Search Support

Avoid support scams. We will never ask you to call or text a phone number or share personal information. Please report suspicious activity using the “Report Abuse” option.

Learn More

What do you call the little blue dot that moves back and forth on the tab tab?

  • 3 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 14 views
  • Last reply by cor-el

more options

What do you call the little blue dot that moves back and forth on the tab tab while Firefox is displaying "Transferring data from (website)" ?

What do you call the little blue dot that moves back and forth on the tab tab while Firefox is displaying "Transferring data from (website)" ?
Attached screenshots

Chosen solution

"Loading indicator" :).

Read this answer in context 👍 1

All Replies (3)

more options

Chosen Solution

"Loading indicator" :).

more options

That sounds as good as any. "Spinner" didn't seem right, and is too ambiguous. Thanks @TyDraniu!

more options

Note that you can create a new Number pref on the about:config page to change the moving loading indicator to an hourglass.

You can open the about:config page via the location/address bar. You can accept the warning and click "I accept the risk!" to continue.


Firefox 63+ has support for "@media (prefers-reduced-motion)" and you can create a new Number pref named ui.prefersReducedMotion on the about:config page to enable or block some animations. In Firefox 78+ this includes the location bar breakout. In Firefox 80+ this replaces the tab loading indicator with an hourglass.