How to Add Messages to Your Mac's Menu Bar: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you tired of constantly checking your Messages app for new notifications? What if you could see your Messages notifications right in your menu bar? This guide will show you how to add Messages notifications to your Mac’s menu bar, keeping you informed without disrupting your workflow.

Why Add Messages to Your Menu Bar?

Adding Messages to your menu bar offers several advantages:

1. Quick access to Messages app directly from the menu bar
2. Instant visibility of unread message count
3. Streamlined workflow without switching between windows
4. Improved productivity and communication efficiency

Step-by-Step Guide to Add Messages in Menu Bar

Follow these simple steps to add Messages notifications to your menu bar using a third-party app called Badgeify:

1. Install Badgeify

First, download and install Badgeify from the official website.

2. Launch Badgeify

Open Badgeify and grant it the necessary permissions when prompted. This is crucial for the app to function correctly.

3. Add Messages to Badgeify

1. In the Badgeify interface, click the ”+” button to add a new app.
2. Select “Messages” from the list of available applications.
3. Click “Open” to confirm your selection.

4. Customize Messages Notifications

1. Click on the Messages icon in Badgeify’s app list.
2. Toggle “Show notifications” to enable notification badges.
3. Optionally, customize the icon or other settings to match your preferences.

5. Check Your Menu Bar

You should now see the Messages icon in your menu bar. The icon will display a badge with the number of unread messages when you have new notifications.

Tips for Using Messages in Menu Bar

• Click the Messages icon in the menu bar to quickly view recent messages.
• Use the menu bar icon to open the full Messages app when needed.
• Customize the appearance of the Messages icon to fit your menu bar style.
• Experiment with other menu bar apps to find the best solution for your needs.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you don’t see the Messages icon or notifications in your menu bar:

1. Ensure Badgeify is running and has the necessary permissions.
2. Check that Messages is correctly added and enabled in Badgeify.
3. Restart Badgeify or your computer if issues persist.

Alternative Methods

While Badgeify is an excellent option, there are other ways to enhance your Messages experience on Mac:

1. Use built-in Mac notifications (System Preferences > Notifications > Messages).
2. Try other third-party apps like AnyBar for simple color-coded notifications.
3. Explore Mac’s Notification Center for a centralized view of all app notifications.

Conclusion

Adding Messages notifications to your menu bar is a simple yet effective way to stay on top of your conversations without constant app-switching. By following this guide, you’ll have quick access to your Messages right from your menu bar, enhancing your productivity and communication efficiency on your Mac.

Give it a try and experience the convenience of having Messages in your menu bar today!