What the dots under your Dock icons mean, and how to hide them

Why it happens

On a Mac, closing an app's last window doesn't always quit the app, so it can keep running in the background. The dot shows you which apps are still open, even with no windows on screen. Some people like the reminder, and others prefer a cleaner Dock.

How to fix it

1. Open the Apple menu, choose System Settings, and click Desktop & Dock in the sidebar.

2. In the Dock section, turn Show indicators for open applications on to see the dots, or off to hide them.

   Desktop & Dock›Dock›Show indicators for open applications

3. Look at the Dock. The dots appear or disappear straight away.

Still not fixed?

1. If a dot stays after you close a window, the app is still open. Press Command-Q while you're in it, or Control-click its Dock icon and choose Quit.

2. If apps you never added keep showing up in the Dock, they're open apps or recently used ones. You can turn off the recent ones with Show suggested and recent apps in Dock.

   Desktop & Dock›Dock›Show suggested and recent apps in Dock

3. If the dots don't change when you flip the switch, log out from the Apple menu and log back in.

4. If the Dock still ignores the setting after a restart, contact Apple Support.