Persistent red dot notification on Phone app after iOS

Question

Persistent red dot notification on Phone app after iOS

Since updating to iOS26, the Red Dot notification icon on my Phone has been horribly inconsistent and persistent despite there being no missed calls and no voicemails.

Its been there since updating to iOS26 weeks ago.

I’ve followed steps from other threads on here such as turning off notifications for the Phone app, leaving a new voicemail and then deleting it before re-enabling notifications again, and lastly restarting the phone.

Yes, I’ve phoned the voicemail and am not just relying on the voice to text VM’s that I get too.

Ive tried both Classic and Unified mode.

iPhone 16 Pro, iOS 26

Posted on Nov 11, 2025 9:37 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Bob Timmons

Level 10

186,362 points

Nov 11, 2025 10:05 AM in response to rarelywelldone

If you take the phone in to the shop, the first thing that the tech will do is perform a Forced Restart. If you have not already tried this, it might be worth a try....and might save you a trip.

Force restart iPhone - Apple Support

Unfortunately, many users don't follow the instructions carefully. They often release the Side Button when they see the "slider" appear and then turn off the phone that way. You have to keep holding the Side button in until the Apple icon appears in the center of the screen. Then....release the Side Button and the phone will restart correctly that way.

No luck? Looks like you may have to make that trip to the shop.

Reply

Persistent red dot notification on Phone app after iOS

Similar questions