Why do some apps still show a number badge instead of a plain dot?

Number badges usually come from a separate launcher setting for badge style, not from the system option described here. If your launcher supports numbered badges, that style keeps showing even after you change the dot setting.

Can I turn off notification dots for just one app instead of all apps?

The system toggle under Tap on Advanced ➔ Enable or disable Allow notification dots applies to every app at once. For individual apps, check that app's own entry under Tap on Notifications to limit or mute its alerts separately.

The dot is still visible after I already opened the app and read the message. What is going on?

The dot usually clears itself once the app registers that you opened the related notification. If it stays, open the app directly from the home screen icon rather than from a shortcut, or clear the notification from the shade first.

OnePlus

OnePlus: Turn App Notification Dots On or Off

When WhatsApp, Messenger or another app gets a new message, OnePlus shows a small dot above the app icon by default, even after you have already checked the notification shade. This behavior comes from a single system toggle called Allow notification dots, not from the apps themselves. If the dots feel redundant or distracting next to your badge counts, you can switch the whole feature off in one step.

Updated: 07.08.20264 min5 steps

VersionAndroid 10 · Oxygenos 10

Step by step

1 / 5

Open the Settings

1 / 5

Scroll or use the buttons for the next step

Live simulator

Android 10 · Oxygenos 10

Open the Settings

1 / 5

Scroll or use the buttons for the next step

Feedback

Was the guide correct?

Help others: confirm the path or report a problem.

Confirmations

Forum verified this path

OnePlus

Enable or Disable App Notification Dots auf OnePlus

On OnePlus phones running OxygenOS, a small dot above an app icon signals that an app has an unread notification, regardless of what already shows in your notification shade or lock screen. This comes from one system-wide option called Allow notification dots, not from WhatsApp, Messenger or any other individual app.

Because the setting is global, switching it off removes the dot from every app icon at once, and switching it back on restores it for all apps together. Number badges added by a launcher work through a separate setting and are not controlled by this toggle.

To change the behavior:

Open the Settings ➔ Tap on Apps & notifications ➔ Tap on Notifications ➔ Tap on Advanced ➔ Enable or disable Allow notification dots

If you still want to know about new messages without the visual clutter on the home screen, the notification icons in the status bar keep working the same way after you turn this option off.

Frequently asked questions

No. The Allow notification dots toggle only controls the small visual dot on the app icon. Sounds, vibration and the notification shade keep working exactly as before.

Compatible devices

Tap your device — opens its hub with matching guides.

Android 10 · Oxygenos 10

OnePlus 7T Pro 5G McLaren OnePlus 8 OnePlus 8 Pro OnePlus N10 OnePlus Nord OnePlus Nord N100

Notifications & Focus

OnePlus: Turn App Notification Dots On or Off

Step by step

Was the guide correct?

Enable or Disable App Notification Dots auf OnePlus

Frequently asked questions

Compatible devices

More guides for OnePlus

Enable or Disable Screen Lock Sound

Change Alarm Sound

Allow Messages Through Do Not Disturb

Sound & Vibration for Calendar Reminders