The notification badge on the Outlook mobile app icon shows your unread message count. This persistent number can be distracting or create pressure to clear your inbox. The badge is controlled by your device’s notification settings, not within the Outlook app itself. This article provides the steps to disable the badge count on both iOS and Android devices.
Key Takeaways: Disabling the Outlook App Icon Badge
- iOS Settings > Notifications > Outlook > Badges: Toggle this switch off to remove the red number from the app icon on iPhone and iPad.
- Android App Info > Notifications > App Icon Badges: Disable this setting to stop the unread count from appearing on the app icon for most Android phones.
- Outlook App Settings > Notifications > Banner or Lock Screen: You can turn off other alert types here while leaving sounds or previews active.
How Mobile Notification Badges Work
The badge is a small red circle with a white number that appears on the app icon. It is a system-level feature managed by your phone’s operating system. Outlook requests a badge update whenever you receive a new email in your primary inbox. The phone’s OS then displays this count. Because it is a system feature, you must use your device settings to change it. Turning off the badge does not affect other notification types like sounds or banners.
Steps to Disable the Badge on iOS and Android
The process differs between Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android. Follow the correct method for your device.
For iPhone and iPad (iOS)
- Open your device Settings
Find and tap the gray gear icon labeled Settings on your home screen. - Go to Notifications
Scroll down and select the Notifications menu from the list. - Select the Outlook app
Scroll through the list of apps until you find Microsoft Outlook. Tap on it to view its notification settings. - Toggle off Badges
Find the Badges option in the list of alert styles. Tap the green switch next to it to turn it off. The badge will disappear from your Outlook icon immediately.
For Android Phones
- Open device Settings
Open the Settings app on your Android phone. The icon looks like a gear. - Go to Apps & Notifications
Tap on Apps or Apps & Notifications. The exact name varies by manufacturer. - Select Outlook
Find and tap on Microsoft Outlook in the list of installed apps. Then select Notifications. - Disable App Icon Badges
Look for a setting called App Icon Badges or Allow notification dots. Toggle this setting off. On some Samsung phones, you may need to tap Notification Categories and adjust settings for the Mail category.
Common Mistakes and Things to Avoid
When managing notifications, users often confuse different settings or expect changes in the wrong place.
Turning Off All Outlook Notifications
Disabling the badge in your phone settings only affects the icon number. If you also want to silence sounds or lock screen alerts, you must change those settings separately. You can turn off banners while keeping sounds on for a less intrusive experience.
Looking in the Outlook App Settings
The Outlook mobile app does not have a setting to control the badge count. Do not waste time searching in Outlook’s own Settings > Notifications menu for this option. You must always use your iPhone or Android system settings.
Badge Persists After Turning It Off
If the badge remains after toggling the setting off, force close the Outlook app and restart your phone. This clears any cached notification data. Also ensure you changed the setting for the correct app if you have multiple email applications installed.
Notification Control Methods Comparison
| Item | System Settings (iOS/Android) | Outlook App Inbox Settings |
|---|---|---|
| Controls Badge Icon | Yes | No |
| Controls Sounds & Alerts | Yes | Yes |
| Controls Focused Inbox Notifications | No | Yes |
| Controls Notification Preview Content | Yes | Yes |
| Requires App Restart | No | Sometimes |
You now know how to remove the unread count from your Outlook app icon. Use your device’s Settings app to manage the badge for a cleaner home screen. Next, consider customizing notification sounds for specific senders within the Outlook app. For advanced control, use Outlook’s Focused Inbox to limit badges only to your most important messages.