Have you ever found your Mac notifications cluttered with irrelevant background items? It can be frustrating to constantly receive notifications that have no relevance to your work or personal life. Fortunately, there is a way to fix this issue. In this article, we’ll dive into the details of how to fix background items added to Mac notifications.
Background items added to Mac notifications: what are they and why are they a problem?
Let’s start with defining what background items added to Mac notifications are. Essentially, these are notifications that have nothing to do with your current applications or processes but instead come from background processes. For example, you may see a notification for a software update or an email from an account you rarely use.
The problem with background items is that they can distract you from your work and cause unnecessary interruptions. They can also make it challenging to find important notifications amidst the clutter. Fortunately, there are several ways to address this problem.
Method 1: Turning off notifications for specific apps
One way to address the issue of background items added to Mac notifications is to turn off notifications for specific apps. Here’s how:
1. Click on the Apple menu in the top left corner of your screen and select System Preferences.
2. Click on Notifications.
3. You’ll see a list of all the apps that can send notifications. Scroll down to find the app you want to turn off notifications for.
4. Click on the app and choose “None” under the Alert Style section.
5. Repeat this process for any other apps you want to turn off notifications for.
Method 2: Disabling notifications from Siri Suggestions
Another potential source of background notifications is Siri Suggestions. This feature suggests apps and actions based on your usage patterns. Here’s how to disable notifications from Siri Suggestions:
1. Click on the Apple menu and select System Preferences.
2. Click on Siri.
3. Uncheck the “Show Siri Suggestions in the app” option.
4. Repeat this process for any other apps you want to disable Siri Suggestions for.
Method 3: Disabling notifications from Recent Applications
Mac notifications can also come from recent applications you’ve used. Here’s how to disable notifications from recent applications:
1. Click on the Apple menu and select System Preferences.
2. Click on Notifications.
3. Find the “Recent Applications” section and uncheck the box next to “Showing in Notification Center.”
Concluding thoughts on background items added to Mac notifications
By following the steps outlined above, you can significantly reduce the number of background items added to your Mac notifications. This can increase your productivity and reduce the number of distractions when you’re working on your computer.
Remember: not all notifications are created equal. It’s important to prioritize which notifications you receive and which ones you don’t. By taking a few minutes to adjust your Mac notification settings, you can enjoy a more streamlined and effective experience.
FAQs about background items added to Mac notifications
Q: What are some other types of notifications I can turn off?
A: You can turn off notifications for a wide range of apps and notifications, including messages, email, calendar events, and more. It’s up to you to determine which notifications are important and which ones are not.
Q: Can I re-enable background notifications if I change my mind?
A: Yes, you can always go back to the Notifications settings and re-enable notifications for specific apps or processes if you choose to do so.
Q: Will turning off background notifications affect my computer’s performance?
A: No, turning off background notifications should not have a significant impact on your computer’s performance. In fact, it may even improve performance by reducing the number of distracting notifications you receive.
