Have you ever wondered why those dots, circles, or numbers appear above the icons of some apps on your Android phone? If you've ever found them annoying, or if you find them useful for not missing any notifications, this article is for you . Here you'll discover how to easily enable, disable, and configure notification badges in Android apps, adapted to different versions, brands, and phone specifications.
Through a comprehensive guide, we'll explain everything you need to know about notification badges : what they are, what they're for, how to activate or delete them, and what to do when they seem to stay on. We'll also cover the differences between various Android skins, how to handle them if you have a Samsung phone or use messaging apps like WhatsApp or Telegram, and how to get the most out of this visual notification system.
What are notification balloons or dots on Android?
On most modern smartphones, especially those running Android 9.0 Pie and later, app icons may display a small circle, dot, or even a number above them indicating pending notifications. This system is known as a notification badge , bubble, or notification dot. Its main function is to allow you to see which apps have unread notifications at a glance, without having to pull down the notification shade.
These notification badges have evolved over time. Initially, they only displayed a colored dot (usually red or orange, although this can vary depending on the theme or manufacturer). With each new version and depending on the phone, some allow you to see the number of pending alerts , as is the case with custom interfaces like One UI (Samsung) or MIUI (Xiaomi), and on Apple iPhones, where red number badges are typically seen by default.
Keep in mind that notification badges don't display the full content of alerts ; they only indicate that there are news items, messages, or pending tasks in that app. If you press and hold on the app, you might see a preview if your Android version and the app support it, but in many cases, you'll need to open the app directly to see the details.
Advantages and disadvantages of notification balloons
Before explaining how to activate or remove balloons , it is worth considering their pros and cons:
- Advantages:
– They allow you to identify at a glance apps with important news or notifications.
– They save you from having to check apps individually or constantly pull down the notification bar.
– Customizable on some phones to display only in certain apps.
– In recent versions, allow you to see the exact number of unread notifications. - Disadvantages:
– On some devices, they may persist or get stuck even after reading the messages.
– They can be annoying in less relevant apps (stores, games, etc.).
– They do not allow you to distinguish the type of notification (message, update, system alert, etc.) at a glance.
– Some users find them of little use if they are already paying attention to the top bar or push alerts.
The positive aspect is that Android allows you to activate or deactivate notification badges according to your preferences, either globally or app by app.
How to remove or add notification bubbles on Android
The method for managing balloons varies slightly depending on the brand, Android version, and customization layer. However, the general steps are generally very similar for most current Android phones (Android 9 or higher):
- Accede to Settings on your mobile.
- Enter the menu Applications and notifications or just Notifications (name may vary depending on the manufacturer).
- Scroll down to find the section Advanced settings or the option referring to the notification balloons.
- Click on the function Show notification icon or similar.
- Choose from all available options: all notifications, Three most recent, Only the number o None. choose None to completely remove balloons from apps.
- There is also usually a specific switch to activate or deactivate notification balloons generally.
This setting doesn't affect how apps normally work: you'll still receive push notifications and alerts in the top bar or on the lock screen, you'll just stop seeing the badges above each icon on your home screen. It's an ideal option if you want a cleaner home screen with fewer notifications.
Set balloons only on selected apps
For those who want more granular control, Android lets you enable or disable notification badges only in specific apps . This mode is perfect for continuing to see badges in key apps (like WhatsApp, Instagram, or your email) but not in less important ones.
- Opens Settings and go to Applications.
- Select the app you want to configure (for example, WhatsApp).
- Press on Notifications and enters Advanced settings if your mobile shows it.
- Turns the switch on or off Allow notification balloons, Notification icons or similar, depending on the mobile.
In modern versions, it's also possible to do this from the notification itself: if you long-press on an app's notification, a quick menu may appear to access notification settings.
What if notification bubbles don't go away?
One of the most common problems is that, even after disabling notification badges or reviewing all messages, some apps continue to display the dot or number on their icon. The most frequent causes and solutions include:
- Hidden unread notifications: You may still have unread chats, archived messages, or invisible notifications. Check all inboxes and archived chats in the problematic app.
- Application error: Sometimes the counter doesn't update due to app errors. Fix this by going to Settings > Apps, selecting the app, and using the options. Clear cache y Delete data (Note: this may erase settings and saved sessions in the app.)
- Setting up persistent notifications: Some apps keep notifications on the lock screen or bar even after opening them. Check the notification menus within each app to adjust this.
- Update or connection problems: If the app relies on the cloud, a poor internet connection could prevent notifications from being marked as read. Try updating the app or checking your connectivity.
- Battery saving: On some phones, power saving modes may interfere with the refresh of notifications and widgets.
- Sync disabled: If syncing is turned off in apps like email or messaging, balloons may freeze.
- Outdated app or system: Having an older version of Android or the app can cause abnormal balloon behavior. Update whenever possible.
- Turn off all notifications: As a last (drastic) measure, you can completely remove notifications from that app from Settings, although in most cases this is not recommended except for less relevant apps.
Specific features depending on the Android version and brand
Android is known for its diversity and customization, which means that not all phones display or manage notification badges in the same way . Let's review some specific cases highlighted in the most popular guides:
Customization layers: MIUI, One UI, EMUI
On Xiaomi phones with MIUI and Huawei phones with EMUI, the usual route is Settings > Notifications > Notification Balloons. Here you can choose to show dots, numbers, or hide them. Xiaomi even allows you to customize the color and display mode.
On Samsung devices with One UI, you have the option to display a colored dot or the exact number of notifications . This is usually found in Settings > Notifications > Notification badges or in Advanced settings.
Android Versions: Key Differences
Notification badges have been integrated since Android 9. With Android 11 and Android 12, "chat bubbles" appeared , an evolution of the classic badges, especially useful in messaging apps. Bubbles allow you to have a conversation in a floating window on top of any app, similar to what Facebook Messenger has been doing for years.
How do chat bubbles work?
Chat bubbles are a special feature introduced in Android 11 and improved in Android 12, primarily intended for apps like Google Messages, Telegram, and a few other compatible apps, although WhatsApp and Messenger still use their own floating window system.
- Activate chat bubbles: When you receive a notification from a compatible conversation, you'll see a small icon in the corner. When you tap it, the conversation turns into a floating bubble.
- Disable them: Tap and hold the bubble and drag it to the bottom of the screen, or go to Settings > Notifications > Bubbles to disable the feature globally or just for certain apps.
These settings are separate from the classic chat bubbles and are primarily used for one-on-one conversations. It's worth noting that not all apps currently support chat bubbles , and developers may limit or remove this feature in some custom interfaces.
Configure and customize notification bubbles
If your phone has Android 11 or 12, go to Settings > Notifications > Bubbles. Here you can decide whether any conversation should be shown in a bubble, only selected ones, or none at all. When enabled, you'll see the bubble icon in the notification of compatible apps. Tapping it will open the chat in a floating window, and you can move, minimize, or dismiss the bubble as desired.
For further customization, you can choose which contacts or chats should benefit from this feature from the notification itself or from the app itself (in its notifications menu).
Why aren't notification bubbles appearing on my phone?
If you can't find the option on your device, it's important to know that this feature is only available from Android 11 onwards, and not on all manufacturers . Your device may be running an older version, or the manufacturer's custom interface may have removed the feature. Some apps may also not yet be compatible. Check for available updates in Settings > Software updates, and consult the manufacturer's website or the manual for your specific model.
Also keep in mind that, although Android has officially added bubbles, many apps, especially messaging apps, use their own system and may not integrate with Google's standard system. So, if you're looking for a consistent experience, opt for apps like Google Messages, Telegram, or Skype, which do support it.
Features of balloons on iPhone and in individual apps
If you use an iPhone or have friends with Apple devices, you'll see notification bubbles appear there with a red circle and the number of notifications. On iOS, you can manage them from Settings > Notifications, choosing whether you want to see bubbles on a per-app basis. It's not possible to remove them from all apps at once, but you can disable them individually, just like on Android.
Many apps allow you to disable bubble messages or adjust the number of notifications displayed in their built-in settings. It's a good idea to review the options in apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Gmail, and others to adapt them to your preferences.
Errors, glitches, and troubleshooting tips for balloon notifications
To avoid frustration with balloons that won't disappear, some helpful tips include:
- Restart your device after changing notification settings.
- Clear the cache and data of the problematic app.
- Reinstall the app if the problem persists.
- Check the app store to make sure both the app and the system are up to date.
- Turn off battery saver for that specific app if you suspect it's limiting notifications.
If nothing works, consult the manufacturer's official forums or technical support resources. Keep in mind that some apps are still in the process of integrating these features, so compatibility improves with updates.
Using balloons and bubbles on Android is a tool that, when tailored to your needs, can improve your notification management and avoid unnecessary distractions.
