iPhone 16: Hide the Silent Mode Bell Icon in the Status Bar
Apple's iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus now feature the programmable Action button that replaces the traditional ring/silent switch above the volume buttons. The Action button was previously only available on iPhone 15 Pro devices, but has expanded across the latest iPhone 16 lineup to be included on all models.
The Action button can be programmed to perform several different functions, but the ability to switch between Silent and Ring mode has not gone away. By default, one long press of the Action button will mute your device (the button's haptic feedback will emit three pulses).
All iPhone 16 models display a crossed-out bell symbol next to the time in the status bar to indicate that Mute/Silent mode is activated, and it will remain until you long press the Action button again to unmute your device.
If you tend to have your iPhone in Silent mode, this status bar symbol can become distracting and annoying, but fortunately Apple has had the foresight to include a way to get rid of it. Simply follow the steps below.
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap Sounds & Haptics.
- Under "Silent Mode," toggle off the switch next to Show in Status Bar.
That's all there is to it. The silent indicator will no longer appear in the status bar, even when Silent mode is active.