Where to find notification settings
Notification settings live in different places depending on what device you use. On an iPhone, open Settings, then tap Notifications. On Android, go to Settings, then Apps & notifications or Notifications (the exact name varies by phone maker). On Windows, open Settings, then System, then Notifications. On a Mac, open System Settings, then Notifications.
Once you are in the notifications section, you will see a list of apps that can send you alerts. Some apps appear here automatically when you install them. Others only show up after they have tried to send a notification at least once.
The settings you find here control whether notifications appear at all, how they look, and what sound or vibration they make. You can turn notifications on or off for individual apps, or change how each app sends alerts to you.
Key Takeaways
- Notification settings are in your phone or computer's main Settings app, under a section called Notifications or Apps & notifications.
- You can turn notifications on or off for each app separately, so you can receive alerts from some apps but not others.
- Most apps ask permission to send notifications the first time they try, and you can change your answer later in settings.
- Sound, vibration, and banner style are usually controlled in the same settings menu where you turn notifications on and off.
- If an app is not in your notification settings yet, it may not have tried to send a notification, or you may need to restart your device.
Turning notifications on for a specific app
Find the app in your notification settings list and look for a toggle or switch next to its name. On iPhone and Android, this toggle is usually on the right side of the app name. On Windows and Mac, it may be a checkbox or a toggle button. Tap or click it to turn notifications on.
If the app does not appear in your notification settings at all, open the app itself and look for a settings or preferences menu inside the app. Many apps have their own notification controls separate from your device settings. You may need to turn notifications on in both places — in your device settings and inside the app.
After you turn notifications on, the app may ask for permission to send alerts. Read what it is asking for and tap or click to allow it. If you deny permission by mistake, you can change your mind in your device settings by finding the app again and toggling notifications back on.
Choosing how notifications look and sound
Once notifications are turned on for an app, tap or click on the app name to see more options. You can usually choose whether notifications appear as a banner at the top of your screen, a badge on the app icon, or a sound and vibration. Different devices offer different choices.
On iPhone, you can pick between Lock Screen, Notification Center, and Banners. Lock Screen means the alert shows only when your phone is locked. Notification Center means it goes to a list you can check later. Banners means it appears briefly at the top of your screen while you are using your phone. You can choose one, two, or all three.
On Android, you can usually choose a notification channel or priority level. Some apps let you pick which notifications matter most — for example, you might want alerts about messages but not about promotions. Look for a Notification categories or Channel settings option inside the app's notification settings.
Sound and vibration settings are usually in the same menu. You can turn sound on or off, pick a specific sound, and control whether your phone vibrates. Some devices let you set different sounds for different apps.
Allowing notifications when an app first asks
The first time an app tries to send you a notification, your device will ask for permission. You will see a popup that says something like "Allow notifications?" with options to allow or deny. Tap or click Allow to turn notifications on for that app.
If you tap Don't Allow or close the popup without choosing, the app will not send notifications unless you change your mind in settings later. You can always go back to your notification settings and turn the app on whenever you want.
Some apps ask for permission multiple times if you deny them the first time. This is normal. You can keep denying until you are ready to turn notifications on, or you can go to settings and turn them on there instead.
Turning notifications off for an app
Find the app in your notification settings and toggle it off. On iPhone and Android, tap the toggle switch next to the app name. On Windows and Mac, uncheck the box or click the toggle. The app will stop sending notifications to your device.
Turning notifications off in your device settings does not delete the app or change how it works otherwise. You can still open the app and use it normally. You just will not receive alerts from it.
If an app has its own notification settings inside the app, you may need to turn notifications off in both places to stop all alerts. Check the app's settings menu if you are still receiving notifications after turning them off in your device settings.
What to do if notifications are not working
If you turned notifications on but are not receiving alerts, first check whether the app itself has notification settings. Open the app, look for settings or preferences, and make sure notifications are turned on there too. Some apps require you to turn them on in two places.
Next, check whether your device is in Do Not Disturb or Focus mode. On iPhone, swipe down from the top right corner to see Control Center and look for a moon icon. On Android, swipe down twice from the top to see Quick Settings and look for Do Not Disturb. If either is on, turn it off so notifications can come through.
Restart your device. Sometimes an app does not appear in your notification settings until after you restart. Turn your phone or computer off completely, wait a few seconds, and turn it back on. Then check your notification settings again.
If the app still does not send notifications, uninstall and reinstall it. This clears out any settings that may have gotten stuck. Open your app store, find the app, and choose uninstall or remove. Then search for it again and reinstall it. When you open it for the first time, allow notifications when it asks.
Notification settings for different types of alerts
Some devices let you control notifications by type. You might be able to turn on notifications for messages but turn off notifications for updates or promotions from the same app. Look for options like Notification categories, Channels, or Advanced settings inside the app's notification menu.
On iPhone, some apps show a Notifications section inside the app's own settings. Open the app, tap settings or preferences, and look for a notifications option there. You may find choices like "Allow notifications", "Show previews", and "Sounds".
On Android, tap the app name in your notification settings and look for Notification channels. This shows you different types of alerts the app can send. You can turn each channel on or off separately. For example, a messaging app might have channels for direct messages, group messages, and notifications about new contacts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is an app not showing up in my notification settings?
The app may not have tried to send a notification yet. Open the app and trigger an action that would normally send an alert — for example, send yourself a test message. Then go back to your notification settings and the app should appear. If it still does not show up, restart your device and check again.
Can I get notifications from one app but not another?
Yes. Each app has its own notification toggle in your settings. Turn on the apps you want to hear from and turn off the ones you do not. You can also control notification types within a single app if it offers channel or category settings.
What does "Allow notifications" mean when an app asks?
It means you are giving the app permission to send you alerts on your device. If you tap Allow, the app can send notifications. If you tap Don't Allow, it cannot send notifications unless you change your mind in settings later. You can always change your answer.
Will turning off notifications delete my messages or data?
No. Turning off notifications only stops alerts from appearing on your device. Your messages, data, and everything in the app stays the same. You can still open the app and see everything that is there.
How do I stop notifications from interrupting me at night?
Use Do Not Disturb or Focus mode. On iPhone, swipe down from the top right and tap the moon icon. On Android, swipe down twice and tap Do Not Disturb. You can set a schedule so it turns on automatically at bedtime and turns off in the morning. Notifications will still arrive, but they will not make sound or vibration.