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Meaning of the notification icons on Samsung Galaxy S5

Why should you understand the meaning of notification icons on your Samsung Galaxy S5?

Understanding the meaning of notification icons in your Galaxy S5 can help you solve (at least understand) some problems you may have. It also lets you know the status of  your Galaxy S5 better.

Please note, in different regions, or for different Galaxy S5  model numbers (usually for different carriers), the notification icons  and their meaning may be slightly different. The notification icons listed here are more or less generic for all regions.

Where can I find the notification icons on Samsung Galaxy S5?

Just like any other Android smartphones, all notification icons in Galaxy S5 are in the status bar in the top of the screen.

Since Android 4.4 (KitKat), the status  bar is transparent, not a black strip as in older versions. So, sometimes, the visibility may be affected by your wallpaper.

When in full screen mode, the status bar may be hidden for some apps. Under this scenario, you can always swipe down from the top of the screen to get the status bar.

The meaning of  notification icons on Samsung Galaxy S5?

Here is the list of most-commonly encountered notification icons and their meaning.

Icon Meaning
No mobile network. You will see this notification icon only when your Galaxy S5 cannot connect to any mobile networks. You should check with your carrier on the coverage of the network. You can not use voice and mobile data. But you should be able to use WiFi and many other functions when you get this notification icon.
Mobile network signal strength. This notification icon shows you how good the mobile network signal is. More bars simply mean stronger signal, and therefore, it is unlikely the connection may drop. When 3G or 4G network is used, stronger signal also usually makes your mobile data connection more reliable.
Roaming. You are not in your carrier’s own mobile network. This usually means higher cost for voice and data. So, when you see this notification icon, it is better to check the roaming rate before using any services.
GPRS network connected. GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) is probably the slowest mobile data connection. You should avoid downloading large files when you see this notification icon in your Galaxy S5, because it will be frustratingly slow.If you consistently see this icon, you may check with your carrier to verify whether 3G, HSPA, HSPA+ or LTE is covered in your area.

Occasionally, you may see this notification icon on your S5 and get slow speed because of wrong APN (access point name) settings. Most carriers use different APNs for various plans. Check with your carrier to rectify.

When data are transmitted, the arrows in the notification icon will flash or show different colors.
EDGE network connected. EDGE (Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution) is often faster than GPRS. But it is still too slow for downloading files.Again, if you always see this notification icon on your Galaxy S5, you’d better check with the mobile company on their 3G and 4G network coverage.

When data are transmitted, the arrows in the notification icon will flash or show different colors.
3G network connected. For different carriers, this notification icon in Galaxy S5 can mean different things. This icon usually means your Galaxy S5 is connected to a 3G network. If it is a HSPA or HSPA+ network, in most regions, different notification icons (see below) will be shown.The typical 3G speed is a few hundreds Kilo bits per second. You may browse website, download email attachments, use instant messaging. It usually is not fast enough to download movies or watch online video streaming.When data are transmitted, the arrows in the notification icon will flash or show different colors.
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 notification icon, you can use your Galaxy S5 for most online activities, including watching online videos.When data are transmitted, the arrows in the notification icon will flash or show different colors.
HSPA+ network connected. HSPA+ (Evolved HSPA) is usually the fastest 3G data connection you can get. 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 the notification icon will flash or show different colors.
4G network connected.  This notification icon is confusing, because it is actually NOT 4G LTE.The notification icon indicates your Galaxy S5 is connected to a network that can be anything from 3G to HSPA+, but definitely NOT 4G LTE.

This notification icon is used in some regions to differentiate 3G (including HSPA, HSPA+) and 4G LTE.
4G network is transmitting data. Again, this 4G means anything from 3G to HSPA+, except 4G LTE.
4G LTE network connected. LTE (Long-Term Evolution) is usually called 4G in  most regions. When you see this notification icon in your Galaxy S5, you know your S5 is on the fastest mobile network available today.Of course, there is a even faster LTE+ in some regions, but Galaxy S5 does not have a special notification icon for it.

Unlike 3G, HSPA, and HSPA+, the frequency of 4G LTE in different regions (and different carriers) differs dramatically. When you travel to other regions, you may find out your Galaxy S5 is limited to 3G or HSPA or HSPA+ network. This is normal because the radio frequency used in that region may be not activated in your Galaxy S5.
Data transmitting through 4G LTE. In some regions, the notification icon is different. In these regions, there are two arrows below 4G in the icon to indicating data transmitting.
Airplane mode (flight mode) activated. Once you see this notification 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 notification icon is still shown there.

But you cannot enable mobile data as long as you have this notification icon.  If mobile data is enabled, this notification icon should disappear.
SIM card missing. Your Galaxy S5 will show this notification icon if it fails to detect any SIM card inside. Without SIM card, you can still use a lot of functions in Galaxy S5. To save battery on SIM card detection, it is a good practice to enter flight mode (airplane mode) if you plan to use Galaxy S5 without SIM card.
New text message or multi-media message. You will see this notification icon when new messages arrive. In the notification area, you can tap the message to preview or go to the messaging app.In Samsung Galaxy S5, you can choose default messaging app. If you choose other apps, e.g., Hangouts, as the default messaging app, the notification icon for new messages will be Hangouts icon (see below).
New GMail messages. This notification icon is from GMail app.
New email message. This notification icon is from EMail app in Galaxy S5.
New voice mail messages. You need check with your carrier on how to manage your voice mail box.By default, in the dial keypad, long tapping “1” will connect you to your voice mail box if it is configured by your carrier.
WiFi activated connected. This notification icon indicates WiFi connection is activated and your Galaxy S5 is successfully connected to a access point.When data are transmitted, the arrows in the notification icon will flash or show different colors.
WiFi activated, but not connected. This notification icon suggests there are some WiFi networks in range, but your Galaxy S5 is not connected to any of them. Normally, these networks (access points) are new to your Galaxy S5, or you chose not to remember password when you connected to them last time.
WiFi Direct is activated. The notification icon indicates your Galaxy S5 is now connected to other device through WiFi Direct. WiFi Direct in Galaxy S5 offers quick way to transfer files between devices.
Portable WiFi hotspot enabled. You will see this notification icon if you configure your Galaxy S5 as a portable WiFi hotspot. This means you are sharing your mobile data with other devices through WiFi.Some carriers may block this feature.
Download booster enabled.  With download booster, you can combine your 4G LTE connection and WiFi connection to download a single file. This of course means faster downloading. For more details, you may read this page on download booster in Galaxy S5.The arrows in the notification icon will show different colors or flash when data are transmitted  through download booster.
Bluetooth enabled, but not paired.
Bluetooth enabled and paired with other devices or accessories.
Screen mirroring enabled. This notification icon indicates you are sharing your Galaxy S5 screen with other big screens wirelessly.For more details on screen mirroring, and Chromecast, you may check this post.
Downloading or downloaded. This 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.
Uploading or uploaded. This notification icon is for uploading, i.e., when you upload files from your phone to the internet.
Data synchronization in progress.  The sync notification icon is for all sync jobs, including  email, gmail, photos, contacts, calendar. Once the sync is done, the notification icon will disappear automatically.
USB connection with PC established. You will see this notification icon when Galaxy S5 is connected to PC with the USB cable.Please note, Galaxy S5 supports USB 3.0 for faster file transfer. However, the USB cable in the box is for Micro  USB 2.0 only. So, if you want to use USB 3.0 on Galaxy S5, you have to get a USB 3.0 cable.

If you use an USB 3.0 cable and connect Galaxy S5 to the USB 3.0 ports on the PC, you can then change the connection as 3.0 in the phone. This will normally improve the transfer speed significantly. In this scenario, the notification icon will be slight different in your Galaxy S5 with an additional 3.0 label to this icon.
Tethered through USB connection. This notification icon is displayed when Galaxy S5 is tethered via a supported USB cable connection. You can share your mobile data connection with PCs in this way.Please note, some carriers may block this feature.
NFC enabled. NFC (near field communication) provides a  fast way to share small files. By tapping two NFC enabled devices, you can quickly share some files. The notification icon is shown whenever NFC is activated on your Galaxy S5.For larger files, WiFi direct usually is a better option.
Location service (GPS) enabled. When this notification icon is shown, it means some apps are requesting location info, which is usually provided by GPS. You can globally turn off location service if you don’t want to use it.
Blocking mode enabled. In blocking mode, your Galaxy S5 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 blocking mode, this notification icon will disappear and you are accepting incoming calls.You can create an allowed contact list so that incoming calls from these people will reach you.When in blocking mode, you can make calls and you will receive all messages as usual. But some notifications will be disabled.
Call in progress. When you are in a call, you will see this notification icon.
Call on hold. This notification icon tells you there is call on hold.
Call forwarding enabled. You will get this notification icon when you choose to always forward all calls to other number or to voicemail.
Missed call. The notification icon tells you there are one or more missed calls. You can check the call log or notification area to see the number.
Call muted. If you tap the mute button again, it will be unmuted and the notification icon will disappear.
Silent mode (or mute mode) activated. Under Settings–Sound mode, you have 3 different modes: sound, mute (silent) and vibrate. This notification icon indicates it is under mute (silent) mode. The phone will neither ring nor vibrate for incoming calls and notifications.
Vibrate mode activated.  See explanation of notification icon for silent mode.
Speakerphone is on.
Battery full.
Battery level indicator. You can enable battery percentage (Setting–battery)  so that you can read the exact percentage of the battery juice left.  The notification icon may change to full or charging..
Battery level critically low. When you battery has less than 5% capacity left, this notification icon will shown. Galaxy S5 will automatically adjust some settings, for example, the brightness of screen will be automatically dimmed and you cannot  adjust it.When you see this notification icon, 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.Of course, when seeing this notification icon, you can turn on ultra power saving mode to save battery life if you cannot find a charger soon.
Battery being charged. It is a good practice to let the battery fully charged before unplug the charger.When you connect your Galaxy S5 to PC through USB cable, you will also see this notification icon. 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.Please note, the USB 2.0 cable provided by Samsung is NOT an issue for charging. In other words, for charging, it is not necessary to buy an USB 3.0 cable. However, if you want to benefit from fast file transfer Galaxy S5 provides, you should buy an USB 3.0 cable if your PC supports USB 3.0.
Calendar event. You will see this 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 you shutdown your Galaxy S5.
Screenshot saved. Once a screenshot is taken, you will see this notification icon. The screenshot will be automatically saved to pictures/screenshots in the internal storage.If you want to know how to take screenshot on Galaxy S5 without using any apps, you may check this guide.
Smart Stay activated.
Security warning.
TTY device inserted.
Emergency Alert. When you see this notification icon, you should check the notification message. It usually indicates a system error.
Keyboard/keypad is active.
Connected to other devices. This notification icon displays when Galaxy S5 is connected 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. To learn more on private mode and finger scanner, please check this page.
App updates available. This notification icon is from Google Play store app.
App installed or updated. This notification icon is from Google Play store app. You should get notifications on apps installed or updated.
New Hangouts notification. If you choose Hangouts as the default messaging app, this notification icon may also indicates new SMS or new MMS, in addition to other Hangouts notifications.

My Galaxy 5 shows some notification icons  that are not shown here, what do they mean?

If the notification is on the left side of the status bar, it is usually from third-party apps.

Very often, there is also a notification in the notification area when such notification icons are displayed. Long tap the notification until App info pops out. You can tap the app info to find out the app that shows the notification icon.

Do you have any questions on the meaning of notification icons  on Samsung Galaxy S5?

If you have any questions on the meaning of notification icons on Samsung Galaxy S5, please let us know it in the comment box below.

More how-to guides , tips and tricks for using Samsung Galaxy S5 are available at Samsung Galaxy S5 how-to guides page.

View Comments (307)

  • What does a picture of a lock with a triangle on its lower right indicate on the upper left hand corner of the S5?

    • It sounds like it is the icon of a third-party app. Did you install any antivirus, task manager, battery manager apps?

    • You can always turn off/on mobile data in notification area at any time.

      If you turn it on, it will be used when wifi is not available or when the phone is in sleep (by default, wifi is turned off when sleeping). So, it's a good practice to set the limit so that you will not be charged for data beyond your data bundle.

      If you want to turn off mobile data permanently, you can call your carrier to disable it for the SIM card.

    • It means Air Gesture is enable. In which you can flick through images or scroll down Web pages just by waving your hand at the screen

  • Hi the icons on my notifications panel appear duplicated including time and battery and also seem to show all icons even when not relevant . This only occurs on home page. Can you help?

  • hey i wanted to know if you can disable the feature that shows a number icon on the top left of your app?

    • This is controlled by individual apps. I don't think you can disable it unless the app provides this option.

  • I found a place on my phone where I could put notifications on hold from pm to am. I cannot find it now. could you please help me.

    • Barbara, you can go to Settings > Blocking Mode which is under the Personalization heading.

    • Smart stay will prevent the display backlight from turning off while you are looking at the display.

      • I keep seeing the eyeball up there and thought that my significant other was getting my location from Sprint. I feel stupid, but relieved. Thank you😁

  • Small question? What is the icon with big letter N, and small icon like wireless in bottom left corner of letter N?

  • How do I show notifications on the lock screen for example if I get a new text, it doesn't say that I have a new message other than the notification bar at the top

    • You can disable this in Samsung messages app. Tap menu button (3 vertical dots), under notification settings, you can disable preview messages on lock screen and notification area.

  • Like one of the people above I also have the letter N with a blue icon like wireless. Having no problems with the phone . Advice please

    • I had the same Icon displayed on my S5, I found it in "setting" - "NFC" - turned "On"; "Allow data exchange when touches another device" Turn it "off" and the Icon disapprears.

  • I JUST got my S5 today (I broke my S3). I turned off mobile network but I still see 4gLTE faintly. Does that mean its on and using data? the 4glte icon would disappear on my s3 when it was off but it seems almost permanent on the S5. I just want to make sure its off and not using data/power since I'm on a 2 gig plan.

    • If you turn off mobile data, it shouldn't use mobile data (and you should not see the icon) . You can always set a limit on mobile data usage (settings - data usage) .

  • Always getting a roaming notification alert, looks like an explanation point inside a triangle.Plz help I'm not roaming and this notification will not disappear no matter what I do.Thanks.

    • In the top left of right? Did you get any notification messages?

      You can try to restart your s5.

      • It's in the top left.I've powered it off then on and it goes away, but then the next day I'm out driving and it pops back up again

        • It sounds like an notification from an app. Did you see any notification message when seeing this icon?

  • It would say roaming notification and when I click and hold it down up comes app info then this whole page of force stop, clear data and clear cache etc comes up and I do not know what all that means.I'm afraid to press anything because I do not want to lose all my info, pics, and music.

  • Mine has the message circle with what looks like outgoing bars. When I pull the menu down it says message+ connected over wifi. What does this mean?

    • This is the notification from third party app (message+). I'm not using this app. But it seems it notifies you that you may use the sms through Internet (probably to save cost?)

  • When I hold in the roaming notification, app info appears then it says allow access data, the deny a cess data is already on then I click cancel and it goes right back to where it was, if I hold in the notification the force stop, clear data, clear cache pa comes up, so confused.

    • I am a bit confused. If you tap and hold the notification message, it normally shows you info of the app that sends you the notification. I want to know the app name in this case.

  • After I hold in the roaming notification app info comes up and then right under it it says phone version #, a green box with a pic of a phone in it

    • So, the roaming notification is from one system app. This usually means your s5 failed to connect to the home mobile network, and it connects to another network owned by another carrier. You can check current network operator in settings - about device - status. You very likely can also see the operator name in the lock screen.

      If you believe it should connect to your provider or the status shows your carrier, then you need contact your carrier. Very likely, there are some configuration error in the sim card.

      You can also test the sim card with another phone.

    • In the top left or right. If in the left, it's usually a third party app. If in the right, it can be some accessibility settings, or air view or air gesture.

  • Hello...I got a problem with S5...and i'm sorry for putting it here

    I've put my micro sim inside s5...and using it for a week and more but then this morning..there is a sim icon with red x mark on it and my phone cant detect the sim as it says in notification...cant call out or in..cant use data...cant sms, mms or anything..but the signal still showing full bar.

    I did try to change the sim to other phone and it works very well indeed, no problem what so ever, and other sim to s5 too
    Just the problem with the sim from same service provider.

    • It is quite strange. I don't think there are any settings to accept or reject a specific SIM card. You just need change the mobile network type to auto and the SIM card should be registered. This is probably the only settings may affect the SIM card.

      Anyway, you may check with the service provider to check the SIM card.

      • ic...ill try that...thx for answering...if it still havent fix..i might have to go to service centre then

  • There is a sun looking icon that is constantly spinning. What is this and can I get rid of it?

    • It's probably from one of your apps of it is in the left side of the status bar. Did you get any notifications when you see this icon?

  • When I plug my s5 in to charge it shows a battery with a red caution triangle and a thermometer. What does this mean?

  • I have one contact that cannot call me everytime he calls me it goes right to voicemail and it shows a weird symbol that I've never seen for the incoming callI don't have any kind of block on his number or any blocking is on on my phone but I don't know why he's the only one that can't call me

    • Did you check the call rejection settings (and the list) in phone app--settings--call--call rejection?

      The phone company may also have some settings. You may check with them for this number.

  • What does a hand icon between 2 brackets on either side on the the top of the phone on the indicator bar

  • can't make calls ,i get this message Normal call denied because domain specific access control is on.What does this mean and where do i change this.

    • I think this is probably due to some Exchange account settings. Did you added any Exchange email account?

    • If you didn't add any exchange email account, you may check with the vendor or your phone company.

  • My S5 shows a new icon on the left side of the notification bar. The icon is shaped like a battery overlayed by the triangular arrows of a recycle label. Any thoughts?

  • Hi. Ok if you MISSED a phone call and have voice mail and you get left a voice mail, on the very top is a mail icon cause I got a message I missed a call and they left me a message. Then I have the box with like a tape in it for the voice mail and the missed call icon. I get that that's all good. What's driving me nuts is after I listen to the voice mail, see the message that I missed the call and they left me a message, on the green telephone icon itself, there is a red 1. I've scrolled through my call logs, tapped on every one but this damn "1" is still on my phone icon on my desktop. I erased the message left for me. HOW DO I GET RID OF THE NUMBER IN THE TOP RIGHT CORNER OF MY PHONE DESKTOP PHONE ICON?!!!? This is driving me nuts!! I do it once but don't know what I did and have no clue what to do again. PLEASE HELP ME!!!

    • Not sure about this. But normally, for voicemail, it need time to sync the status with your carrier.

      Did you try to reboot the phone?

    • If the person is in your contacts, you can open it in contacts s app, tap menu key (3 vertical dots), tap add to reject list.

      If the number is not in your contacts, you can open phone app, tap menu key, tap settings, tap call, tap auto reject. Then you the the option to add the number.

    • Are you referring to the led or notification icons?

      For led, blue usually means news message or notifications. Red usually means battery charging or low battery level.

  • What does wifi type symbol with a large capital N next to it mean? Cant find any info. Its on my S5 thanks Sam

  • The phone did an update this morning that made extra icons appear at the top of the phone, how can I get rid of the stupid power saving mode icon? I want power saving mode on because when i go to sleep at night even with a full battery I wake up to a dead phone, every time. I read all sorts of reviews before I bought my s5 as it is supposed to have the "best" battery life, yet I have been sorely disappointed in that department as I have to keep power save mode on at all times just to make it through a day.

  • I have got a circle with a n/a in it. it is located at the top left corner. What and why does it come up?
    thanks.

  • The phone works well worth internet. So I don't think it is in block mode. No sure if it is to do with other apps. Thanks for your comment anyway.

    • Blocking mode likes do not disturb. It may surpress notifications and block some calls (depending on your configuration) , but not Internet.

  • I have a S5 and when I would receive a text message a small number would appear in the top left hand corner of the message icon. That no longer happens. Anyone know how to fix this?

  • What is a horizontal fat arrow with a plus+ sign inside it on left side of notification icon bar?

  • It was when I had multiple messages&symbols all across top, thinking it meant more text messages, the plus+sign &arrow intending for me to see that I had more texts possibly- no other odd app came up when I did the drag-down from top...

  • What does the hand between this mean it keeps popping up when I'm trying to upload pictures to Facebook. Then the screen goes black and won't let me upload more than one picture at a time

  • A new icon next to the WiFi activated connected suddenly appeared. It is a capital N but on the lower left side are 3 quarter circles ie like a wifi symbol & I am not sure why it is showing. My default home page on the internet is BBC & I thought that may be it was something to do with that as it was down for the last few days. But it is up & running now & the icon is still there. The N icon only shows when I connect my phone to my wifi at home. The phone says its connected to the wifi (message re the same) & indeed the wifi direct symbol is on with the arows flickering away. It also stays on even though I am right next to the wifi. I have had the phone for 2 months or so & it never used to show this symbol. The wifi at home has not changed & works normally with all other devices. Thanks

  • Notifications .. once a notification has been dismissed arethese notification messages still stored? If so where? Are they hidden files snd are they searchable for digital forensics files & recoverable with digital forensics tools?

    • once dismissed, it is gone. This is the purpose of notification. otherwise, your phone will be filled with notifications. technically, there are some traces (not the notification itself) of the notifications in the log file.

  • I've just made the switch from Apple to Samsung, so please excuse my ignorance - but I have a few icons in the top left corner. They include: An arrow pointing left with a + sign inside it, a square with an S inside it, x4 icons that look like mobile devices with arrows pointing up and down, and x2 briefcases with ticks inside them.
    Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
    Thanks

    • The icons in the top left normally have a corresponding notification message. From the top of the screen (status bar), swipe down with one finger. The corresponding notification message will be shown. Tap to read and dismiss. Once the message is dismissed, the icon should disappear.

      The briefcases means new apps were installed or apps were updated.

    • I have worked out the briefcases with the tick (google play store). How long will these icons remain at the top of the screen, and is there a way to remove them?
      Thanks again

  • On my wife's s5, when the internet browser is open, there is a number in the top right corner. Tapping on this shows its like multiple open browser windows. Trying the small circled '-' sign gives us the message 'sorry, the internet is not working'. How can I close those and get rid of the 28 open windows?

    • Tapping the "-" is the official way to close windows.

      If it does not work, you can go to phone Settings--Application manager--All (flick to the right)--Internet, tap clear cache, and clear data. This will close all windows and reset your browser.

  • I am a new Galaxy S5 user (3 days). Someone has sent me a text (she has a Galaxy S3 Mini) with a picture attached. I cannot view the picture. I get a grey square that has a smaller grey square in the middle of it that looks like two grey mountain tops. Superimposed on the righthand corner of that smaller grey middle square is a red triangle with a white exclamation point in it. Please help me understand what settings I have wrong (or she has wrong). I have wi-fi at home but have tried receiving this with wi-fi turned on and with 4G enable instead. Any thoughts?

  • actually the picture has been sent over and over again. It is not corrupted. It can be viewed by others on their devices. It is something in my settings that requires me to be able to see the picture only by 1) sharing it with myself in an email and then 2) downloading and 3) previewing it. Very convoluted. It's definitely not the picture, but my device

    • I don't think there are any settings for this. If the photos are retrieved properly, you can preview it in messaging app.

      Did you try to tap and hold the picture to see what options you can get?

  • I did tap and hold and that's where the option came up to "share." I shared via email (to myself) and when I got that email I had the choice of downloading and previewing, at which time I could then view the picture in my gallery. However, when I texted it back to someone, it still showed up in MY text thread with the strange symbols, BUT the person receiving it could see it (she was the one who sent it to me). It is very odd and frustrating. Do you work for Samsung? Am I getting a response from someone who works for the company and might be able to identify this issue? I appreciate your taking the time to answer, but if you are a user like me, and not one of the Samsung people, then I'm hoping there is something the company can tell me that will resolve the problem.

    • No, I'm just an ordinary user. This is a community for S5 owners to help S5 owners. There is no connection to Samsung.

      If you need support, you can call/fax/email/visit local Samsung service centre.

  • Oh that's good to know. Thank you for your willingness to take a stab at it at least. It really has me flummoxed!

  • What does it mean when the message icon (looks like an envelope) has an X at the bottom right corner of the icon(envelope)?

    • In the right or left side of the status bar? You may check whether there are any notifications (swipe down from the status bar with one finger).

  • when i open my email there are no messages , BUT i have an email notification telling me i have 1 email ??

  • With an iphone, in settings, when you were connected to wifi it would have a check mark by it. How do I know I'm connected on the Galaxy s5 Active?

    • WiFi symbol means you are connected. If connection is not successful, the wifi icon will not shown in the status bar.

  • what are two small arrows next to each other pointing in different directions and a small clock looking symbols, and in my notifications window it say device management.....new update postponed.

    this all happened after my phone seemed to freak out for a second and then turned off....now this notification and those symbols

      • My "notifications envelope" is missing on my S5 (it was there yesterday). Any ideas what I may have done to cause that? Thanks

        • Not sure which envelope you are referring to. Did you get any corresponding notifications?

          For most notifications, you can dismiss it by opening the notification message.

          • There used to be an envelope on my toolbar and it would indicate how many new texts I had. For some reason, maybe I did something, the envelope is gone so I don't know if I have a text or not. Does that help? Thanks

  • In the lower right corner of my lock screen, there is a circle with what appears to be the face of a camera and above the circle are two arrows that flash up. What is this????

    • No, it's fixed in the launcher. You may try other third party launchers which may have larger icons. But the height of status bar is relatively fixed.

  • I have an icon at the top left corner of my Samsung Galaxy S5 that I can't figure out what it means. Third party, but which one? It looks like a shield with an arrow curling up from the bottom right corner. Thank you for any help.

    • Normally, there is a corresponding notification message. But some task manager or accessibility related apps don't have notifications.

      Anyway, you can go to settings - application manager - running to find apps with similar icon.

  • OK I found it. It is called "Support & Protection" and it looks like it is running. Should I let it continue to run or should I turn it off? Thanks

  • My Samsung Galaxy S5 now is displaying the following message when I try to check my email:
    "Update Google Play services. This app won't run unless you update Google Play services."

    How do I do that? Thanks

  • Unfortunately I had previously deleted (uninstalled) that app. I have solved the issue so far by deleting the gmail app then reinstalling it. The message has since disappeared. Thank you.

    • Sun icon appears to be connected via mobile data. Spinning icon could mean downloading using mobile data. When connected to wifi, sun icon disappears.

  • In the status line, what's the shield with an up arrow going up from the lower right side. It's not listed in the icons list.

    • Did you get any notifications? It is probably from third party apps.

      This list of notification icons only covers most commonly encountered ones. If doesn't include any third party ones.

      • No, not on status bar-it is on the WiFi settings next to one of the WiFi networks. Also, how do I know if the mobile is using WiFi or Mobile Data?

        • Then it probably just indicates it is not an open wifi network (it means some password or keyphase is needed to connect).

          If you are connected to the WiFi (see the WiFi icons), WiFi will be used even your mobile data is enabled (the icons should disappear). If you see any of the mobile data icon (4G, 3G, H, H+, E, G), you are using mobile data.

          Depending on the WiFi sleep policy setttings (Settings--WiFi--menu--Advanced--Keep WiFi on during sleep), mobile data may be used if WiFi is off.

          Anyway, if your mobile data is very limited, you may turn off mobile data after using. Turn it on only when needed. You may also set mobile data limit based on your mobile plan.

  • Is there a way to have the date displayed here? I hate that it has the time, but not the date. The only way to see the date is to bring down the notification centre or check when the phone is locked.

  • Hi Just noticed on my Locked Screen a symbol what seems to be a shoe with a circle around it and 2 dashes at the side what does this do/mean?

  • My son did a screenshot on his phone so I can't click on the icons to see what they are for. One is a box with "id" on top corner and the other is a white square with what looks like an antenna in it and motion symbols on each side ((( ))) and a number 1 in the top corner?

    • It is hard to imagine the symbols. But if the icon is on the top left, it is normally from a third-party app (notification icon). If it is on the right, it is normally from the system (status icon)

  • There is an icon embedded in the phone Favorites section of Samsung s5 that appears to be forming the hands of a clock with one hand pointed towards 2 p.m. and the other at 4 p.m. Each "hand" has a bullet at the end opposite the center and joined by a bullet where the two "hands" meet in the center. Google Images sometimes shows this icon but without description. Anyone know what I am referring to?

    • You'b better take a screenshot with the icon and share it with others so that we can see it.

      If it's in the left side of the status bar, normally you should find a corresponding notification as well.

  • I have an icon that says LTE and then has a sun looking icon after it (circle with triangles around it) it spins around sometimes and other times the LTE and sun fade. What is that for?

  • I have a white box with a pointed suppose on the left with a black plus sign in it. I've been trying to figure or out for hours.

      • Yes but all of a sudden nothing is working. My voice text messaging won't work, I can't download go keyboard when I had it moments earlier and random things are popping up. It's in the left side.

        • What is the corresponding notification message? Did you install any system management related apps?

          Anyway, you can reboot the phone to see whether the problems persist.

    • Any particular symbol? Normally icons associated with notifications or running apps are shown in the left side of the status bar. The right side is for system status like signal strength.

  • What does the below symbol mean --
    4G LTE with a cross across 4G.
    I recently upgraded my S5 to Android lollipop since then the 4G LTE icon is appearing with a cross across 4G.
    The cross never appeared earlier.

  • My S5 has a percentage icon on the screen apart from the battery indicator icon. I know that the battery icon is at far right corner above but this small percentage icon is below & can be drag in any area of the screen. Right now my battery indicates 93% & the other one is 82% (circled) . What is that percentage indicator denote? Thanks

  • I had a phone icon similar to the device connected to another device, but I had an arrow pointing up. What could that be?

  • I don't see my upload/download notification bar. Is there something I could have accidentally turned off to make this happen? I have been having issues sending videos to FaceBook, and can't even tell if they are trying to be uploaded from my phone. :(

    • these icons should come from some apps. You should see some notifications. Tap and hold the notification message, tap app info, then you will find out the app that sends the notifications.

  • On my S5 I have a waving (or shaking) hand icon in the right side of the notification bar, just left of the Bluetooth icon; I keep deactivated Air View, Air Gesture and the camera stabilizer. I've never seen this icon untill recently: I think that it came up after updating Android to 5.0.
    Any Idea?

          • Air Gesture is definitely off, I've never used it and I checked it was off before posting my request. BUT... I noticed right now that the "waving hand" icon is gone! I swear I didn't change anything in my settings since I posted the image. Luckily I posted it, or you would have thought I was just trolling around lol!
            Thank you very much for the time you've spent for finding an answer to my question. I'd only like to know why the icon disappeared, and why it appeared in the first place... :P

          • Not sure, but it could also be some other features for certain regions or certain carriers. Samsung doesn't use consistent icons in different regions.

            Anyway, thank you for the update.

      • EDIT to add: No, I haven't noticed any strange behaviour (except for a general slowness after updating to Lollipop, but this is another story... :) )

  • What is the wifi with a phone underneath it symbol on the side with my battery n time symbol on it ive never seen it before

  • Wondering if you can help, I have had my s5 for a good few months now and today a new notification has appeared. It is on the right hand side next to my wifi sign, it is the wifi sign again but with an upside down phone at the bottom, do you have any idea what this is for? I haven't don't anything different on my phone. Thanks

    • Normally, icons on the right side are status icon indicating some system level features. You should not worry about it.

      Anyway, you may take a screenshot and share it through Google drive or Dropbox.

  • I have a new icon in the top right of my notification bar and nobody from my service provider tech support know what it is or how to get rid of it, its a handset on its back (with the ear and mouth piece facing up) with the wifi symbol coming out from its centre, does anybody know what this means and how to get rid of it in case it's using data or battery ?

  • On the top bar I have a tag with a plus sign inside, I also have 3 yellow balls with blue hats and a red dot with an exclamation inside each.???
    Timcfix

    • Any modifications? It sounds like there are some problems with sim card. You may power off the phone, check the sim card and then power on.

  • Can someone explain to me what the star between my blue tooth emblem and my alram clock emblem means.

  • I have been getting a new icon just above my service bars that is a little house and what looks like the wifi signal. This is new and I have no idea what it is indicating??

  • There is an icon that appears when i connect to wifi. The initial wifi icon shows but then a second icon appears next to it. It resembles a sideways phone symbol with wifi "lines" extending from it. I'm sorry if this is a little vague but i don't know how else to describe it!

    • You may take a screenshot and share it in your Google drive. The post the link here so that someone may help.

  • Hi
    I have an icon which looks like full signal with a upside down phone below it. What is this and how do I get rid of it?

  • I think the "upside down phone" icon being mentioned is unique to EE network and is the "Wi-Fi Calling" symbol. Which basically means that calls will be made via wifi (when available) rather than mobile data network.
    It can be turned off in the setting menu, look for Wi-Fi Calling".

    • Just one point to mention on this, if you initiate the call using wifi and move out of range of that network, the call will get disconnected, it will not seamlessly switch to 3G/4G.

  • my galaxy s5 is not charging its off and when i insert the charger the battery with lighting symbol shows but the turns off and a battery with a yellow triangle with an exclamation mark shows

    • You may check whether the cable is tightly inserted into the charger and the phone. You may also try another charger and cable.

      You can also power off the phone, remove the battery, wait a min, then put the battery back.

  • hi ive just updates my s5 to lollypop and now have a new icon on the notification bar its an upturned phone with what looks like wifi lines coming from it.
    does anyone know what this is?

    • You may take a screenshot, share it in your Google drive, and post the sharing link so that others can have a look.

  • What does a start mean? It's right between the Bluetooth and the alarm icon then there is the LTE icon

  • I have an icon to the left of the wifi icon. Its the phone symbol lying horizontally with waves (symilar to the wifi symbol) coming from the middle of the phone. Its definately not the speaker phone icon.

  • Hi. Just updated S5 to android loolipop and when i take a full sceen capture (swipe ŕight to left) of a photo in google browser the status bar is in every photo. This didn't happen in kitkat so any suggestions would be much appreciated.
    Thanks.

    • Chrome browser due android doesn't offer immersive full screen mode. The app can only how address bar automatically.

      If you use apps to enter immersive mode (hide status bar), the screenshot may not respect it.

  • What does it mean when the is a running shoe and a person running in a little white cicle that is beside the woRd Paused

  • i just noticed and owl looking pair of eyes /stestoscope on the right upper corner of my phone.What could this be!

  • I have two things that look like little suitcases with a check mark in each one up in the lefthand corner. I'm new to this phone can someone please help me? Thanks

  • I have a phone facing up with what appears to show full strength bars above it and then a red line through it. I can still make and receive calls and the icon remains at the top.

    • Please take a screenshot and share it so that others can see the icon. It's hard to imagine based on descriptions.

  • I couldn't find an icon that is with a 3 period and 3 bars horizontal color orange. I could not understand what is that icon all about. and I could not find it as well in google. I wish I can attach the screen shot.

    • If it is in left side, you should get a corresponding notification normally.

      You can take a screenshot, saved it to google drive or google photos, then share the link.

    • For icons on top left, there should be a corresponding notification message. Tap and hold the message, tap app info to find out the corresponding app.

  • I just installed a system update a week ago and ever since then there's been an icon in the top right, between the wifi icon and the volume icon. It's two arrows lying horizontally on top of each other facing opposite directions (one left one right).
    There's no apps running that it could be, I've had no trouble with wifi, mobile signal or anything, it's just there.

    • It's very likely voLTE (voice over LTE). It's a good network feature that gives better voice quality and fast connection.

  • What does a horizontal phone with a WiFi sort of symbol above it mean? It's not loud speaker. Thanks in advance.

  • What does the upside down phone sign with wifi looking signals with a red line through it mean?

  • What does an icon that looks like a TV antenna mean it has a circle inside a circle and at the bottom a thicker black line goes down to a black base

  • I get an alert triangle with ! Next to many of my text messages but cannot find an alert message or explanation anywhere. The messages say. Sent and my recipients usually do get the mssg and can usually reply to me. Why do I keep getting the icon next to the text?

    • Did you request delivery or reading report? Most carriers now block such requests and you may get the icon as well. Most often, the icon may be associated with undelivered messages. But it seems this is not the case for you.

  • I have a galaxy s6 and there is a circle icon with a + in the middle it’s top right hand corner beside by Bluetooth icon why does it mean

  • Hello, what is the icon on the top left of the screen that’s is a phone with a check mark on the bottom right of it , thanks

  • On my boyfriend’s phone a gray envelope with a gray heart on the right lower corner of the envelope what does that mean? On the notification bar.

  • I have a Galaxy S5 Neo. There is a symbol on the status bar it’s kind of a half circle with a plus sign in it. I don’t know what it means?

  • I have a icon in the top left of my phone and it is a phone icon with a circle above it, it looks like a clock pointing at 3 o’clock

  • How do I remove the data save symbol (the circle with a plus sign in the middle) from the top of my screen?

  • What does semi circle with + sign in middle mean? Had phone almost 2 years and this just showed up

  • I am recently getting an icon right next to the sig strength icon. It looks like a human “eye” and disappears before I can click on it or tap it. What is this? It looks like the smart stay activated icon, but not exactly sionce it does not have any of the eyebrows included. There is no explanation in the search bar to explain what smart stay is either.

    • It's hard to say what the icon could be without seeing it.

      Anyway, you should not worry about it. It sounds like some system icons. It appears when an app or process triggers it. It disappears means the corresponding app or process doesn't hog the resources.

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