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How to control notification badges for iPhone and iPad
How to control notification badges for iPhone and iPad

Details on managing notification badges in iOS

Updated over a week ago

Beeps, banners, and pop-ups! Your iPhone home screen has multiple ways to alert you about new messages, emails, and other app-related updates. While notifications serve their purpose, the accompanying "Red Dot Alerts" on your app icons are another story. Here's how you can have more control over these Notification Badges in iOS 16.

What Are These Red Dots?

Notification Badges are those red dots usually accompanied by a number representing your unread notifications for specific apps. They can appear on your home screen, within your App Library, or not appear. Although they can be helpful, they can also be irritating and anxiety-inducing. Here's how you can better manage them.


Adjust Notification Badges on the Home Screen

In iOS 16, and most prior versions, the "Settings" app is your go-to place for managing how notifications appear. You can select their style, timing, and location.

Step 1: Access the "Settings" application on your device.

Apple iOS badge on home screen.

Step 2: Navigate to the "Notifications" section.

iPhone Notification settings.

Step 3: You'll see a list of apps under "Notification Style." Browse through it.

iPhone Notifications Style setting.

Step 4: Click on each app individually to manage its notification settings.

iPhone notification settings for Accuweather app.

Step 5: Inside each app's options, locate the "Badges" toggle and turn it off to remove the red dot.

Application badges on iOS 16.

Customize Notification Badges in the App Library

By default, the App Library doesn't display notification numbers. If you prefer a cleaner home screen and use the App Library, you can enable badges there as well.

Step 1: Open the "Settings" app.

Apple iOS badge on home screen.

Step 2: Select the "Home Screen" option.

iPhone Settings Home Screen option.

Step 3: Locate the "Notification Badges" segment and toggle on the "Show in App Library" switch.

iOS home screen badge switch.

Step 4: If you later decide you like seeing badges in the App Library, simply toggle the switch back on.

Badges in iOS 16 App Library.

How to Turn Off Notification Badges in Focus Mode

Focus mode on your iPhone can silence incoming alerts but still show notification badges. To hide them, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open "Settings" and go to the "Focus" section.

Apple Focus for iOS 16.

Step 2: Select the "Do Not Disturb" option.

iOS 16 Do Not Disturb setting.

Step 3: Click on "Options."

iOS 16 Options command.

Step 4: Locate and enable the "Hide Notification Badges" switch.

iOS 16 Hide Badges option.

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