Hi razzz___,
This is a known issue that affects how iOS handles push notification badge counts from apps that sync read status through their own servers rather than through Apple's push notification system. Here's what's happening and what you can try:
Why it happens: Apps like WhatsApp, Teams, and Gmail manage their badge counts independently — when you read a message on desktop, the app's server is supposed to send a silent push notification to your iPhone telling it to clear the badge. If that silent notification doesn't arrive (due to iOS power management, network timing, or a stuck process), the badge stays until you open the app directly on the phone.
Things to try:
- Sign out and back into iCloud: Go to Settings > [Your Name] at the top, scroll down and tap Sign Out. Choose to keep a copy of your data on the device. Wait a minute, then sign back in. This resets the push notification token for your device and can fix stuck badge syncing.
- Reset notification permissions for affected apps: For each app with the issue, go to Settings > Notifications > [App Name], turn off Badges, wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on. This forces iOS to re-register the badge counter for that app.
- Check Fetch and Push settings: Go to Settings > Mail > Accounts > Fetch New Data and make sure Push is enabled at the top. Even though this setting is primarily for Mail, it affects how iOS handles background push delivery for all apps.
- Disable Low Power Mode: If you're using Low Power Mode regularly, it significantly reduces how often iOS processes background push notifications — including the silent ones that clear badges. Check Settings > Batteryand make sure it's off, at least temporarily to test.
- Reset Network Settings: Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This clears all saved Wi-Fi passwords and network configurations but also resets the push notification connection to Apple's servers, which can fix delivery issues. You'll need to reconnect to your Wi-Fi networks afterward.
- Check Background App Refresh per app: You mentioned it's enabled globally, but also verify it's enabled individually for each affected app: Settings > General > Background App Refresh and check that WhatsApp, Teams, Gmail, etc. are all toggled on.
If none of the above works, the nuclear option is Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings. This won't delete your apps or data but resets all system preferences including notification registrations. It's the most effective way to fix a broken push notification pipeline without erasing the device.
Since the issue existed before iOS 26.5 and persisted after the update, it's likely tied to your device's push notification token rather than a system-wide iOS issue. The iCloud sign-out/sign-in is usually the most effective fix for this.
Let us know which step resolves it!
