I would like to know that I have pending app updates in the store before installing. This gives me the opportunity to check the release notes for cool features that might distract me. I rely on the App Store’s notification badge to do this. Recently, however, I ran into a problem when it didn’t show up on my iPhone and iPad running iOS 13 and iPadOS.
At first, I thought the App Store badge not showing up was another technical issue – iOS 13 and iPadOS have a lot of bugs. But when multiple iOS and iPadOS updates failed to fix the problem, I found a relatively easy way to get the App Store badge alerts to reappear. Let me share what worked for me and a few other pointers to go through, just in case.
1. Disable Automatic App Updates
In my case, what was preventing the App Store notification badge from appearing was that I had automatic app updates enabled on my iPhone and iPad. While this makes sense, I’d rather forego the convenience of having my apps automatically update rather than knowing ahead of time about pending updates.
To disable automatic app updates, start by opening the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad. Then scroll down and tap iTunes & App Store. On the following screen, turn off the switch next to App Updates (if enabled). This should cause the notification badge to appear once again.
Unfortunately, there’s no way around it – if you have automatic app updates turned on, you must disable them to get the App Store notification badge back.
2. Enable Badge Notifications
If you’re not getting badge alerts for app updates even with automatic app updates turned off, then it’s time to check the notification settings for the App Store. You may have turned the feature off before and completely forgot about it.
Start by tapping Notifications in the iPhone/iPad Settings app. On the next screen, tap App Store. Turn on the switch next to the badges (if disabled) and you should be ready to go.
3. Manually Scan for Updates
If you don’t see a notification badge on the App Store icon, it usually indicates that there are no pending app updates for your iPhone or iPad. However, iOS 13 and iPadOS only scan for updates periodically, such as when your device is connected to a power source. So don’t worry if you don’t see a badge notification as soon as an update is released.
However, if you want, you can also start a manual scan for updates. While there are multiple ways to do this, the quickest method involves performing a Tap Tap gesture on the App Store icon and then tapping on Updates. On the Account screen that opens, scroll down to force-scan for newer updates. The notification badge should pop up immediately.
4. Disable Low Data Mode
Low Data Mode in iOS 13 and iPadOS is an incredibly useful feature that reduces data usage on your iPhone and iPad. But if you have it turned on, most native apps will stop certain functions completely. If the App Store fails to display badge alerts unless you start a scan yourself for updates, that may be the reason. Disabling Low Data Mode should probably fix the issue.
Tap Wi-Fi in the Settings app to disable Low Data Mode for your Wi-Fi connection. Follow by tapping the i-shaped icon next to your Wi-Fi connection. Turn off the switch next to Low Data Mode on the screen below.
Tap Cellular in the Settings app to disable Low Data Mode for your cellular connection. Next, tap on Cellular Data Options and then turn off the switch next to Low Data Mode.
Note that turning off Low Data Mode will cause your iPhone or iPad to consume more data than usual.
5. Enable Cellular Data
If you don’t see App Store badge alerts with cellular data enabled on your iPhone or iPad, you should check to see if the App Store has the necessary permissions to actually use cellular data.
To do this, tap Cellular (or Cellular Data on iPad) in the Settings app and then make sure the switch next to App Store is on.
6. Update iOS 13 and iPadOS
iOS 13 and iPadOS are full of bugs. While the App Store badge showing no issues is not related to any bugs or glitches in my case, it might be in yours. If the above troubleshooting tips didn’t help you, consider applying the latest updates for your iPhone or iPad.
To do this, open the Settings app, tap General, then Software Update. If there is an update listed, tap Install Now.
7. Restart iPhone/iPad
Another helpful way to fix minor technical issues with the App Store is to restart your iPhone or iPad.
On iPhones and iPads with Face ID functionality, momentarily press and hold the Power and Volume Up or Volume Down buttons. Swipe to turn off your device at the Slide to Power off prompt that appears.
On devices that support Touch ID functionality, simply press and hold the Power button to get to the Swipe to Power off prompt.
After your iPhone or iPad turns off, press and hold the Power button to turn it back on.
honor badge
iOS and iPadOS apps go through rapid update cycles and often always receive important features and improvements. That’s why it’s important to know that you have pending updates for your favorite apps before installing them. That way, you won’t miss the latest additions.
Automatic updates are the most likely culprit behind the App Store badge not showing the issue, but any of the other fixes should also help fix the issue. But if you know any other troubleshooting tips, leave a comment below and let us know.
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