Enable App Notification Badges in App Library

This guide shows you how to turn on notification badges for apps in the App Library on your iPhone or iPad. Badges show a small red dot or number on an app icon to indicate unread notifications. You’ll learn the exact steps to enable them, what to do if they don’t appear, and how to fix common issues.

What You’ll Need

• An iPhone or iPad running iOS 14 or later (App Library was introduced in iOS 14).
• The app you want badges for must be installed and allowed to send notifications.
• Your device must have notifications enabled in Settings (not in Do Not Disturb or Focus mode).

Step-by-Step

1. Open Settings. Tap the gray gear icon on your home screen or in the App Library.
2. Tap Notifications. Scroll down and select “Notifications.” This lists all apps that can send notifications.
3. Find the app. Scroll through the list or use the search bar at the top to find the app you want badges for (e.g., Messages, Mail, or any third-party app).
4. Tap the app. This opens its notification settings.
5. Enable “Badges.” Toggle the switch next to “Badges” to the green ON position. This is the master switch for that app’s badge.
6. Check “Allow Notifications.” Make sure the top toggle “Allow Notifications” is also ON. If it’s off, badges won’t show even if the Badges switch is on.
7. Return to the home screen. Press the Home button or swipe up from the bottom to exit Settings.
8. Open the App Library. Swipe left on your home screen until you reach the App Library (the last page with all apps in folders).
9. Look for the badge. The app icon should now show a red number or dot if it has unread notifications. If not, try sending yourself a test notification (e.g., from another device).

Note: Badges appear in both the App Library and on the home screen if the app is there. There’s no separate setting for the App Library—it inherits the badge setting from the app’s notification settings.

Common Mistakes

• Turning on Badges but not Allow Notifications: Both must be ON. Badges alone won’t work if the app’s notifications are completely blocked.
• Focus Mode blocking: If you have a Focus (like Do Not Disturb) active, badges may be delayed or hidden. Check your Focus settings.
• App-specific settings: Some apps have their own in-app notification settings. For example, a messaging app might have a separate toggle for badges inside its own settings. Check both.
• Looking at the wrong page: The App Library is the last page when swiping left. If you’re on the home screen, you won’t see it there.
• Assuming badges show for all notifications: Some apps only badge for certain notification types (e.g., direct messages, not promotional emails). Check the app’s settings.

Tips

• Use the search bar in Settings: Instead of scrolling, type the app name in the Notifications search field to jump directly to it.
• Enable badges for frequently used apps: Prioritize messaging, email, and calendar apps to avoid notification overload.
• Customize badge style: Some apps let you choose between a number, a dot, or nothing. Look for “Badge Style” options within the app’s notification settings (if the app supports it).
• Clear notifications to remove badges: Once you read the notifications, the badge disappears. If it doesn’t, restart your device or toggle the Badges switch off and on.
• Check Focus modes: If you have a Focus scheduled, badges might be suppressed. Go to Settings > Focus and ensure the app is allowed in that Focus.

Troubleshooting

If badges still don’t appear after following the steps, try these in order:

1. Restart your device: A simple restart often fixes notification glitches.
2. Toggle Badges off and on: Go to Settings > Notifications > [App] and turn Badges off, wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on.
3. Check if the app is in a Focus: Go to Settings > Focus. If the app is not allowed in the active Focus, badges won’t show. Add it to the allowed apps.
4. Ensure the app has unread notifications: If you have no unread notifications, there’s no badge. Send a test notification to verify.
5. Update the app: An outdated app might have notification bugs. Update it from the App Store.
6. Reset all settings (last resort): Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings. This won’t delete data but resets notification preferences, Wi-Fi, etc. You’ll need to re-enable badges for each app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why don’t badges show in the App Library but show on the home screen?

Badges should appear in both places if the app is present. If you see it on the home screen but not in the App Library, try removing the app from the home screen (move to App Library only) and then back, or restart your device. This is usually a temporary glitch.

Can I enable badges for all apps at once?

No, iOS doesn’t have a global badge toggle. You must enable badges individually for each app in Settings > Notifications.

Do badges work for apps in the App Library that are not on the home screen?

Yes, badges work the same way. If the app is in the App Library and has notifications, the badge appears on its icon there.

Why is there a red dot but no number?

Some apps use a dot to indicate unread notifications without a count. This is controlled by the app itself. Check the app’s settings for a badge style option. If the app doesn’t offer a number, you can’t force it.

Will badges show if I have notifications set to ‘Deliver Quietly’?

Yes, badges still appear even if notifications are delivered quietly (no banner or sound). The badge is independent of the alert style.

Do badges work in Low Power Mode?

Yes, badges work in Low Power Mode. However, some apps might delay notification delivery to save battery, so badges might appear later than usual.

Related

• Chrome OS Is Missing or Damaged: How to Fix
• How to Pin Windows in Windows 10
• Laptop Speakers Not Working? Fix It Now