# Check notifications and unread classroom messages

Written by Geeta Thakker
Updated 2026-10-04

Open the **Notifications** bell to see classroom activity directed at you, class updates, and explainx highlights. The community and main explainx app use the same account feed and saved read state, so you do not need to clear separate inboxes on each device.

## Read your notifications

The bell can show:

- A classmate tagging your `@username`, quoting your message, or replying in a thread you started.
- Instructor `@everyone` announcements and `@here` pings when you were online in that classroom.
- A class going live, recordings becoming available, reminders, rescheduling, and cancellations.
- A workshop certificate issued to you.
- Announcements or room-wide pings posted by an owner or instructor in a teacher community you belong to.

Select an item to open the relevant message, thread, community post, or linked class, recording, or certificate page. Access to the destination still depends on your account and enrollment.

## Understand the badge and read state

The bell shows a count when new items arrive, displayed as **9+** above nine. Opening it clears the current unread count and saves that seen state for your account. Items remain available in the recent list; opening the bell does not delete the conversation.

The panel shows recent activity under **Last 14 days**, rather than a complete history. Class reminders can appear without increasing the badge. Notifications refresh periodically while the page is visible.

## Check AI and workshop highlights

Below your personal items, **AI launches & trending** links to news, and **New workshops** shows new cohorts. New launches and cohorts can increase the unread count. **Trending** stories appear in the list without triggering a badge on their own.

## Follow channel unread dots

Classroom channel dots are separate from the bell: they show conversations with new activity. An `@` marker draws attention to a mention. Open the channel to update its read position, which is saved for your account across devices.

If you cannot find a class update, check the run in [My classrooms](/classrooms) and its workshop dashboard. Automatic #updates can be switched off by the instructor. A held member message does not send its tag notification until approved. See [classroom messages](/help/articles/post-classroom-messages) and [automatic updates](/help/articles/manage-classroom-channels).