Badges on an iPhone, what are they? Have you ever noticed those little red circles with numbers on your iPhone apps? Those are badges, my friend, and they are there to give you a heads up on something that needs your attention. Whether it’s a new message, a missed call, or an app update, badges keep you in the loop without even opening the app. Now, let’s dive into how to manage these handy little notifications.
How to Manage Badges on iPhone
Before we get started, let’s understand what we’re about to do. We’ll go through the steps to enable or disable badges, adjust their settings, and clear them when necessary. By the end of this guide, you’ll be a badge master!
Step 1: Open Settings
Open the Settings app on your iPhone to get started.
The Settings app is your control center for everything on your iPhone, including badge notifications. It’s usually found on your home screen and has a gear icon.
Step 2: Tap Notifications
Scroll down and tap on ‘Notifications’ to see your notification options.
This is where you can manage all the alerts you receive on your iPhone, including sounds, banners, and, you guessed it, badges!
Step 3: Select an App
Choose the app for which you want to manage badge notifications.
Each app has its own notification settings, so you’ll need to adjust badges for each app individually. Just tap on the app name to open its specific settings.
Step 4: Toggle Badge App Icon
Switch the ‘Badge App Icon’ toggle to enable or disable badges for the selected app.
A green toggle means badges are enabled, and you’ll see those red circles when there’s something new. If you switch it off, say goodbye to the badges for that app.
Step 5: Clear Badges
To clear badges, open the app and address the notification that triggered the badge.
Usually, just opening the app will clear the badge. But sometimes, you may need to read a message or update the app to get rid of that pesky red circle.
After you complete these steps, your badge notifications will be set up just the way you like them. You can always go back and adjust settings if you change your mind!
Tips for Managing Badges on iPhone
- Keep your home screen clutter-free by only enabling badges for the apps you use most.
- If you’re getting too many badges, consider turning off badges for social media apps to reduce distractions.
- Grouping apps into folders can make badge notifications less overwhelming, as you’ll see one collective badge per folder.
- Remember that disabling badges doesn’t turn off other notifications like sounds or banners—you’ll still be in the know.
- If you have a specific app that’s badge-crazy, check if there’s an in-app setting to manage its notifications further.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean when a badge has a high number?
It usually indicates that there are many unread or unaddressed notifications within that app. For example, you might have many unread emails or messages.
Can I change the color of the badge notifications?
No, currently, the color of badge notifications can’t be customized on the iPhone. They are always red by default.
Do badges use up battery life?
No, badge notifications are static and don’t use any extra battery life. However, the notifications that trigger badges might, if they involve background app refresh.
Can I have badges without sound or banner notifications?
Yes, you can customize your notifications to only have badges without any sound or banner alerts.
Do badges automatically clear when I open the app?
Most of the time, yes. But some apps might require you to take specific actions within the app to clear the badge.
Summary
- Open Settings
- Tap Notifications
- Select an App
- Toggle Badge App Icon
- Clear Badges
Conclusion
Badges on your iPhone are like little digital nudges, reminding you of things that need your attention. They can be incredibly useful, but they can also get overwhelming if not managed properly. It’s all about striking that balance between being informed and not drowning in a sea of red circles. With the steps and tips we’ve gone over, you’re now equipped to customize your badge notifications to suit your needs. So go ahead, take control of your iPhone badges, and make them work for you, not against you. And remember, a clutter-free home screen is not just aesthetically pleasing but can also be a real game-changer for your digital wellbeing. Happy badge managing!