What Are Badges On An iPhone – Quick Update

Have you ever been using your iPhone and noticed those tiny numerical indicators in the corners of app icons? If you’re wondering what those little badges are and how to tailor your notifications, you’re in the right place. Apple is known for using distinctive terminology for its products and features, and in this guide, we’ll demystify what the company refers to as “notification badges.” We’ll also walk you through how to manage and clear them or even turn them off entirely.

What Are Badges on iPhone

The term “badges” refers to those conspicuous red circles that occasionally appear in the corners of app icons on your iPhone. Most of these badges are accompanied by a number, which serves as an indicator of information that app developers believe demands your attention. These numbers signify various things, such as unread messages in your Gmail inbox, new tasks assigned in Asana, or unseen notifications in your Facebook feed, to name a few examples.

Typically, when you encounter a badge, it will be accompanied by a number, but there are exceptions. For instance, you might see a badge with no number if you have new voicemail, but your carrier doesn’t support Visual Voicemail.

Another scenario where you might encounter badges is when they appear on folders rather than individual apps. This occurrence signifies that one or more apps housed within that folder have data to display through their badges. The presence of these badges serves as a convenient visual cue for quickly identifying which apps require your attention or have noteworthy updates or information to share.

How To Turn Off Notification Badges On An iPhone

Unfortunately, there isn’t a universal option to disable badges for all apps at once, but the good news is that it’s usually only a handful of apps that may be causing the annoyance. Here’s how to address this:

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPhone.

Step 2: Tap on “Notifications,” and then scroll down to the “Notification Style” section.

Step 3: Locate and select the app for which you want to disable badges.

Step 4: Under the “Alerts” section, toggle off the “Badges” option.

Step 5: To configure other apps, tap “Notifications” at the top to return to the main list, and then repeat steps 3 and 4 for each app you want to customize.

It’s important to note that some apps, such as Apple Books, might not provide options to control badge settings. While this is rare, it’s usually not a significant issue as most apps do offer these customization options.

Where Do You See Badges On iPhone?

iPhone badges are those small numbered indicators that appear in the upper-right corners of app icons on your Home screen. These badges are visual cues designed to alert you to specific events or updates within those apps. For instance, if you receive an unread text message, you’ll notice a little number badge on the Messages app, indicating the count of unread messages you have. This concept extends to various other apps, including Mail and more, which employ badges to signify pending actions or new content.

Notably, badges aren’t confined to just your app icons; they can also make appearances within the Settings app. For instance, when you spot a badge next to “General” and “Software Update” in the Settings app, it signals that a new iOS update is available for your device. Additionally, within the Settings app, you may encounter badges under your name at the top of the screen, denoting various suggestions or actions your iPhone is prompting you to take. These badges serve as a visual prompt to ensure that you don’t overlook important updates, messages, or recommended actions on your iPhone.

How To Clear Notification Badges On An iPhone

Using an iPhone can be a delightful experience, but one common annoyance is the persistent presence of badges on app icons. These badges serve as constant reminders of unattended notifications, and unfortunately, there’s no straightforward way to temporarily clear them without diving into each affected app individually. This process can be further exacerbated by the need to navigate specific tabs or, in the case of chat or email apps, marking all messages as read, even if you don’t have the immediate time to address them.

If these badges are genuinely bothering you, there is a solution. You have the option to permanently disable them, but this customization can be done on a per-app basis. This means you can choose to turn off badges for specific apps, allowing you to regain control over the visual clutter and maintain a more organized and focused mobile experience.

Final Take

Now that you’ve delved into the realm of iPhone badges, you might be pleasantly surprised to discover that it’s not as complicated as it may initially seem. In fact, it’s a rather straightforward concept. Essentially, these badges serve as a subtle yet effective way for Apple to grab your attention and alert you to important events or updates within your apps.

While the term might sound complex, the essence of badges lies in their simplicity. They are designed to provide visual cues, ensuring that you don’t overlook essential notifications or unread content. In essence, it’s a feature that aims to keep you informed and engaged with your iPhone, making sure you stay in the loop with messages, updates, and more. So, instead of being perplexed by the term, you can appreciate how it enhances your iPhone experience by keeping you connected and informed.