Apps & performance

Notifications aren't coming through

Missed notifications almost always trace back to a setting: notifications disabled for the app, Do Not Disturb, or battery optimization killing the app in the background.

Difficulty
Easy
Time
10–15 minutes

Symptoms

  • No alert sound or banner for new messages
  • Badge icon doesn't update
  • Notifications only show when you open the app
  • Worked before, stopped recently

Likely causes

  • CommonNotifications disabled for that specific appA setting can get toggled off accidentally or reset after an update.
  • CommonDo Not Disturb or Focus mode activeThese modes silence notifications, sometimes without an obvious visual cue.
  • CommonBattery optimization closing the app in the backgroundAggressive battery savers on Android can stop apps from receiving pushes.
  • PossibleApp not signed in or needs re-authorizationA logged-out session can silently stop push notifications.
  • PossiblePoor internet connection preventing push deliveryNotifications rely on a live connection to arrive in real time.

What to do

  1. Open Settings > Notifications and confirm the app is allowed to send alerts, sounds, and banners.
  2. Check if Do Not Disturb, Focus, or a scheduled quiet mode is currently active.
  3. Open the app itself and confirm you're still logged in.
  4. On Android, check battery optimization settings and exclude the app from restrictions.
  5. Confirm background app refresh is on for that app (iPhone: Settings > General > Background App Refresh).
  6. Restart the phone to refresh the notification service.
  7. Log out and back into the app if the issue persists.

When to call a pro

If notifications fail for every app system-wide after trying these steps, a factory reset or an OS reinstall may be needed; a repair shop can help if you're not comfortable doing that yourself.

Safety

Generally low risk

Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.

Related guides

Operator provides AI-generated troubleshooting information. It can be wrong. For safety-critical, electrical, gas, structural, medical, automotive safety, or other high-risk problems, consult a qualified professional.