Fewer notifications

Calls and texts, and not much else

iPhone · Free · built in

What it does

Turns off notifications and red badges for everything except the apps you choose, and shows what's left as a number instead of a list.

Cost

Free, built in.

How to set it up

Settings › Notifications › Count, and Show Previews › When Unlocked or Never. Then go through each app and turn off Allow Notifications, or just Badges.

How easy to get around

Easy, but you have to go app by app. There's no single switch for badges.

What people say

"Everything off except Phone and Messages" is the most common advice in long-term setups.

Checked October 2026 · Source