Customize Group Notifications On iPhone, iPad, Watch, Mac: “By App” VS “Automatic”

Customize Group Notifications "By App" VS "Automatic" on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch with our quick tutorial, Learn how to do it.

There are now more customizable options to manage incoming notifications on the lock screen. This makes it easier to view or reply to notifications at a glance. There are several options available, such as grouping notifications by app, creating a single bundle for all notifications, or grouping notifications by contact within the app. I have a few questions about group notifications by app and automatic settings. How do group notification settings work? And how do they differ from other settings?

Here is explained what the meaning of notification grouping by app is, or automatically or off.

Enable and Disable Notification Group Settings of Lock Screen Preview on iPhone, iPad, MacBook, Mac

See WhatsApp Example,

In this example, I received WhatsApp messages from friends about what you need to do directly from the Group notifications in iOS on iPhone.

1. Open Settings on the iPhone. Next Tap on Notifications.

Open the settings app tap notifications option on iPhone

2. Find & Tap on the App name. Scroll to last and Tap on notification grouping > Select the options from Automatic, By App, Off.

Click whatsapp turn on allow notifications select notification select the options from automatic, by app, off on iPhone

Here, we test all the different Notification Grouping options that are showing on your iPhone lock screen.

That’s it.

Default settings for All App’s notification are “Automatic“.

Sample 1: Notification Grouping by Automatic

Check automatic and groups notifications from the same app together on iPhone
  • Tap on view and read the message, And reply by sliding left on the notification.
  • By we can change it to “By App”. See the result in Example below.

Sample 2: Notification Grouping by App

Check by app and all notifications from each specific app are grouped together on iPhone

How to use “By App” and “Automatic” on Apple Watch

Sample 3: Turn Off Group Notification on iPhone, iPad

Using this option you will get and view notification like earlier patterns, see and view all notification by sliding on the lock screen in stacks.

Check off and receive individual notifications instead of them being grouped together on iPhone

This might be more complex and hesitating the people since iOS 9.

Guide Notification Grouping on Apple Watch App

In the same way, you can change the app notification settings from watch App on iPhone that paired with it.

1. Open the Apple Watch App and tap on My Watch click Notifications select the Activity on Apple Watch App.

Open watch app tap my watch click notifications select activity on apple watch

2. Scroll the screen Notification Grouping and select Off, Automatically, or By App in notification grouping.

Click notification grouping select off ,automatic or by app on apple watch

Group Notifications on MacBook, Mac [macOS Big Sur & Later]

Group Notifications on MacBook, Mac [macOS Big Sur & Later]

It seems that Group Notifications is compatible with MacOS and allows you to view all notifications in groups. You can manage and respond to these notifications from the Notification Center on your MacBook, similar to how you would on an iPhone or iPad. To customize the Group Notification settings on your MacBook, follow the steps below.

Step 1: Click on the Apple Logo from the top left corner.
Step 2: Select System Settings… > Notifications.

Click apple logo select system settings... on mac

Step 3: In the Application Notifications menu, you’ll see all apps installed on your Mac. Select the desired app.

Click notifications select whatsapp on mac

Step 4: Make sure toggle next to Allow Notifications is enabled.
Step 5: Click on the drop-down next to the Notification Grouping, and select any of the options from Automatic, By Application, or Off.

Turn on allow notifications select notification grouping and select more option from automatic, by application or off on mac

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Karly Wood

Karly Wood is a journalist based in Ohio who specializes in covering Apple and technology trends. With a varied experience in reporting on public safety, government, and education, her insights bridge multiple disciplines, providing readers with a well-rounded perspective on today's technological advancements. If you need to contact me, you can reach me at [email protected] or through (Facebook)

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