A system includes a first mobile device configured to initiate communication with at least one other mobile device. The first mobile device includes a status indicator configured to provide a persistent visual indication to a user of the status of a mute function of the first user device during the active communication. The first mobile device further includes a user interface configured to receive predefined user input and allow the user to toggle between mute and un-mute states based on the user input regardless of whether a display of the device is shut off and/or the user interface is locked.