Push notifications work when you say yes to them — here's how
Push notifications only reach you if you've turned them on in your device settings or inside the app itself. Most apps ask for permission the first time you open them, but you can also change this setting later. The exact steps depend on whether you're using an iPhone, Android phone, Windows computer, or Mac — and whether you want notifications from one app or all apps at once.
If you've already dismissed a permission request and want to turn notifications back on, you'll need to go into your device settings rather than waiting for the app to ask again. This guide walks you through each device type so you can find the right setting and flip it on.
Key Takeaways
- Most apps ask permission to send notifications when you first open them — tapping "Allow" is usually the fastest way to turn them on.
- If you said "Don't Allow" or dismissed the request, you can turn notifications back on by going into your device settings and finding the app in the notification list.
- iPhone users go to Settings > Notifications, Android users go to Settings > Apps > Notifications, and computer users check system notification settings.
- You can turn notifications on for the whole app or choose specific types — like alerts but not sounds, or banners but not badges.
- If notifications still don't arrive after you've turned them on, check that the app itself isn't muted and that your device isn't in Do Not Disturb mode.
Enabling notifications on iPhone
Open the Settings app on your iPhone and tap Notifications. Scroll down to find the app you want notifications from — the list is alphabetical. Tap the app name to open its notification settings.
At the top of that screen, you'll see a toggle switch next to "Allow Notifications." Make sure it's turned on (it will be green). Below that, you can choose how notifications appear: as a banner at the top of your screen, as a list in your notification center, or as a badge (a red number) on the app icon. You can also turn sound and vibration on or off for that specific app.
If you don't see the app in your Notifications list, it means the app either doesn't send notifications or you haven't opened it yet. Open the app first, then return to Settings > Notifications to find it.
Enabling notifications on Android
Open the Settings app and go to Apps (sometimes called Application Manager). Find the app you want notifications from and tap it. Look for a Notifications option — on most Android phones this is near the top of the app's settings page.
Tap Notifications and turn on the toggle next to "Allow notifications" or "Show notifications." Some Android phones let you choose notification channels — different types of alerts from the same app. For example, a messaging app might have separate channels for direct messages and group chats. You can turn each channel on or off separately.
If you can't find Notifications in the app settings, go back to the main Settings menu and look for Notifications or Notification Management at the top level. From there, tap App Notifications or Manage Notifications and find your app in the list.
Enabling notifications on Windows
Open Settings and go to System > Notifications. At the top, make sure "Notifications" is turned on. Scroll down to see a list of apps that can send notifications. Find the app you want and toggle it on.
Below the app list, you can also control how notifications appear: whether they show on your lock screen, whether they make a sound, and whether they show a banner. These settings apply to all apps unless you change them individually for a specific app.
If the app you're looking for isn't in the list, it may not support notifications, or you may need to open the app first before Windows adds it to the notification settings.
Enabling notifications on Mac
Click the Apple menu and go to System Settings (or System Preferences on older Macs). Click Notifications in the sidebar. You'll see a list of apps on the left. Find the app you want and click it.
On the right side, make sure "Allow notifications" is checked. Below that, you can choose whether notifications appear as banners (temporary alerts at the top right) or alerts (boxes that stay until you dismiss them). You can also turn sound on or off and choose whether the app's badge (a number on the app icon) shows unread items.
What to do if notifications still aren't arriving
After you've turned notifications on in your device settings, check inside the app itself. Some apps have their own notification settings separate from your device settings. Open the app, look for Settings or Preferences, and search for a Notifications section. Make sure notifications are turned on there too.
Check whether your device is in Do Not Disturb mode or Focus mode (on iPhone). These modes block notifications even if you've turned them on in settings. On iPhone, swipe down from the top right to see Control Center and look for a moon icon or focus symbol. On Android, swipe down twice to open Quick Settings and look for Do Not Disturb. On Windows and Mac, check your notification settings for any active focus or quiet hours.
If the app is muted, notifications won't make a sound even if they arrive. On iPhone, check the mute switch on the side of the phone. On Android, check your volume settings. On computer, check your system volume in the taskbar or menu bar.
Turning notifications on for all apps at once
You can turn notifications on globally for your entire device, but you'll still need to allow each individual app. On iPhone, go to Settings > Notifications and make sure "Show Previews" is set to something other than "Never." On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Permissions > Notifications and make sure the toggle is on.
On Windows, go to Settings > System > Notifications and turn on the main Notifications toggle at the top. On Mac, go to System Settings > Notifications and check that notifications are enabled. After you've done this, open each app you want notifications from and allow permission when it asks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I tap "Don't Allow" when an app asks for notification permission?
The app stops asking and won't send notifications. You can still turn them on later by going into your device settings, finding the app in the notification list, and toggling notifications on. The app won't ask again — you have to change the setting manually.
Can I turn on notifications for some types of alerts but not others?
Yes. Most apps let you choose whether to receive banners, sounds, badges, or vibrations separately. Open the app's notification settings in your device settings and look for options to turn each type on or off. Some apps also have notification channels or categories that let you control different kinds of alerts from the same app.
Why am I not getting notifications even though I turned them on?
Check three things: your device is not in Do Not Disturb or Focus mode, the app's own settings have notifications turned on (not just your device settings), and your device volume is not muted. Also make sure the app has permission to send notifications — go back to your device notification settings and confirm the toggle is actually on.
Do I have to allow notifications the first time an app asks?
No. You can dismiss the request and turn notifications on later through your device settings. However, some apps work better when notifications are on, so you may miss time-sensitive information if you keep them off.
Can I schedule when notifications arrive?
That depends on your device and the app. Some phones let you set quiet hours or focus modes that silence notifications during certain times. Some apps have their own scheduling options in their settings. Check both your device settings and the app's own preferences to see what's available.