Getting bombarded with constant notifications on your phone can be annoying and distracting. Settings notifications are one of the most common culprits, constantly alerting you to system updates, new apps requiring access permissions, battery optimization reminders, and more. While some of these notifications provide useful information, most are unnecessary and can safely be turned off to help reclaim some peace and quiet.
What are settings notifications?
Settings notifications refer to the alerts generated by your device’s OS and various apps to inform you of changes and events related to system settings and configurations. Some examples include:
- Software update available notifications
- App permission requests, like allowing microphone access
- Battery saver mode enabled/disabled
- Data saver mode on/off
- Bluetooth and WiFi status changes
- New device connected notifications
- Screen timeout changes
- Auto-rotate on/off
- Dark mode enabled/disabled
- Location services turned on/off
These alerts provide transparency into your device’s settings changes and permission requests. However, their frequency and repetition tend to be more annoying than useful.
Why turn off settings notifications?
Here are some top reasons you may want to disable settings notifications:
- Reduce distractions – Constant app alerts break concentration and interrupt whatever you’re doing on your phone.
- Prevent information overload – Most settings notifications don’t require immediate action and contribute to information fatigue.
- Customize functionality – Optimize notifications to suit your preferences and needs.
- Regain control – Take back ownership of your device experience instead of reacting to triggers.
- Increase productivity – Minimize disruptions to focus better and get more done.
While certain critical alerts should remain enabled, you can safely turn off most settings notifications with minimal impact.
How to turn off settings notifications on Android
Android allows extensive customization of system and app notifications. Follow these steps to turn off settings notifications on your Android device:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap Apps & notifications.
- Tap Notifications.
- Identify any settings-related apps generating notifications.
- Tap the app name to open app details.
- Turn off notifications by tapping the toggle next to “Show notifications.”
- Return to notification settings and repeat for other apps.
Additionally, these steps can mute notifications:
- Long press a notification > Tap Turn off
- Tap notification settings icon > Turn off for that app.
- Drawer pull down > Long press notification > Turn off.
You can also adjust notification frequency and override Do Not Disturb exceptions.
Turning off common Android settings notifications
Some specific settings notifications you may want to turn off include:
- Software update notifications – Disable under System update settings.
- Data saver notifications – Disable under Network & internet > Data saver.
- Battery notifications – Disable under Battery > Battery manager > cog icon.
- Location service notifications – Disable under Location > App permission.
- Bluetooth notifications – Disable under Connected devices > Connection preferences.
How to turn off settings notifications on iPhone
You can manage notifications on your iPhone and iPad in Settings:
- Go to Settings > Notifications.
- Scroll down and tap an app.
- Turn off Allow Notifications.
- You can also adjust notification frequency and style.
- Return to notifications list and repeat step for other apps.
Additional ways to manage notifications on iOS:
- Swipe left on a notification and turn off.
- Long press a notification to access management options.
- Set notification frequency and style under Settings > Notifications > Scheduled Summary.
Turning off common iPhone settings notifications
Some specific settings notifications you may want to disable include:
- Software update notifications – Disable under General > Software Update.
- Screen Time notifications – Disable under Screen Time > Turn Off Scheduled Summary.
- Battery notifications – Disable under Battery > Battery Health.
- Bluetooth notifications – Disable under Bluetooth > Show When Off.
- Location notifications – Disable under Privacy > Location Services.
How to turn off Windows 10 notifications
On Windows 10, you can configure notifications as follows:
- Open Settings > System > Notifications & actions.
- Toggle off notifications for any app or feature.
- Click an app > toggle off Show app notifications.
- Under notification frequency, choose between Off, Priority only, and Normal.
You can also manage notifications by:
- Clicking the x icon on a notification to turn off.
- Right click a notification > Turn off notifications for this app.
- Expanding a notification and toggling off options.
Turning off common Windows 10 notifications
Some specific notifications you may want to disable include:
- Software updates – Toggle off under Windows Update settings.
- Cloud clips – Toggle off under System > Notifications.
- Account protection – Toggle off under Accounts > Sign-in options.
- File transfers – Toggle off under System > Shared experiences.
- Diagnostics – Toggle off under Privacy > Diagnostics & feedback.
How to turn off Chrome browser notifications
To disable website notifications in Chrome:
- Click the lock icon left of address bar.
- Scroll down to Permissions.
- Toggle Sites that can send notifications to OFF or BLOCK.
Additional ways to stop Chrome notifications:
- Click x icon on a notification.
- Right click a notification > Block.
- Go to Settings > Site Settings > Notifications and toggle off or block sites.
How to turn off notifications on Mac
To disable notifications on Mac OS:
- Go to System Preferences > Notifications & Focus.
- Select an app and turn off Allow Notifications.
- Adjust Notification Frequency and Badge App Icon settings.
- Repeat for other apps.
Additional notification management options:
- Swipe left on a notification and turn off.
- Right click a notification > Turn off Like This.
- Within an app, check preferences for notification options.
Turning off common Mac notifications
Some specific notifications you may want to turn off include:
- Software updates – Disable under Software Update preferences.
- iCloud alerts – Mute under iCloud settings.
- Time Machine backups – Disable under Time Machine preferences.
- Diagnostics – Mute under Privacy settings.
- Fitness tracking – Disable notifications under Activity app settings.
Conclusion
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by an onslaught of unnecessary settings and app notifications on your devices. Thankfully, you can take control and customize alerts to show only what’s truly important. The steps above provide device-specific instructions to mute settings notifications on Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, and Chrome. With a few simple toggles, you can declutter your device and focus without constant disruption.