# Understand notification totals on folders

With badges enabled, a CubbyPad folder adds up the badge counts of the apps inside it.

Last updated 26 October 2026

## Follow these steps

1. Enable Notification badges in Settings › Grid.

1. Find a folder containing apps with current Dock badges.

1. Open the folder and compare its apps’ individual counts.

1. Use the app with unread activity to handle the underlying notification.

## What to expect

The closed folder summarizes badge activity from its contents. A total can therefore come from several applications rather than from one new item in the folder itself.

The folder is a launcher group, not an inbox. Opening the folder does not mark the apps’ messages read; those counts are controlled by the applications supplying them.

## If the result is different

If the number differs from what you expect, inspect the apps inside and their Dock badges. Check whether a different folder or layout is active. Turn badges off in Grid if you prefer a quieter view without changing the apps’ own notification behavior.

For the broader walkthrough, read [move apps and make folders](https://cubbypad.com/guides/folders/).

## Related answers.

[### Show dots under running apps

Enable Running apps in Settings › Grid to mark applications that are currently open with a dot beneath the icon.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/running-app-dots/)[### Show time-based app suggestions above the grid

Set the enabled App strip to suggestions when you want apps you tend to use at that time of day.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/app-strip-suggestions/)[### Show recently used apps above the grid

Choose recent apps for the App strip when you want a row based on the apps you used most recently.

Read answer ↗](https://cubbypad.com/help/app-strip-recents/)

Source: https://cubbypad.com/help/folder-badge-totals/