Where to find notification settings

Notification settings live in different places depending on what device you use. On an iPhone, go to Settings > Notifications. On Android, open Settings > Apps & notifications or Notifications (the exact path varies by manufacturer). On Windows, go to Settings > System > Notifications. On Mac, open System Settings > Notifications.

Once you're in the notifications section, you'll see a list of apps that can send you messages. Some apps are already turned on by default; others are off. You control each one individually, so you can have notifications from email but not from games, or vice versa.

Key Takeaways

  • Notification settings are in your device's main Settings app, under a section labeled Notifications or Apps & notifications.
  • Each app has its own on-off switch, so you can receive notifications from some apps but not others.
  • Turning on notifications at the app level is separate from turning on notifications within the app itself — you may need to do both.
  • Once notifications are on, you can customize how they appear: as banners, sounds, badges, or lock screen alerts.

Turning on notifications for a specific app

Find the app in your notifications list and tap or click on it. You'll see a toggle or switch next to "Allow notifications" or similar wording. Turn that toggle on. The switch will change color (usually to blue or green) to show it's active.

Some apps require you to turn on notifications in two places: first in your device settings (which you just did), and then inside the app itself. Open the app and look for Settings or Preferences, then find the notifications section there. Turn on notifications a second time if the option appears. This two-step process is common with email apps, messaging apps, and social media.

Customizing how notifications appear

After you turn notifications on, you can choose how they reach you. On iPhone, tap the app name again and you'll see options like Allow Notifications, Sounds, Badges, and Show on Lock Screen. Turn on whichever you want. On Android, look for similar toggles under the app's notification settings.

A badge is a small red circle with a number on your app icon, showing how many unread messages you have. A sound means your device will play an alert when a notification arrives. Show on Lock Screen means the notification will appear even when your phone is locked. You can turn any of these on or off independently.

Checking if notifications are blocked at the system level

Sometimes notifications are turned on in an app but still don't arrive, because your device has a system-wide setting blocking them. On iPhone, check Settings > Focus to see if a Focus mode (like Do Not Disturb) is active. On Android, check Settings > Do Not Disturb. These modes silence notifications across all apps.

You can also check whether notifications are muted for a specific app. On iPhone, go back to Settings > Notifications > [App Name] and look for Notification Grouping or Critical Alerts settings. On Android, some apps have a "mute" option in their notification channel settings. If you see a muted icon or toggle, turn it off.

What to do if an app doesn't have a notifications option

Some apps don't send notifications at all, either because the developer didn't build that feature or because your device's operating system doesn't support it for that particular app. If you've turned on notifications in settings and inside the app but still see nothing, the app may not have notification support.

Check the app's help section or support page to confirm. You can also try uninstalling and reinstalling the app, which sometimes fixes notification problems. If that doesn't work, the app simply may not offer notifications on your device type.

Notifications on your computer

Desktop notifications work similarly to phone notifications. On Windows, open an app and look for its settings or preferences menu. Find the notifications section and turn notifications on there. Then go to Settings > System > Notifications on your computer and make sure the app is listed and toggled on.

On Mac, open the app's preferences, find notifications, and turn them on. Then go to System Settings > Notifications and check that the app appears in the list with notifications enabled. You can also customize whether notifications appear as banners, alerts, or badges in the Notification Center.

Troubleshooting notifications that won't turn on

If the toggle won't switch on, your device may have a restriction in place. On iPhone, go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions and check whether notifications are restricted. On Android, check Settings > Apps and look for permission restrictions on the specific app.

Another common issue is that your device's battery saver or low-power mode is active. These modes sometimes disable notifications to save battery. Turn off battery saver mode in your device settings and try turning on notifications again. If you're still having trouble, restart your device — this often fixes notification problems that settings changes don't resolve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to turn on notifications in both settings and inside the app?

Usually yes. Your device's settings control whether the app is allowed to send notifications at all. The app's own settings control whether that particular app actually sends them. If either one is off, you won't receive notifications. Check both places if notifications aren't arriving.

What's the difference between a banner and an alert notification?

A banner appears briefly at the top or bottom of your screen and disappears on its own. An alert stays on screen until you dismiss it. Banners are less intrusive; alerts make sure you see the message. Most devices let you choose which style you prefer for each app.

Why do some apps have notifications turned on but I still don't get them?

Check whether Do Not Disturb or Focus mode is active on your device — these silence all notifications. Also verify that the app itself has notifications enabled in its own settings menu, separate from your device settings. If both are on and you still see nothing, restart your device or reinstall the app.

Can I turn on notifications for just one type of message from an app?

Some apps let you customize notification channels, so you can receive alerts for direct messages but not for group chats, for example. Open the app's settings and look for notification preferences or channels. Not all apps offer this level of control, but many do.

Will turning on notifications drain my battery?

Notifications themselves use very little battery. The impact comes from how often an app checks for new messages. Apps that check constantly will drain more battery than apps that check occasionally. If battery life is a concern, turn off notifications for apps you don't need to hear from immediately.