33167 Votes

What does the eye-sign at the top of my phone mean?

Question by Mandy | 2014-01-21 at 22:48

At the top of the status bar of my smartphone, sometimes a symbol or icon showing and eye appears.

I have found nothing about that in the manual of my cell phone. So, what does this eye mean?

Am I observed or monitored? Is it somehow possible to turn it off?

ReplyPositiveNegativeDateVotes
82Best Answer202 Votes

The eye symbol indicates that Smart Stay is activated. Smart Stay is a function of your mobile phone that cares about your screen. It ensures that your screen is not turned off as long as you are looking at it.

Assuming your smartphone is deactivating your screen after 30 seconds of inactivity (you have not touched it). If Smart Stay is activated, first your phone takes a picture and tries to identify some eyes on it. If so, the phone assumes that someone is looking at the screen and the screen is not turned off.

I think this is a quite handy function because if you are reading a very long text without touching the screen, you do not have to care about keeping the screen on.

If you would like to deactivate this function, you can do so under Settings > Display > Smart Stay.
Last update on 2023-11-30 | Created on 2014-01-23

ReplyPositive Negative
34102 Votes

This is not true I have smart stay turned off and the eye keeps popping up all the time on my phone what will it take for y'all to know that the government does what they want.
2015-06-25 at 15:32

Positive Negative
719 Votes

Your phone has become enchanted! You need to put it on a highly spiritual place and chant onto it: "Hear me oh one who observes! Part with that object and dwell onto me! Let me be your vessel you be my gift! What you lust for will be my ambition and what I lust for will be your intention!" Repeat this going louder and louder until you get struck by lightning!
2017-12-14 at 16:42

Positive Negative
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1991 Votes

It means the government is watching you, so you better straighten up!!!

Do not break the law. We are everywhere. This is your last warning.. We know.
2014-12-29 at 07:55

ReplyPositive Negative
-624 Votes

Hee hee hee, haw haw, the government is weak. Because alone it is nothing, it needs a stacked team of winners to beat solo winners.
2015-01-20 at 23:41

Positive Negative
222 Votes

We are legion, we are one, we are everywhere... The eye just happened to me... I am being watch by the future T-1000's they know my face they know my everything.
2015-02-24 at 18:41

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1127 Votes

I don't believe that's true because the eyes keep popping up and my screen still goes dark side reading.
2015-05-26 at 12:12

ReplyPositive Negative
1143 Votes

Yes. That can happen.

The Eye-Sign is indicating that the Smartphone is checking whether someone is watching the screen.

If you are looking in an angle in which the phone cannot recognize your eyes, the screen will be turned off immediately after the eye is displayed.
2015-05-26 at 16:32

Positive Negative
-735 Votes

Just because your phone screen goes dark does not mean its not on. Just like if you download an app on your phone.

Go threw all the things that app runs off and it will tell you sometimes an app will still have your phone running without you.

Go to Application Manager in your phone and go to the Downloaded Apps then hit on go all the way down and read those.
2015-07-19 at 14:13

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123 Votes

Every site I see says smart stay is the answer, but I caught the eye symbol on my phone earlier tonight and when I checked it was already deactivated. So anybody got a different answer?
2015-07-06 at 05:39

ReplyPositive Negative
216 Votes

It's every time you rotate your screen. Although you may have smart stay turned off if you go to settings and click smart screen you will have a smart screen rotation option turned on to rotate your screen in accordance with your face. Turn it off, your screen still rotates. Problem solved.
2015-12-16 at 16:37

Positive Negative
911 Votes

In my case, I can turn it off by go to Setting --> Display --> Screen Rotation --> Uncheck Smart Rotation by choose either off or auto-rotate screen.

Once, I turned the settings to smart rotation and just realize it will check our visual orientation by the present of the eye icon on the bar.
2016-02-15 at 05:20

Positive Negative
13 Votes

It's data saver. I just got the same issue and I thought it was smart stay at first but then I switched on and switched off data saver and the symbol disappeared and reappeared in that order.
2018-01-05 at 15:22

Positive Negative
22 Votes

The eye symbol is displayed when eye comfort is turned on. This can be changed by going to settings, selecting display, and then turn eye comfort on or off. The eye (comfort) icon will leave in the off setting.
2018-10-17 at 11:59

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020 Votes

The eye symbol has been randomly popping up and it has been deactivated. I've noticed it mainly during the week and during business hours (9pm to 4pm). It just happened now. The phone was on my desk and i was not looking at it. 

Anyone else having this issue? I have a Samsung Note 4.
2015-07-10 at 18:32

ReplyPositive Negative
46 Votes

Yes it happens to me during the day hours it's creepy and would like it to stop asap I've been trying to find out what it is and how to fix it.
2016-07-26 at 23:27

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420 Votes

Well have you ever seen your phone go off sometimes taking pics by its self.

Well its happened to me its the same almost like the eye but my phone wasn't set on face I had the flash on as well so its easier to no that way.

It was the craziest thing ever but I found a folder in my phone where it kept all the pics and videos at. It wouldn't let me delete it for nothing. Yes I have heard about the phones and yes they can see what ever they want all they need is to put a number in. They have people that does that.
2015-07-19 at 14:03

ReplyPositive Negative
012 Votes

It just happened to me.. It never has in two years. I turned my smart stay off. Problem solved. Lolol
2015-10-12 at 00:15

ReplyPositive Negative
37 Votes

That's right it happened to me many times my phone will take pictures by it self or videos and I see the eye on top of my address bar.
2015-10-13 at 16:17

ReplyPositive Negative
22 Votes

There are some programs that have remote access. If you like to download apps on your phone be careful of the permissions you give to them.
2017-10-08 at 04:34

Positive Negative
11 Vote

Its called eye comfort. Help your eyes.....

To deactivate it:

  1. Go to settings
  2. Display and brightness
  3. Eye comfort

Turn on or off. Or just schedule it.

Hope its helpfull
2021-01-16 at 18:48

Positive Negative
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19 Votes

I have had my phone for over a year and today it just started to pop up. So i do not think its what people are saying it is.
2015-12-04 at 15:48

ReplyPositive Negative
1228 Votes

It's freaking me out like someone is watching me thru my phone. I just started noticing it a few weeks ago, I mean how does it know your looking at it unless it's continuously monitoring you?
2016-01-02 at 06:46

ReplyPositive Negative
220 Votes

Yes, it is constantly monitoring you. In the moment the eye is displayed, the camera is turned on in order to see whether it can detect someone watching the screen. If so, it does nothing, if not so, it turns off the screen.
2016-01-02 at 14:08

Positive Negative
00 Votes

It is on when your is off... So your being watched when you are not looking.
2019-04-20 at 07:47

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19 Votes

Is so scary now!! I just saw the eye again, many times happen this!! Even when I am taking a shower I have the cell next to me, even when I'm getting dress, from now on just in case I will cover the cell phone when I'm undress! !!!
2016-02-16 at 01:16

ReplyPositive Negative
17 Votes

Many apps ask permission to use the camera. GPS, any shopping apps, FB, Google, etc. will use the camera to determine where you are and what you are doing. Of course, the government can access your phone anytime and use your GPS and camera. If you are in a store the store can track your movements through the store and send you coupons to your email.

Other apps will track your movement around your city and take pics of your surroundings. It has been common knowledge the camera can be used to determine if you are outside or in your house.

Yes, creepy.
2016-02-27 at 23:39

ReplyPositive Negative
13 Votes

Why does this keep popping up??

I have looked on several sites and really don't find a real answer!! 

Just want it gone! !!!
2016-04-02 at 01:40

ReplyPositive Negative
44 Votes

Just have a look at the first answer of this page.

There you can find a solution that worked for me switching this off forever.
2016-04-02 at 02:52

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02 Votes

Your phone is cloned and yes someone is watching and taking pics.

I even turned off my locator and it still came up. It's sad I didn't think to cover the phone when I'm undressed because I always have the music playing in the morning while I dress.
2016-04-06 at 04:58

ReplyPositive Negative
218 Votes

I suspect it may be somewhat something / someone watching my activity, but, I also know how important I am for somebodies . ;)

In fact, there is an eye on my phone, a bird over my head with a camera, a tablet on the flying little plane.

I know you are watching me and I don't care. I'm vulnerable, under circumstances, I'm humble, I'm ok with any shit you wanna know about me, as long as you don't provoke my road in life. That is all.

God is with me - I arise above anything and I'm protected. Praise the Lord our God. AMEN!
2016-05-31 at 14:39

ReplyPositive Negative
313 Votes

Amen to THAT! :-) Thankfully God is above all of this. Shady technology, spyware and apps that access to all of your phone.
2016-07-13 at 08:41

Positive Negative
28 Votes

I just wonder how you can curse and use God and amen in the same sentence this does not say much because the bible says God and Satin cannot live together.
2017-04-07 at 13:03

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19 Votes

I was looking at my body through the camera then all of a sudden that eye pops. I freaked out I thought I've been hacked or something for a minute like as if someone was watching me, jeez.
2016-06-11 at 19:50

ReplyPositive Negative
04 Votes

I noticed it only appears after I've sent a text message....it appears usually right before I get a response back from who I sent the text to......so I'm not sure...but I'm wondering if the icon means the person I sent the text to has opened the the text..
2016-07-25 at 21:02

ReplyPositive Negative
22 Votes

I'm sure if the got or someone is watching you...they would do it annonomous not display an eye..must sayin...
2016-09-21 at 07:45

ReplyPositive Negative
06 Votes

I was wondering if its because my phone is on WiFi and connects to my work internet; does this mean that our IT (which monitors my work computer) also monitors where I go on my phone since its hooked up to their WiFi? Just a thought!
2016-10-05 at 18:51

ReplyPositive Negative
511 Votes

Yes, they can see where you go and which websites you go.

However, that has nothing to do with the symbol. It's just because it's there network.
2016-10-06 at 00:00

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04 Votes

Is this a sign of someone tapping into your phone and seeing who you are talking and taping what is said?
2016-10-11 at 01:26

ReplyPositive Negative
614 Votes

I have my suspicions as well...

Turning off "smart stay" is not turning off the the software from running in background.

Samsung is keeping tabs on its smartphone users practices.

Quick remedy... Unless you're a selfie abuser, cut out a little round part of light medical tape n or bandaid and adhere it to front facing camera eye.

Anyone trying to peer or take a pic will not be able too, as picture is blurred out.

Ta daaaaa......
2016-11-10 at 20:20

ReplyPositive Negative
-15 Votes

Samsung wanted to have a camera on the smart tv's at one point to spy on the people watching tv. There was a revolt of some sort and got the media talking about being too invasive. I don't know where that all ended up.

I have a Samsung S4 SOL, made in China.

I don't know anymore, our privacy is comprised every time we use our phones.
2017-11-27 at 02:28

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15 Votes

Why do I need this? Does the screen really need to know this? As long as I am working on it. Why is this really necessary. Look, no pun intended, but what is preventing this function from photoing us, our location, and our activity on the phone. We don't know this for a fact.

Now I don't need this function. But I cannot turn it off. So common sense says somebody else wants it. Right?
2016-12-02 at 02:30

ReplyPositive Negative
79 Votes

If someone really wants to spy you and is using your cam for this, he would never indicate this by showing this eye sign. He would try to hide the spying instead of showing it.
2016-12-02 at 02:33

Positive Negative
Reply
02 Votes

There is also a function called "smart rotatation". Uncheck that and the eye will dissapear.
2016-12-10 at 17:15

ReplyPositive Negative
59 Votes

I have the same problem and I wondered about the eye

Every time I cover the camera, the eye goes off. So who's watching who?
2016-12-13 at 01:24

ReplyPositive Negative
02 Votes

This is another reason why when I'm not using the phone it is face down. You never known what can be done these days. If the government wants to check me out while taking a shit than so be it. Lol
2016-12-14 at 12:20

ReplyPositive Negative
13 Votes

Mine was there for a while and now it's gone and I haven't seen it in until a while, but it was there. It was an eye symbol and the pupil looked like a pie symbol with a small slice out of it.
2017-01-27 at 22:03

ReplyPositive Negative
48 Votes

I get the eye also. Started about 6 months ago. Smart stay is deactivated. I cover my phone now. Someone is watching I'm pretty sure. If you get an unexpected data warning, your Information is being compromised.
2017-01-29 at 07:22

ReplyPositive Negative
719 Votes

It's crazy how dumb and paranoid people can be ha! If you'll notice the eye pops up when you rotate your screen. The only reason people still get it after smart stay is turned off is cause smart rotation is still on. Turn that off too and it goes away.
2017-04-19 at 14:07

ReplyPositive Negative
35 Votes

You sound sensible, can I ask you why this eye has only just starting appearing please?... pam.
2019-03-23 at 02:18

Positive Negative
00 Votes

Because it's on by default.

Or because it's turned on by some other app.

Or because it's turned on by an update.

Or...
2019-03-23 at 03:26

Positive Negative
Reply
15 Votes

Why would the government be watching a bunch of random people?! Unless you are a known criminal or on some sort if list, they dont give a rat's behind what you're doing. Do you think they really care about your Candy Crush score?!?! Wake up people.... They're not watching you. Learn to use your smart phone correctly and get some help for that paranoia.
2017-07-23 at 21:27

ReplyPositive Negative
11 Vote

This eye kept pooping up on me when there was a random thunder storm with no clouds and it rained at 3 am in the morning no clouds nothing and this eye kept pooping up like if it was the government in a invisible loud air craft military??? Maybe who knows just need this eye thing gone.
2017-08-01 at 12:37

ReplyPositive Negative
00 Votes

I don't believe your answer on this eye is due for one second. The problem with you is you underestimate who you dealing with and think everyone on the planet has sheep syndrome or also known as herd syndrome where people believe every single thing they are fed by corporations like yourself and mainstream fake media. People are waking up to your bs and it could not happen fast enough.
2017-08-04 at 10:16

ReplyPositive Negative
13 Votes

If you tap on it with a hammer just as it pops up you will deactivate it. Otherwise you can try drowning it or in extreme cases you may have to drill into it to have it removed. If you notice anything leaking from your phone afterward make sure to save it in a jar and report it to authorities immediately.
2017-09-15 at 21:28

ReplyPositive Negative
11 Vote

I have no answer, but I see it, too. I also wonder the same thing and the funny thing is whenever I notice it it immediately disappears like it doesn't want to be seen.
2017-09-16 at 08:35

ReplyPositive Negative
22 Votes

On Huawei phones its just the eye care feature (i don't know the exactly English translation/name for this feature). Look it up under Settings > Display.
2017-10-18 at 22:58

ReplyPositive Negative
1111 Votes

I have recently found that the EYE symbol appears on the top of the screen when we turn on the EYE COMFORT or READING MODE ON. Go to Settings>>Display>>Eye Comfort>>OFF. Problem resolves.
2017-10-25 at 07:37

ReplyPositive Negative
15 Votes

The eye symbol in the bar displayed because you choose eye comfort in display. Turn eye comfort off and it goes away.
2017-10-27 at 20:19

ReplyPositive Negative
-22 Votes

It means your boyfriend or girlfriend has put spyware on your phone and is getting all your texts and phone calls and is tracking you all where ever you go it is sad cause if you can't trust him or her then why stay in the relationship.
2018-01-06 at 07:14

ReplyPositive Negative
00 Votes

I notice they eye only when a WhatsApp is sent.

That worries me.
2018-02-18 at 16:15

ReplyPositive Negative
02 Votes

The eye symbol does not have anything to do with 'Smart Stay'. Its actually 'Eye Comfort' which creates a yellow tint to the screen when switched on. If you do not want eye comfort on (or the eye symbol) then go to settings/display/eye comfort and switch it off.
2018-06-16 at 17:25

ReplyPositive Negative
11 Vote

Thank you very much I was confused about and kinda scared so thank you.

I found others that said it was linked to the illuminate but then u found this and I think this is a better reply than that plus there is much less confusion.
2018-06-22 at 12:40

ReplyPositive Negative
11 Vote

It is the Eye Comfort function of the smartphone. I have a Huawei Nova 3i. As I am discovering the functionality of the device I have found out that the eye icon disappears when I turn off the Eye Comfort function (Settings>Display>Eye Comfort). The said function changes the saturation of the screen for your eyes.
2018-10-01 at 23:51

ReplyPositive Negative
02 Votes

It's the eye comfort setting: go under display under settings. I did that and it turned off easy peasy. Also you may have inadvertantly set the eye comfort setting to a schedule so be aware of that and rest easy...... With one eye open. Mwahahahaha. Just kidding. Nite nite sleep tight shooting stars and milk moonlight.
2018-10-03 at 06:27

ReplyPositive Negative
00 Votes

If the government (or whoever) planned to spy on you through your phone WHY would they alert you to that fact by having a little eye symbol come up every time they were looking at you through your phone? I would like to think they would be a little sneakier than that, don't you?

As many have mentioned already, depending on the model of your Huawei this is either linked to the "smart stay" or the "eye comfort" functions.
2019-09-23 at 12:48

ReplyPositive Negative
00 Votes

You can thank The Patriot Act of 2001 for that. The government has legally spied on and tracked cell phones for years. Thanks to Google, every single app on your phone can too! They use Camera and Microphone whenever they please! Why do you think they're making phones that you can no longer remove the battery?
2021-02-04 at 23:34

ReplyPositive Negative
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