The Action button on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max replaced the iconic Ring/Silent switch, providing a simple press-and-hold way to engage its Silent mode or use various functions.
But unlike the Ring/Silent switch, there is no longer an indicator of whether your iPhone is in Silent mode. To deal with this, Apple developed a software solution—a bell icon in the status bar—which can be an eyesore. Here, we'll show you how to remove the silent bell icon to avoid cluttering your iPhone's status bar.
What Does the Silent Bell in Your iPhone's Status Bar Mean?
Simply put, the silent bell icon in your iPhone's status bar means your device is in Silent mode and will only deliver notifications with visual prompts or vibrations. You will not hear any notification sounds unless you've enabled Emergency Bypass for a contact.
The silent bell icon is a nice-to-have element and is especially useful since there's no longer a physical indicator for Silent mode on the iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max. On other iPhone models, the Ring/Silent switch reveals an orange marking once engaged, indicating that Silent mode is active.
You can also check whether Silent mode is active by accessing the Control Center on your iPhone and looking at the tile with the bell icon. If your device is in Ring mode, you will see a dark gray tile with a white bell icon. Otherwise, you will see a white tile with a red colored bell icon and a slash running through it.
How to Get Rid of the Silent Bell From Your iPhone's Status Bar
To remove the silent bell icon from your iPhone's status bar, open the Settings app and follow the steps listed below:
- Locate and tap on the Sounds & Haptics subsection.
- Under the Silent Mode section, toggle off Show in Status Bar.
Following these steps will ensure the bell icon is no longer displayed next to the time on your Lock Screen or Home Screen.
Modify the Status Bar Icons on Your iPhone
Using these simple steps, you can remove the silent bell icon from the status bar on your iPhone and reduce unnecessary clutter. It's also one of the most straightforward ways to customize your iPhone and make it more unique.
Remember that you can always head to the Control Center to check whether your iPhone 15 Pro is in Silent or Ring mode.