Get rid of the red number badges on your Mac's app icons

Why it happens

The red badge is a counter. Mail counts unread messages, Messages counts unread chats and FaceTime counts missed calls. Each app has its own badge switch in Notifications, so you can hide the number without turning off the app's notifications.

How to fix it

1. Open the Apple menu, choose System Settings and click Notifications in the sidebar.

2. Scroll down to the list of apps and click the one with the badge you don't want, such as Mail or Messages.

3. Turn off Badge application icon. The number goes from the Dock icon, and the app still shows its banners as before.

   Notifications›your app›Badge application icon

4. Want the count back later? Come back to the same app and turn Badge application icon on again.

Still not fixed?

1. If you'd rather keep the badge but make the number go away, deal with what it counts. Read or mark as read the unread messages in Mail or Messages, and open FaceTime to see the missed calls.

2. If FaceTime's badge sticks after you've looked, Control-click the missed call in the FaceTime list and choose Delete or Remove from Recents.

3. A badge on System Settings or the App Store usually means an update is waiting. Install it in Software Update, or in the App Store's Updates, and the badge clears.

   General›Software Update

4. Mail's number counts unread messages in the mailboxes chosen in its settings. In Mail, choose Mail > Settings, click General and set Unread count to Inbox Only or just the mailbox you care about.

   Mail›Settings…›General›Unread count

5. If a badge stays even with the switch off, quit the app with Command-Q and open it again, or restart your Mac. If it still won't clear, contact Apple Support.