How to Remove the Phone Symbol on an iPhone (Step-by-Step Guide)

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If you’ve noticed a phone symbol appearing on your iPhone screen and want to remove it, you’re not alone. Many users see this icon on the status bar, lock screen, or app screen and wonder how to get rid of it. This guide will explain what the phone symbol means and give you simple ways to remove it from your iPhone.

What Does the Phone Symbol Mean on iPhone?

The phone symbol usually indicates call-related activity. Depending on where you see it, it can mean:

  • Active call – The icon appears when you’re currently on a call.

  • Call forwarding or SIM-related notification – Shows if forwarding is enabled.

  • Wi-Fi calling is active – Appears when Wi-Fi calling is turned on.

  • Accessibility or Assistive features – Sometimes appears when a shortcut or assistive tool is enabled.

Identifying why it’s there helps in removing it safely.

How to Remove the Phone Symbol on iPhone

Here are the methods to remove or hide the phone symbol based on the situation:

Method 1: End Active Calls

If the phone symbol appears during a call:

  1. Open the Phone app.

  2. Tap End Call.

  3. The phone symbol should disappear immediately.

Method 2: Turn Off Call Forwarding

If call forwarding is active:

  1. Go to Settings → Phone → Call Forwarding.

  2. Toggle Call Forwarding off.

  3. The icon should vanish from the status bar.

Method 3: Disable Wi-Fi Calling

If Wi-Fi calling is the reason:

  1. Open Settings → Phone → Wi-Fi Calling.

  2. Toggle Wi-Fi Calling on This iPhone off.

  3. The phone symbol should disappear after a few seconds.

Method 4: Check Accessibility Settings

Sometimes, AssistiveTouch or other accessibility shortcuts show icons on your screen:

  1. Go to Settings → Accessibility → Touch → AssistiveTouch.

  2. Toggle AssistiveTouch off.

  3. Restart your iPhone if the icon remains.

Method 5: Restart Your iPhone

Restarting often clears temporary icons:

  1. Press and hold the side button and either volume button.

  2. Slide to power off.

  3. Turn the iPhone back on.

  4. Check if the phone symbol is gone.

Method 6: Update iOS

Some icons may appear due to software glitches. Keeping iOS updated can help:

  1. Go to Settings → General → Software Update.

  2. If an update is available, tap Download and Install.

  3. Restart your iPhone to see if the icon disappears.

Tips to Avoid the Phone Symbol in the Future

  • Only enable Wi-Fi calling when necessary.

  • Turn off call forwarding if you don’t use it.

  • Keep your iPhone updated to the latest iOS version.

  • Disable unnecessary AssistiveTouch shortcuts.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can the phone symbol be permanent?
No, it should only appear during calls, forwarding, or Wi-Fi calling.

2. Does removing it affect my calls?
No. Disabling the icon or its source doesn’t stop normal calling functions.

3. What if the symbol still appears?
Try resetting network settings:
Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network Settings.

Final Thoughts

The phone symbol on an iPhone is usually harmless but can be distracting. Whether it appears due to an active call, Wi-Fi calling, call forwarding, or accessibility shortcuts, it’s easy to remove with the steps above. By identifying the cause and adjusting your settings, you can quickly get rid of it and keep your screen clean.

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