The red circle with a number on the YouTube app icon is a notification badge. It shows how many unread YouTube notifications you have, like new uploads from channels you subscribe to or replies to your comments. To clear it, open YouTube and tap the bell icon (Notifications) to view them. To get rid of the red number for good, go to Settings > Notifications > YouTube and turn off Badges.
How to clear the number by checking notifications
- Open the YouTube app.
- Tap the bell icon at the top of the screen (in some versions, go to You > Notifications).
- Scroll through your notifications. The badge count goes down as they’re marked as seen.
The number comes back as new notifications arrive.
How to turn off the red badge on the YouTube icon
- Open your iPhone’s Settings.
- Tap Notifications, then scroll down and tap YouTube.
- Turn off Badges.
You’ll still get YouTube notifications if you want them. Only the red number on the icon disappears.
Get fewer YouTube notifications
- In the YouTube app, tap your profile picture (or You) > Settings (gear) > Notifications.
- Turn off the types you don’t want, like Recommended videos or Activity on my channel.
- For individual channels, go to the channel, tap the bell next to Subscribed, and choose Personalized or None.
Turn off all YouTube notifications
Go to Settings > Notifications > YouTube and turn off Allow Notifications. This also removes the badge.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the number stay after I open YouTube?
Opening the app isn’t always enough. Tap the bell to view your notifications. If the number is stuck, close YouTube from the App Switcher and reopen it.
Does this work on iPad?
Yes. The steps are the same on iPad.
How do I remove badges from other apps?
Go to Settings > Notifications, choose the app, and turn off Badges.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.