How to Open Notification Center on Mac

key Takeaways

• Open the Notification Center via the menu bar, trackpad gestures, or the Fn + C shortcut.
• Manage notifications and widgets for quick access to important information.
• Customize notification settings for individual apps in System Settings > Notifications.

With this guide, you can efficiently use and customize the Notification Center on your Mac for a smoother, more organized experience!

The Notification Center on Mac is a centralized hub where you can view notifications from apps, emails, reminders, and system alerts. It also provides access to widgets for quick information like weather, calendar events, and more. This guide explains how to open, use, and customize the Notification Center on your Mac step by step.

What Is the Notification Center?

The Notification Center is a feature in macOS that:

• Displays notifications from apps, emails, and other alerts.
• Provides widgets for quick access to important information.
• Lets you manage and interact with notifications directly.

How to Open the Notification Center on Mac

1. Using the Menu Bar

The easiest way to open the Notification Center is via the menu bar.

Steps:

1. Locate the date and time in the top-right corner of your Mac’s screen.
2. Click on the date or time.
3. The Notification Center will slide out from the right side of the screen.

Tip: If you’re using macOS Big Sur or later, clicking the time also displays widgets below notifications.

2. Using Trackpad Gestures

Trackpad gestures provide a quick way to access the Notification Center.

Steps:

1. Place two fingers on the trackpad.
2. Swipe left from the right edge of the trackpad.
3. The Notification Center will appear.

Note: This gesture works only if your Mac has a built-in trackpad or you’re using a Magic Trackpad.

3. Using Keyboard Shortcuts

You can use a keyboard shortcut to open the Notification Center.

Steps:

1. Press Fn + C (or Globe + C on newer MacBook models).
2. The Notification Center will open on the right side of the screen.

Tip: If the shortcut doesn’t work, customize it:

• Go to System Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts.
• Select Mission Control and ensure Show Notification Center is enabled.

How to Interact with Notifications

Once the Notification Center is open, you can manage and respond to notifications.

View Notifications:

• Notifications are grouped by app and displayed in chronological order.
• Scroll to see older notifications.

Respond to Notifications:

• Click a notification to open the app or view more details.
• For actionable notifications (like Messages or Emails), respond directly by clicking the Reply button.

Dismiss Notifications:

• Hover over a notification and click the X to remove it.
• To clear all notifications from an app, click Clear next to the app’s group.

Using Widgets in the Notification Center

Widgets provide quick access to information like weather, calendar events, and system stats.

Add Widgets:

1. Open the Notification Center.
2. Scroll to the bottom and click Edit Widgets.
3. Browse available widgets from the list on the left.
4. Click the + icon next to a widget to add it.
5. Drag the widget to rearrange its position in the Notification Center.

Remove Widgets:

1. Open the Notification Center.
2. Click Edit Widgets at the bottom.
3. Click the – icon on a widget to remove it.

Customizing Notifications

You can control how and when apps send notifications.

Steps to Customize Notifications:

1. Open System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions).
2. Go to Notifications.
3. Select an app from the list.
4. Adjust settings such as:
   • Alerts: Choose between banners, alerts, or none.
   • Sound: Enable or disable notification sounds.
   • Badges: Allow or hide app badge icons.

Tip: Use Focus Modes to limit notifications during specific times or activities (e.g., work, sleep).

FAQs

1. Why can’t I open the Notification Center?

Ensure you’re clicking the correct area (date/time on the top-right corner) or try using the Fn + C shortcut. Restart your Mac if the issue persists.

2. Can I turn off notifications completely?

Yes, you can enable Do Not Disturb or customize individual app notifications in System Settings > Notifications.

3. How do I reset the Notification Center?

You can restart your Mac to refresh the Notification Center or toggle notification settings in System Settings.

4. Are widgets in the Notification Center customizable?

Yes, you can add, remove, and rearrange widgets using the Edit Widgets option at the bottom of the Notification Center.

5. Can I access Notification Center on external monitors?

Yes, the Notification Center appears on the main display, even if you’re using external monitors.