The unexpected appearance of new icons in the status bar Android smartphone often causes confusion and slight panic. Especially if the symbol looks like an asterisk, which was not present there before. Users immediately begin to suspect viruses, hidden settings or system failure. However, in the vast majority of cases, this icon is associated with very specific and useful functions of the operating system.
The situation when an asterisk is displayed on the phone screen may have several technical reasons. Often this is an indicator of the active mode, a special developer menu, or a feature of instant messengers. To understand why an asterisk has appeared, you need to consider the context: is it located next to the network icon, in the corner of the screen, or just floating on top of the interface. why an asterisk appears, you need to consider the context: is it located next to the network icon, in the corner of the screen, or just floating on top of the interface.
In this article we will analyze in detail all possible options for the appearance of this symbol. We will explain how to activate the engineering menu, why the icon may indicate a power saving mode, and in what cases you should worry about the safety of the device. Understanding these nuances will help you not only remove the icon, but also better manage your gadget.
Encryption and developer mode
The most common reason for the appearance of an asterisk at the top of the screen is the activation of encryption mode or special features. In some versions Android, especially on custom firmware from Xiaomi or Samsung, an asterisk may indicate that USB debugging mode is enabled. This state is necessary to connect the phone to a computer for the purpose of flashing or deep diagnostics.
If you accidentally clicked the build number seven times in a row in the “About phone” menu, the system automatically switched the device to developer mode. In this state, a special icon resembling a star or a bug may appear in the notification shade. This is not an error, but a standard notification that advanced settings are now available.
To manage this mode, you need to go to Settings → System → For Developers. Here you can find the USB Debugging switch. If it is active, the star will be lit constantly. Disabling this option usually removes the icon, but also limits the ability to transfer data via ADB.
⚠️ Attention: Do not disable USB debugging if you use your phone to synchronize with a computer through specialized software (for example, for emulators or transferring data without rights superuser).
It is also worth checking whether the “Keep the screen on” mode is activated when charging. This option is found in the same developer menu and is sometimes visually marked in the interface. The asterisk in this case serves as a reminder that the display will light up even when locked, if the cable is connected.
☑️ Checking the developer mode
Engineering menu and test mode
Another scenario in which users see an asterisk is associated with entering secret USSD codes. Entering the combination #0# on many devices (especially Samsung) opens the engineering menu for testing the display, sensor and speakers. Sometimes, after exiting this menu, the icon may become “stuck” in the status bar.
This happens because the system considers the test mode active. In this case, the asterisk does not carry any meaning for the average user, but indicates that the phone is in a diagnostic state. To reset this flag, it is often enough to simply reboot the device.
If rebooting does not help, try entering the cancellation code or clearing the system interface cache. The path to cleaning usually lies through Settings → Applications → Show system → System interface UI. Forcibly stopping this process will return the status bar to its normal state.
How to enter the engineering menu without code?
On some models, entering test mode is possible through the “Phone” application if you press menu button and select “Diagnostics”. However, on modern versions of Android this function is often hidden from the average user.
It is worth noting that on devices with processors MediaTek there is a similar menu called by code ##3646633##. Exiting it may also be accompanied by residual visual effects, including the appearance of strange symbols.
Messenger and notification indicators
Users often confuse system icons with application icons. The asterisk can be the logo of a specific messenger, for example, Telegram or WhatsApp, if a specific display style is selected in the notification settings. In Telegram, for example, a star can indicate “Favorites” or pinned messages.
Check the list of active notifications by pulling the curtain down. If the star disappears when you clear notifications, then the problem is not with the system, but with the application. Some launchers (desktop shells) allow you to change icons to custom ones, and you may have accidentally installed a theme where the mail or alarm clock icon looks like a star.
The table below shows popular applications that can use the star as an indicator:
| Application | Icon meaning | Where is displayed |
|---|---|---|
| Telegram | Favorites / Pinned | Status bar / Chat |
| Google Keep | Priority note | Widget / Notification |
| Alarm clock | Active timer | Upper left corner |
| Parental controls | Access restrictions | Near the lock |
If you are using third-party themes, try temporarily switch to the standard theme Android. This will help eliminate visual deception when the usual battery or Wi-Fi icon is displayed incorrectly due to a crooked icon package.
Energy saving mode and restrictions
Another important function that is marked with an asterisk or a similar symbol is the strict energy saving mode. On smartphones Samsung i Huawei activating super power saving changes the interface and adds characteristic icons indicating that the background activity of applications is limited.
In this mode, the system blocks synchronization, reduces brightness and turns off most services. The asterisk here acts as a marker of the “special status” of the device. To remove it, you need to disable the saving mode through the battery settings or by clicking on the corresponding button in the notification shade.
It is also worth checking the “Do not disturb” settings. In some shells, this mode is indicated by a crossed out circle, but if there are exceptions (for example, calls from favorites are allowed), an additional star-shaped mark may appear next to it. This means that the call filter is active.
⚠️ Attention: If you have turned on the power saving mode, notifications from instant messengers may arrive with a delay. Disable this mode if you are waiting for an important message.
To disable, check the path Settings → Battery → Power saving mode. Make sure the switch is in the "Off" position. Sometimes it helps to completely discharge the device to 0% and then charge it to 100% to reset the power controller.
To quickly check the active modes, hold down the power button for 2 seconds. The lock screen often displays icons for enabled functions, such as “Do Not Disturb” or “Energy Saver.”
Third-party applications and widgets
You should not discount third-party software. Call recording apps, voice recorders, or screen recorders often display their status in the notification bar. The asterisk may be the logo of such an application, indicating that recording or monitoring is in progress.
Analyze what applications you have installed recently. If the asterisk appeared immediately after installing the new utility, most likely the reason lies there. Go to the notification settings of this application and turn off the display of the icon in the status bar.
Pay special attention to applications with the “On top of other windows” access rights. They can draw any symbols on top of the system interface. To check this, go to Settings → Applications → Accessibility → Top of other windows and look at the list of allowed apps.
If you can't find the culprit, try starting the phone in safe mode. Usually, to do this, you need to hold down the power button, and then long-tap on the “Turn off” item on the screen. Only system applications run in safe mode. If the asterisk disappears, the problem is definitely in third-party software.
Safe Mode is the best way to diagnose a problem with third-party applications. If the icon disappears in this mode, remove recently installed apps one by one.
Visual bugs and resetting settings
Sometimes the appearance of an asterisk is just a graphical glitch of the system Android. The system interface cache may become corrupted after an unsuccessful update or memory failure. In this case, the icon may hang on the screen constantly, even if no functions are active.
First, try clearing the partition cache System UI. This won't delete your personal data, but it will reset your taskbar, widgets, and icons display settings. After this procedure, the phone may freeze for a minute when turning on, this is normal.
If simple methods do not help, you may need to reset the network settings or completely reset the device. Before the last step, be sure to back up your data to the cloud or to your computer. The reset will return the phone to its factory state, removing all possible software conflicts.
⚠️ Attention: Before performing a full reset (Wipe Data), make sure that you remember the password for your Google account. Otherwise, FRP protection will work and you will not be able to activate the phone.
In rare cases, the problem lies in a hardware malfunction of the display or controller cable, but this manifests itself more as image artifacts (color bars, dots), rather than as a clear interface icon.
What is System UI?
This is a system process responsible for displaying the status bar, navigation bar, notifications and widgets. Its failure leads to the disappearance of icons or the appearance of artifacts.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can an asterisk mean that I am being tapped?
The asterisk itself is not an indicator of eavesdropping. However, if it appears after installing a suspicious application from an untrusted source, you should check the list of device administrators and remove unknown apps. In 99% of cases, this is a system icon.
How to remove the asterisk if it does not disappear after a reboot?
Try clearing the cache of the “System Interface” application in the settings. If it doesn't help, check if the developer or power saving mode is enabled. As a last resort, resetting your phone to factory settings will help.
Why did the asterisk appear only after updating Android?
System updates often change the set of system icons. What was previously represented by a different symbol may now appear as an asterisk. Check the help for the new version of your shell (MIUI, One UI, etc.).
Does this icon affect the operation of the phone?
No, this is just a status indicator. It does not consume the battery and does not slow down the processor. Its presence or absence only affects the visual perception of the interface.
Is it possible to permanently disable the appearance of such icons?
It is impossible to completely disable system indicators, since they inform about important events. However, you can hide specific icons through the status bar settings if your phone model supports this function.