How to Remove the iOS Update Badge from the iPhone Settings App

To remove the iOS update badge from the Settings app on your iPhone, you need to either install the pending update or temporarily hide the badge by disabling automatic update notifications. This badge appears to alert you of available software updates and cannot be permanently removed without updating your device.

Quick answer

Remove the iOS Update Badge from: what you need to know

Why Does the iOS Update Badge Appear on the Settings App?

The red badge that appears on the Settings app icon on your iPhone is a visual indicator designed by Apple to notify users that a new iOS update is available. This badge typically displays as a small red circle with a number inside, often "1", signaling that there is one pending update. Its primary purpose is to encourage users to keep their devices current with the latest software version, which is important for several reasons.

Firstly, iOS updates often include critical security patches that protect your device from vulnerabilities and potential threats. Keeping your iPhone updated helps safeguard your personal data and ensures your device operates securely. Secondly, updates frequently bring performance improvements that can make your iPhone run smoother and more efficiently. Lastly, new iOS versions introduce additional features and enhancements that improve the overall user experience.

The badge will remain visible on the Settings app until you either install the update or take specific steps to hide or disable the notification. It’s important to understand that the badge is not an error or malfunction but a purposeful alert designed to keep you informed about your device’s software status.

How to Remove the iOS Update Badge on iPhone Settings

1. Install the Pending iOS Update

The most direct and recommended method to remove the red badge is to install the available iOS update. This ensures your device benefits from the latest features, security fixes, and improvements. Here’s how to do it:

Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
Scroll down and tap on General.
Select Software Update. Your iPhone will check for available updates.
If an update is available, you will see an option to Download and Install. Tap this button.
Follow the on-screen instructions, which may include entering your passcode and agreeing to terms and conditions.
Your iPhone will download the update, prepare it, and then restart to complete the installation.

After the update is successfully installed, the red badge on the Settings app should disappear automatically. It’s worth noting that installing updates can take some time depending on the size of the update and your internet connection speed, so ensure your device has sufficient battery or is connected to power.

2. Temporarily Hide the Badge by Disabling Automatic Updates

If you prefer to delay updating your iPhone but want to remove or hide the red badge temporarily, you can adjust your automatic update settings. Disabling automatic updates prevents your iPhone from downloading and installing updates on its own, which can sometimes remove the badge notification for the time being. Here’s how to do this:

Open Settings and navigate to General > Software Update.
Tap on Automatic Updates.
You will see two toggles: Download iOS Updates and Install iOS Updates. Turn both toggles off.

By disabling these options, your iPhone will no longer automatically download or install updates overnight or when connected to Wi-Fi and power. This can suppress the update badge temporarily. However, keep in mind that the badge may reappear when a new update is detected or if the system prompts you again.

Disabling automatic updates is useful if you want to control when and how your device updates, but it’s generally recommended to keep your device updated regularly to maintain security and performance.

3. Restart Your iPhone

Sometimes, the red badge may persist due to minor software glitches or temporary notification errors. Restarting your iPhone can refresh system processes and clear such glitches. Here’s the general process to restart most modern iPhones:

Press and hold the power button along with either volume button until the power off slider appears on the screen.
Drag the slider to turn off your iPhone.
Wait for about 30 seconds to ensure the device is fully powered down.
Press and hold the power button again until the Apple logo appears, indicating the device is turning back on.

After your iPhone restarts, check if the red badge on the Settings app has disappeared. If it remains, you can try the next troubleshooting step.

4. Reset All Settings

If the badge still won’t go away after installing updates, disabling automatic updates, and restarting, the issue might be related to corrupted settings or notification glitches. Resetting all settings can often resolve these problems without deleting your personal data or apps. This process resets system preferences such as Wi-Fi passwords, display settings, and privacy settings back to their defaults.

To reset all settings:

Open the Settings app.
Tap General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset.
Select Reset All Settings.
Enter your device passcode when prompted and confirm the reset.

After the reset completes, your iPhone will reboot. You will need to re-enter Wi-Fi passwords and adjust any customized settings. Check if the update badge has been cleared. This method is a safe way to fix persistent notification issues without risking data loss.

If the Problem Continues

In rare cases, the red badge may persist despite following all the above steps. This could be due to a deeper software bug, corrupted update files, or other system-level issues. If you encounter this situation, consider the following options:

Backup and Restore: Back up your iPhone using iCloud or a computer, then perform a full restore via iTunes (on Windows or older macOS) or Finder (on macOS Catalina and later). Restoring your device reinstalls iOS from scratch, which can resolve stubborn software problems.
Contact Apple Support: If restoring does not help, reach out to Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for professional assistance. They can diagnose hardware or software issues that might be causing the problem.

Remember, the update badge is an important reminder to keep your device secure and functioning optimally. While it is possible to hide or remove the badge temporarily without updating, doing so means missing out on important security patches and features. Therefore, it’s best to install updates as soon as practical.