Where to find push notification settings
Push notifications are turned on or off in your device's settings, not in the apps themselves — though some apps have their own notification controls on top of that. The exact path depends on whether you use an iPhone, Android phone, Windows computer, or Mac.
On any device, you control notifications in two places: the system settings (which apply to all apps) and individual app settings (which let you fine-tune what each app sends you). Most people need to adjust both to get the notifications they actually want.
Key Takeaways
- Push notifications are managed in your device settings, not inside the apps — look for "Notifications" in your phone or computer's main settings menu.
- You can turn notifications on or off for your entire device, for specific apps, or for specific types of alerts within each app.
- Even if notifications are on in your device settings, an individual app can still block them — check both places if you are not seeing alerts.
- Sound, vibration, and banner style are separate toggles from whether notifications arrive at all.
Enabling notifications on iPhone
Open the Settings app and tap Notifications. You will see a list of every app installed on your phone. Tap the app you want to receive notifications from.
Toggle Allow Notifications to the on position (it will turn green). Below that, you can choose how notifications appear: as a banner at the top of the screen, as a list in your notification center, or silently without any alert. You can also turn on sound, vibration, or a badge (the red number on the app icon) separately.
If you do not see the app in the Notifications list, it either does not send notifications or you have not opened it yet. Open the app once and return to Settings — it should appear after that.
Enabling notifications on Android
Open Settings and look for Apps or Applications (the exact name varies by phone maker). Find the app you want notifications from and tap it. Look for Notifications or App Notifications.
Toggle the main notification switch to on. You can then control whether the app shows badges on its icon, whether notifications make sound, and whether they vibrate. Some Android phones also let you choose the notification importance level — this controls whether the alert interrupts you or sits quietly in your notification center.
If you cannot find the Notifications option in the app settings, go back to the main Settings menu and search for "Notifications" instead. Some Android versions let you manage all app notifications from one central location.
Enabling notifications on Windows
Open Settings and go to System, then Notifications. At the top, make sure Notifications is toggled on. Below that, you will see a list of apps that can send you notifications.
Find the app you want notifications from and toggle it on. You can also control whether it shows a banner, plays a sound, or displays in your notification center. Some apps have additional options — click on the app name to see what controls are available.
If the app does not appear in the list, it may not support Windows notifications. Check the app's own settings menu to see if notifications are turned off there.
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 will see a list of apps on the left.
Click the app you want notifications from. Toggle Allow notifications on. You can then choose whether notifications appear as a banner or an alert box, whether they make sound, and whether they show a preview of the message content.
Some apps also have notification settings inside the app itself — if you are not seeing notifications even after enabling them in System Settings, open the app and look for a Notifications or Preferences section.
What to do if notifications still are not arriving
If you have turned notifications on in your device settings but still are not seeing them, check the app's own settings. Open the app, look for Settings or Preferences (usually a gear icon or three horizontal lines), and search for a Notifications section. The app may have its own toggle that overrides your device settings.
Also check whether you have turned on Do Not Disturb or Focus mode (on iPhone) or Quiet Hours (on Android). These features silence all notifications even when they are turned on in settings. On Windows and Mac, check whether you have enabled Focus Assist or Do Not Disturb.
If notifications are on everywhere and you still are not getting them, the app itself may not be running in the background. Some phones restrict which apps can run when you are not actively using them. Go back to your device settings and look for battery optimization, app permissions, or background activity — you may need to allow the app to run in the background.
Understanding notification styles and sounds
Once notifications are turned on, you can control how they appear. A banner drops down from the top of your screen and disappears after a few seconds. An alert stays on screen until you dismiss it. A badge is the red number on the app icon. You can turn each of these on or off separately.
Sound and vibration are also separate controls. You can have notifications arrive silently, with sound only, with vibration only, or with both. On iPhone, you can choose a specific sound for each app. On Android and Windows, you can usually choose from a list of notification sounds in the app's settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I turn off notifications for just one app while keeping them on for others?
Yes. Go to your device settings, find the Notifications section, and toggle off only the app you want to silence. All other apps will continue sending notifications. You can also turn off notifications for specific types of alerts within an app if that app offers those controls.
Why am I getting notifications even though I turned them off?
The app may have its own notification settings that override your device settings. Open the app and look for a Settings or Preferences menu, then find the Notifications section and turn them off there. Also check whether Do Not Disturb or Focus mode is on — these silence notifications even when they are enabled in settings.
What is the difference between a banner and an alert?
A banner appears at the top of your screen for a few seconds and then disappears on its own. An alert stays on screen until you tap a button to dismiss it. Banners are less disruptive; alerts make sure you see the notification. You can choose which style you prefer in your notification settings.
Do I need to restart my phone after changing notification settings?
No. Changes to notification settings take effect immediately. If a notification does not arrive right after you turn it on, the app may not have sent one yet, or it may be running in the background with restrictions. Wait a moment and try triggering a notification from the app if possible.
Can I have different notification sounds for different apps?
On iPhone, yes — go to Settings, Notifications, tap the app, and scroll down to find the sound option. On Android, Windows, and Mac, it depends on the app. Some apps let you choose a sound in their own settings menu. Check the app's Notifications or Preferences section to see what options are available.