Where to find notification settings on your device
Notifications are turned on through your device's main settings, not through individual apps. On most phones and computers, you'll find a dedicated section for notifications that controls which apps can send you alerts and how they appear.
The exact path depends on what you're using. On an iPhone, open Settings, then tap Notifications. On Android, open Settings, then search for "notifications" or look under Apps & notifications. On Windows, go to Settings, then System, then Notifications. On a Mac, open System Settings, then Notifications.
Once you're in the notifications section, you'll see a list of apps that have requested permission to send you alerts. Some apps appear here automatically after you install them; others won't show up until they've tried to send a notification at least once.
Key Takeaways
- Notifications are managed in your device's main settings, not within individual apps, though some apps have their own notification preferences too.
- On iPhone, go to Settings > Notifications; on Android, go to Settings > Apps & notifications; on Windows, go to Settings > System > Notifications; on Mac, go to System Settings > Notifications.
- You can turn notifications on or off for each app individually, and choose how they appear — as banners, sounds, badges, or lock screen alerts.
- Some apps require you to grant permission before they can send notifications, and you can change that permission at any time.
Turning notifications on for a specific app
Once you're in your device's notification settings, find the app you want to receive alerts from. Tap or click on it to open its notification options. You'll usually see a toggle or switch labeled "Allow Notifications" or similar — turn that on.
After you enable notifications for an app, you can customize how they appear. You might choose whether to show them on your lock screen, whether to play a sound, whether to show a badge (a small number or dot on the app icon), or whether to group notifications from that app together.
If an app doesn't appear in your notification settings at all, it either hasn't requested permission yet or it's an app that doesn't support notifications. Try opening the app itself and looking for a notification or alert preference in its own settings menu.
Allowing an app permission to send notifications
The first time an app tries to send you a notification, your device will ask for permission. A popup will appear asking "Allow [App Name] to send you notifications?" Tap or click Allow to turn notifications on for that app.
If you tap Don't Allow, the app won't be able to send notifications unless you change your mind later. You can always grant permission retroactively by going back to your device's main notification settings, finding the app, and turning notifications on there.
Some apps are more aggressive about requesting notification permission than others. You don't have to allow every request — you can deny permission for apps you don't want to hear from, and change your decision anytime.
Different notification styles and what they mean
Once notifications are turned on, you can choose how they appear. A banner is a small popup that slides 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 a small number or dot on the app's icon that shows you have unread notifications.
You can also control whether notifications play a sound, whether they appear on your lock screen (the screen you see before you unlock your device), and whether they show a preview of the message content or just say "1 notification" without details.
Different apps may support different notification styles. A messaging app might let you choose between banners and alerts, while a calendar app might only offer badges. Check each app's notification settings to see what options are available.
Turning notifications back off
If you change your mind and want to stop receiving notifications from an app, go back to your device's notification settings, find the app, and toggle notifications off. The app will no longer send you alerts, though it will continue to work normally.
You can also turn off notifications temporarily without disabling them permanently. Most devices have a Do Not Disturb or Focus mode that silences all notifications for a set period of time. On iPhone, swipe down from the top right corner and tap the Focus icon. On Android, swipe down twice and look for Do Not Disturb. On Windows and Mac, look for Focus Assist or Focus mode in your settings.
Why some apps won't send notifications even after you turn them on
If you've turned notifications on but still aren't receiving alerts from an app, a few things might be blocking them. Check whether your device's overall notification volume is muted — look for a physical mute switch on the side of your phone, or check your volume settings. Some devices have a separate notification volume that's different from your regular volume.
Also check whether you've accidentally enabled Do Not Disturb or Focus mode, which silences notifications even if they're turned on in settings. Battery saver mode can also delay or suppress notifications on some devices. If the app itself has its own notification settings (separate from your device settings), make sure notifications are turned on there too.
If none of that works, try closing and reopening the app, or restarting your device. Sometimes a notification permission gets stuck, and a restart clears it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I turn on notifications for some apps but not others?
Yes. You control notifications individually for each app. Go to your device's notification settings, find each app, and turn notifications on or off separately. You can have notifications on for your messaging app but off for your email app, for example.
What's the difference between allowing notifications and turning them on?
Allowing notifications gives an app permission to send you alerts. Turning them on means you want to receive those alerts. You can allow an app to send notifications but turn them off in your settings so you don't actually receive them.
Will turning on notifications drain my battery?
Notifications themselves use very little battery. The main battery drain comes from apps that constantly check for new information to notify you about. If battery life is a concern, turn off notifications for apps that check frequently, or use battery saver mode.
Can I get notifications from an app if I haven't installed it?
No. You need to install an app before it can send you notifications. Some websites can send notifications through your web browser if you grant permission, but that's different from app notifications.
What if I accidentally denied notification permission and can't find the app in settings?
Open the app itself and look for a notification or alert setting in its menu. Many apps have their own notification controls. If the app asks for permission again, you can allow it then. Otherwise, you may need to uninstall and reinstall the app to get the permission request again.