Notifications alert you to many things on your iPhone and iPad, including incoming messages, new emails, and calendar events. Notifications work slightly differently for each app, but you can change how notification alert styles appear. Here’s how:
Changing the Layout Style
To modify how notifications stack or list themselves on your screen:
- Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap Notifications.
- Look for the Display As section at the top and choose one of the three options:
- Count: Shows only a minimal total number of unread notifications at the bottom of the screen.
- Stack: Groups incoming alerts at the bottom of the screen by app, keeping your wallpaper clear.
- List: Shows all incoming notifications expanded in a classic, scrolling vertical list
Hiding or Showing Notification Content (Previews)
If you don’t want message text or alert details visible to others on your locked screen, you can control your preview settings:
- Go to Settings > Notifications.
- Tap Show Previews.
- Choose when you want the details of your notifications to be visible:
- Always: Notification content is fully visible even while locked.
- When Unlocked: Content is hidden until Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode unlocks the device.
- Never: Notification content is always hidden on the Lock Screen; you must open the specific app to see details
