How iOS 12 Screen Time Reports Notifications by App

iOS 12 introduced Screen Time to give users greater visibility into their digital habits, including a dedicated section that tracks and reports incoming notifications. This feature automatically aggregates and groups notifications on an app-by-app basis, allowing users to see which applications send the highest volume of alerts throughout the day or week. By organizing this data into clear metrics and bar charts, iOS 12 helps users identify sources of digital distraction and manage app alert settings directly from the report.

Accessing Notification Reports in Screen Time

To view notification data grouped by application, open the Settings app on an iPhone or iPad running iOS 12 and select Screen Time. From there:

  1. Tap the main device activity graph at the top of the screen.
  2. Choose between the Today or Last 7 Days view at the top.
  3. Scroll down past the "Most Used" and "Pickups" sections to locate the Notifications section.

How Notifications Are Displayed and Grouped

Once in the Notifications section, iOS 12 organizes the information systematically:

  • Total Count: At the top of the section, iOS 12 displays the total number of notifications received within the selected timeframe, alongside a daily average.
  • App Breakdown by Volume: Below the total summary, apps are ranked in descending order based on which app generated the most notifications. Each entry shows the app icon, name, and total number of alerts received.
  • Detailed Time-Based Distribution: Tapping on any individual app in the list opens a granular view. This reveals an hourly breakdown for a single day or a daily breakdown across a full week, illustrating peak times when that specific app sent the most alerts.

Managing App Alerts from the Report

The grouped notification report functions as more than just an informational dashboard; it also acts as a shortcut for notification management. Tapping the arrow next to an app's name in this list takes you directly to that app’s system notification settings. From this screen, you can toggle alerts on or off, adjust banner styles, disable sounds, or configure the app to deliver quietly to the Notification Center without interrupting your lock screen.