Galaxy S8 status icons and notification icons in the status bar offer you a quick glimpse of system status and notifications.
This guide explains the meaning of Galaxy S8 status icons and notification icons in Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+.
As explained in Galaxy S8 Home screen, the top part of the phone screen is called status bar as shown below.
Of course, the status bar is in all screens (home screen, lock screen and apps screen) and in all apps. Even in full-screen mode, you can swipe down to bring back the status bar.
Anyway, Android does not allow you to disable status bar. You can only temporally hide it.
In the status bar, Â in addition to the time in the rightmost, you can find icons grouped in the left and right side of the status bar.
Normally, icons on the right side are called status icon which indicating status of system related features, like battery and network.
Icons on the left side are usually named as notification icons, which are usually (not always) associated with a notification message.
Third-party app notification icons will always appear on the left side.
To use Galaxy S8 or S8+ effectively, you need to understand the meaning of Galaxy S8 status icons and notification icons, because they offer quick info on what’s going on in the hone.
In this guide, we group status icons and notification icons into 6 parts.
You can use Galaxy S8 or S8+ without a SIM card. You can use most of the apps with WiFi connections. But this means you will not be able to connect to a mobile network for calls or messages, or using mobile data.
In some regions, Galaxy S8 and S8+ support up to 2 SIM cards as explained in Galaxy S8 SIM card guide.
When one or more SIM cards are inserted, Galaxy S8 or S8 will show some mobile network related status icons indicating the status of the mobile network, e.g., signal strength, network type.
| Status icon or notification icon | Meaning of the icon |
| No mobile network This Galaxy S8 status icon means Galaxy S8 is NOT registered with any mobile networks.  The possible causes of this issue include:
You have to work with your carrier to solve the issue. When this status icon appears,  you cannot receive or make calls, or use mobile data in Galaxy S8 0r S8+. But you can still use other functions that do not require a mobile network. | |
| Mobile network signal strength bar This Galaxy S8 status icon indicates the strength of the mobile signal in your area. More bars mean a stronger signal. You can get accurate (and actual) signal strength in dBm in Settings–About phone –Status –SIM card status. | |
| Roaming This Galaxy S8 status icon tells you that your Galaxy S8 or S8+  is registered in other carriers’ network, not your own carrier’s.  This means you are roaming to another carrier now. It is normal to see this icon when you are visiting other countries. Some Galaxy S8 or S8 owners who live close to the border may roam to another carrier inadvertently.  In this case, you probably should check with your carrier and disable auto roaming. The roaming charges are usually higher than using your own carrier’s network. | |
| GPRS network connected GPRSÂ (General Packet Radio Service), which is the slowest 2G mobile data connection, will be used only if there are no available 4G, 3G or Edge networks. In some regions, some carriers already retired 2G network. If your mobile plan includes 3G data or 4G LTE data, but you often get this Galaxy S8 status icon, you may check with your carrier on the 3G and 4G network coverage in your area. | |
| 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 your mobile plan includes 3G data or 4G LTE data, but you often get this Galaxy S8 status icon, you may check with your carrier on the 3G and 4G network coverage in your area. | |
| 3G network connected This Galaxy S8 status icon is a bit confusing.  For different carriers, the 3G status icon may mean quite different things. Normally, it refers to 3G network excluding HSPA or HSPA+ (read on). When data are transmitted, the arrows in the status icon will flash or show different colours. In some regions, there are no arrows in the bottom of this 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 a 3.5G network. When data are transmitted, the arrows in the notification icon will flash or show different colours. In some regions, there are no arrows in the bottom of this status icon, i.e., it could be just a plain H. | |
| HSPA+ network connected HSPA+ (Evolved HSPA) is 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. When data are transmitted, the arrows in this status icon will flash or show different colours. In some regions, there are no arrows in the bottom of this status icon, i.e., it could be just a plain H+. | |
| 4G network connected This Galaxy S8 status icon is very confusing, because it may mean different things in different regions. Often, it means it is a 4G /LTE network (see below). But occasionally, it may refer to HSPA+, which was called as 4G by some carriers. | |
| 4G LTE network connected LTE (Long-Term Evolution) is usually called 4G in most regions. Of course, there is an even faster LTE+. You will see an additional + sign on the top right. Unlike 3G, HSPA, and HSPA+, the frequency (band) of 4G LTE in different regions (and different carriers) differs dramatically. When you travel to other areas, you may find your Galaxy S8 or S8+ 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 S8 or S8+. | |
| Voice over LTE Voice over LTE (VoLTE) uses a 4G LTE network to transmit voice. Â You can expect better voice quality and faster connecting compared to 2G voice. Some carriers may brand VoLTE as HD voice or Crystal voice. | |
| Aeroplane mode (flight mode) activated You need to enable aeroplane mode when a mobile network connection is not allowed. By default, when you enable aeroplane 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 when the flight mode status icon is shown. But you cannot enable mobile data or voice as long as you have this status icon.  If mobile data or voice is enabled, this status icon should disappear. | |
| SIM card missing This Galaxy S8 status icon was deprecated in most regions. | |
| Mobile hotspot is activated Mobile hotspot allows you to share your mobile data connection in Galaxy S8 or S8+ with other devices.  Other devices can connect to your Galaxy S8 or S8+ as if your Galaxy S8 or S8+ is a normal wireless router. The battery can be drained very fast when the mobile hotspot is activated and being used. | |
| Data Saver This Galaxy S8 status icon indicates data saver feature is turned on. You can enable or disable data saver in Settings— Connections —Data usage—Data saver. In Android Oreo update for Galaxy S8 and S8+, the data saver icon was changed to the second one as explained in this guide. |
When Galaxy S8 or S8 is called, or engaged in calls, you will see some notification icons in the status bar.
Also, when you set sound mode to mute, vibrate or sound, or you enable the do not disturb, corresponding status icons will be shown as well.
| Icon | Meaning |
| Do not disturb You can set up and enable do not disturb mode to minimise distractions from calls and notifications without missing important calls and notifications. Please refer to this guide on how to use the do not disturb (DnD) feature. | |
| Call in progress When you are in a call, and you minimize the phone app, you will then see this Galaxy S8 notification icon in status bar. | |
| Call on hold This notification icon tells you there is a call on hold. Â It is a carrier-dependent feature. | |
| Call forwarding enabled If you choose to always forward all calls to other number or voicemail, you may find this notification icon. | |
| Missed call The Galaxy S8 notification icon informs you missed calls. You can check the call log in the phone app to see the caller number. | |
| Call muted (microphone muted) During a call, you can tap the mute button to mute your mic without ending the call. If you tap the mute button again, it will be unmuted. In most regions, this Galaxy S8 notification icon was deprecated. In this case, you have to check the colour of the mute button to determine whether the microphone is muted or not. | |
| Speakerphone is on You can transfer the call to the speaker instead of on the earpiece. Again, in most regions, this Galaxy S8 notification icon was deprecated. You have to check the colour of the speaker icon in phone app during a call to find out the current status. | |
| Silent mode (or mute mode) activated There are 3 sound modes for ringtones and notification tones in Galaxy S8 and S8+: sound (normal), mute and vibrate. This Galaxy S8 status icon means Galaxy S8 or S8+ is in silent mode. When someone calls you, Galaxy S8 will not ring or vibrate. | |
| Vibrate mode activated This Galaxy S8 status icon indicates S8 is in vibrate mode, i.e., the ringtone is muted, and Galaxy S8 or S8+ vibrates only. |
Galaxy S8 and S8+ have many ways to connect to other devices or services.
Of course, you will see some Galaxy S8 status icons and notification icons when it is connected to other devices through WiFi, Bluetooth, or NFC.
Some on-going activities,e.g., file downloading or uploading may also trigger some notification icons.
In this part, some commonly encountered WiFi, Bluetooth, USB, NFC, location and file transfer related status icons and notification icons will be explained.
| Icon | Meaning |
| WiFi activated and connected This Galaxy S8 status icon indicates WiFi connection is activated and Galaxy S8 is successfully connected to an access point. When data are transmitted, the arrows in the Galaxy S8 status icon will flash or show different colours. | |
| WiFi activated, but not connected The question mark in this Galaxy S8 status icon means that WiFi is enabled, but not connected. | |
| WiFi Direct is activated The Galaxy S8 status icon indicates  WiFi Direct is enabled. WiFi Direct allows two devices to connect to each other without through a wireless router. | |
| | Download booster enabled Download booster allows you to combine 4G LTE connection and WiFi connection in Galaxy S8 or S8+ to download a single file. |
| Bluetooth enabled | |
| File download This Galaxy S8 notification icon indicates files are being downloaded in the background. If the downloading is in progress, the arrow is usually animated downwards. In some regions, the colour may also change. | |
| File upload Similar to file download notification icon. | |
| | NFC enabled NFC (near field communication) provides a  fast way to share small files and mobile payment. In some regions, this Galaxy S8 status icon will not be shown even NFC is enabled. |
| Location service (GPS) By default, Galaxy S8 or S8+ will not show this status icon when location service is enabled. It is shown only when location service is accessed. |
There are a few Galaxy S8 status icons related to the battery in Galaxy S8 and S8+.
These icons can help you understand the status of the battery, and therefore use the phone more effectively.
Please refer to this guide on how to charge and use Galaxy S8 battery.
| Icon | Meaning |
| Battery level indicator You can enable battery percentage next to battery icon in Settings — Device maintenance — Battery –-Menu key —Advanced settings — Percentage on status bar. | |
| Battery level critically low When Galaxy S8 battery has less than 5% capacity left, this status icon will replace normal battery level icon. Once this Galaxy S8 status icon is shown, Galaxy S8 will automatically adjust some settings, for example, the brightness of the screen will be automatically dimmed, and you cannot adjust it. | |
| Battery being charged When you charge Galaxy S8 battery, you should see this status icon. | |
| | Reverse charging This Galaxy S8 status icon indicates Galaxy S8 or S8+ is charging other devices connected to it. Reverse charging is a special feature of phones with USB type C. |
| Power saving mode When you enable power saving, this Galaxy S8 status icon will be shown in the status bar. You can enable or disable Galaxy S8 power saving mode in Settings — Device maintenance — Battery. | |
| Performance mode Galaxy S8 allows you to set the phone in one of the 4 modes: Optimized (default), game, entertainment and high performance. You may refer to this guide on the differences of these performance modes. |
Some system apps may generate some meaning notification icons to help you use Galaxy S8 or S8+.
Please note, notifications from third-party apps are always on the left side of the status bar. But notification icons of system apps can appear on both sides.
| Icon | Meaning |
| Calendar event | |
| Alarm activated As in other smartphones, the alarm will NOT work if you power off Galaxy S8. | |
| Screenshot saved When you take a screenshot on Galaxy S8 or S8+, it allows you to edit it discard it before it is saved. But the duration is very short. After the screenshot is saved, you will see this notification icon. | |
| Emergency Alert. |
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When you receive a text message or MMS, or email or voicemail message, you will get the notifications icons in Samsung Galaxy S6 status bar.
Normally, you also get a preview of the messages except voice mail messages in the notification panel.
| Icon | Meaning |
| New text message or MMSÂ message | |
| New GMail messages | |
| New email message. This is the email app notification icon. | |
| New voicemail messages This Galaxy S8 notification icon indicates new voice mail messages.  You need check with your carrier on how to manage your voice mailbox. By default, in the dial keypad, long tapping “1” will connect you to your voice mailbox if it is configured by your carrier. Please note, voice mail is provided by your carrier, and all voicemail messages are saved on their servers, not on your Galaxy S8 or S8+. |
First, the list of Galaxy S8 status icons and notification icons are not exhaustive.
In different regions, the icons may be different.
If you have updated Galaxy S8 or S8+ to Android Oreo, you can find the additional new status icon on this page.
When you see a new icon, you can identify it:
You can always take a screenshot and share it on our Facebook page so that others can help you identify such status icons or notification icons.
If you have any questions on the meaning of Galaxy S8 status icons and notification icons in Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+, please let us know them in the comment box below.
The community will help you find the answer or solution.
You may also check our Galaxy S8 guides:
In addition to posting your thought or questions in the comment box below, you can also reach us on our Facebook page.
Subscribe to our free Galaxy S8 tips, tricks and guides newsletter to get the most for your Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+!
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View Comments
Wut does the thumb tac icon mean on the always on display?
Can you share the screenshot in our Facebook page so that others can see which icon you are talking about?
What does the network bars with an x mean? Phone will not connect to network and I cannot figure out why.
Mobile data was disabled. You need enable mobile data.
What does a phone symbol plus a smaller wifi symbol above it mean?
Very likely WiFi calling. It is a new mobile network feature offered by more and more carriers. With WiFi calling, you can place and receive calls (and messages) when mobile network signal is weak or unavailable.
What does a key in the left corner of a Samsung galaxy 8 plus mean?
VPN connection?
Anyway, you normally should see a corresponding notification for icons in top left of the status bar.
Hi,
VOLTE icon is always on, is this normal? This icon was not enabled before but now is always on, and I've never enabled/disabled VOLTE calls, can this setting be enabled automatically?
Thanks
It's normal. Your can disable voLTE in settings - connections - mobile network. But why did you want to disable it?
why does the phone icon (with a small wifi icon above the lower part) appear when Im not om the phone
You can share the screenshot in our facebook page so that others can see what exactly the icon is.
What does a new message symbol with a plus sign inside of it mean??
You can share the screenshot in our Facebook page so that others can see which icon you are referring to.
I may have overlooked it, but What is the name of the Facebook page?
In my signature.
On galaxy s8, noticed icon in top left corner of phone receiver with a slash across it (/) whenever I disable mobile data & enable Wi-Fi. I've had no trouble previous, not even sure if related to my problem, but suddenly today I can't make outgoing calls (quickly dropped) or receive incoming (not even able to retrieve voice mail). Help please?
You can take a screenshot and share it in our Facebook page so that others can see what exactly it is.
What does a circle with a c in the middle mean
What does the small grey box with the word 'smart' and a small telephone mean when it shows under the phone number of an incoming call. (see recent calls list)?
The owner of the number can be identified by the phone app. You can also register your number forb this service so that other people may know your name even they don't have your number in the address book.
This is useful for business owners. It is not recommended for personal numbers.
When I pull up my phone app history why is there more than one for messages? Is it possible to use more than one messaging app at the same time?
Can you share the screenshot in our Facebook page so that we can see what you are referring to?
No, you can only use one default message (SMS) app at any given time. Of course, you can switch the default app.
For WhatsApp or other messaging apps, they are independent of SMS apps.
What is the icon where it is a square and a small WiFi symbol in the bottom left (the WiFi symbol is also tilted towards the right)
Can you share the screenshot in our Facebook page so that we can see it?
What does the speaker icon mean on upper left hand corner?
You should normally get a corresponding notification. Did you check the notifications when you got the icon?
Anyway, you can try to take a screenshot and share it in our Facebook page so that others can see it.
Thank you! That NFC icon on my new S8 Active was driving me nuts. (Reminds me of the old Netscape browser icon)
What is the triangle with 2 arrows going in opposite directions mean?
It sounds like data saver icon in Android Oreo update for S8. You can try to enable or disable it in Settlings - Connections - data usage - data saver.
If not, you may share the screenshot in our Facebook page so that we can see it.
What does the triangle with three parts that has two arrows in it mean?
Data saver in Android Oreo update for S8. You can disable or enabled it in Settings - connections - data usage - data saver.
I have a triangle with an arrow up s d arrow down inside it what is it. After I updated it showed up
Data saver icon in Android Oreo update in Samsung phones. You can enable or disable it in settings - connections - data usage - data saver.
What is the microphone icon on the status bar? This icon shows up on my phone whether it’s locked or unlocked. I have been unable to find what the icon is for.
it's on the status bar; once I swipe to unlock it disappears and there’s no option to turn it off. Annoying I cannot figure out what it is; I'll post a screenshot if theres a chance.
You may share the screenshot in our Facebook page so that others can see it.
What is the message icon with a pen in it mean. When I pull ot down it disappears.
Where did you see it? Can you share a screenshot or photo on our Facebook page?
What’s the Facebook page address
In my signature. Or https://www.facebook.com/gadgetguideonline
What does the not always present plus sign in the lower right corner of the Wi-Fi active icon on my S8 active process bar mean?
Can you share the screenshot in our Facebook page so that others can see it?
What is represented by a plain white winking face in the status bar?
Please share the screenshot in our Facebook page so that others can see it. If it appears on the left side, you may check the notification panel.
Thank you so much for this comprehensive guide. Just the best!
On the always on display screen, I have what looks like a page with the bottom right hand corner turned up inside a circle. Any ideas?
Is it just a notification icon?
Yes. After looking at some more blogs, found out it meant something was pinned to the display. Tapped it a few times and I could sent it to trash. No idea how that happened or what it even means. Turns out it was a thumbtack in the bottom corner.
Without seeing the screen, it is hard to guess what you are referring to. But it sounds you pinned a photo in the always on display. This was explained in this page https://gadgetguideonline.com/s9/how-to-use-galaxy-s9-always-on-display-aod-on-galaxy-s9-and-s9/
What does a wifi symbol with a padlock mean?
You may share the screenshot on our Facebook page so that others can see it.
What is the grayed lightning bolt over a download arrow mean in the status bar?
Download booster (not in use)? You may share the screenshot in our Facebook page so that others can see it.
I do not use social media. The square with the thumb tack in the bottom right corner appeared yesterday on the black pre-open page. How can I get rid of it and what does it mean
You may share the screenshot on our Facebook page so that others can see which icon you are referring to.
A screen shot cannot be taken before the phone is opened and that is where the icon appears, along with the time and date.
Not sure which icon you are referring to.
Are you talking about app icons on the lock screen? You can take a screenshot for the lock screen using (power+volume down button) without unlocking the phone?
Or, are you talking about always-on display (AOD) screen?
What is the "@" icon on the top left of my notification bar? The drop down accidently cleared before I could read it because my screen is messed up.
It's hard to guess the app from the notification icon because app developers can choose anything they like for the app. It can be different from app icons.
What does it mean when a notification icon randomly appears that looks like a globe with checkered lines through it like tic tac toe. And when you go into certain screens that are white it goes away until you ses it again with a darker home screen color
You may share the screenshot on our Facebook page so that others can see it. You can take a screenshot when your see it again.
You are missing a possible cause for the "no mobile network" icon: it is possible for the sim card to become partially unseated.
Thank you for sharing the info.
Why does my S8 insist on inserting a black diamond with a ? in it in the middle of my home wireless network name and I can not connect with the correct name even though it is recognized in the list of saved networks?
Can you share the screenshot of the icon in our Facebook page?
The question mark in the WiFi icon usually means that there is no internet connection.
Thank you for the extremly fast reply! I have the screenshot but I don't do facebook - Can I email it and if so what email address?
You can share it through Google Photos, Google Drive, One drive, or DropBox.
Our email server will silently discard all emails with attachment. I think this was configured by our hosting provider for security reasons.
What icon shows up when you get message from blocked number.
No icon. You will not receive the text message at all.
When it is a blocked number why does my phone not ring?
Yes, this is exactly what it should do. If you block someone, you will not get any calls or messages from that person.
I was curious about a symbol that I don't see a description for. To the right of the 4G and above the signal strength symbol is what looks like a sideways D and two arched bars above it. Does anyone know what this means?
You may share the screenshot of the icon on our Facebook page so that others can see it. Sometimes, it's hard to imagine based on descriptions.
What does a solid white ring on the left of my Samsung galaxy phone mean? It also looks like a speech bubble within the ring.
Please share the screenshot on our Facebook page.