By default, Apple strongly encourages users to keep all their software updated. If the Mac App Store detects that one of your installed applications has a new version available, it will place a bright red badge with a white number directly on the App Store icon sitting in your Dock.
While this is a helpful reminder for security patches, it can quickly become an incredibly frustrating distraction. If you use older, stable versions of professional software (like an old version of Logic Pro or Final Cut) and intentionally refuse to update because the new version breaks your plugins, that red badge will sit in your Dock permanently. For users who prefer a clean, distraction-free desktop and want to manage their updates manually on their own schedule, you must completely disable these notification badges.
Disabling the App Store Badge via System Settings
You cannot turn off the badge from within the App Store itself. Because it is a system-level notification, you must disable it from the main macOS Notifications control panel.
- Click the Apple Logo in the absolute top-left corner of your Mac’s screen.
- Select System Settings… from the dropdown menu (or “System Preferences” if you are running an older version of macOS).
- Scroll down the left-hand sidebar and click on Notifications.
- In the main panel on the right, scroll through the alphabetical list of all your installed applications until you find the App Store.
- Click on the App Store entry to reveal its specific notification permissions.
- You will see a toggle switch labelled Badge application icon.
- Click the switch to turn it Off.
- (Optional) While you are here, you can also turn off the Play sound for notification toggle to ensure the App Store never makes an audible chime when it finds an update.
The change takes effect immediately. The stubborn red badge will instantly vanish from your Dock. Your Mac will still silently check for updates in the background, but it will never again clutter your visual workspace with a persistent red demand to upgrade your software.