in my note egde right now but it still shows full network why is that??
That's for emergency calls only. In some regions, it's a legal requirement to offer free emergency calls with our without a SIM card.
If you plan to use Note 5 without a SIM card, you can turn on airplane mode. You can use Wi-Fi or Bluetooth on airplane mode.
Samsung made a huge mistake here. These icons are WAY TOO SMALL NOW. The size they were on the Note 3 waS PERFECT.
Now I can't tell what they are. The screen has more resolution but they should leave the size of the icons CUSTOMIZABLE.
Unfortunately, the default launcher doesn't allow such customization.
Hi, whenever I make a phone call I get a message in the dialer saying "conditional call forwarding active" and the phone icon in the status bar flashes. This doesn't seem to affect calls but I'm not sure what it means or if I can disable it as the flashing icon is frustrating & I don't want any calls forwarded.
You can check Settings--Applications --Phone --More Settings-- call forwarding.
Also, you may check Settings--Applications --Phone --More Settings --Show my caller ID (make sure it is network default).
I have a chat box icon with a person and the word id in it. I don't know what it is.
Take a screenshot and share it in our Facebook page so that others can see it.
hi.the bar there are showing this icon means?
→
←
Voice over LTE (voLTE), very likely.
How to remove the left right arrows?
You cannot. It is very likely voLTE (voice over LTE), which is a feature of your carrier's mobile network.
it is better to use it to get faster connection and better voice quality.
If you really do not want to use it, you can disable it for outgoing calls in Settings--applications--phone -- outgoing voice all settings. This may not remove the icon depending on your carrier.
If you really really want to remove the icon, you need call you carrier to disable voLTE. Some carriers may name it as HD voice or crystal voice or something else.
If I were you, I would enjoy it.
I have a number showing on the top left of phone '40441'. What does that mean.
You should have a notification message as well.