To enable push notifications on Android, open your device's Settings app, then go to Notifications > App notifications, select the app, and turn its notifications on. This is the definitive system settings path that works across supported Android devices, including Pixel phones and Pixel Tablets, and it's where you'll also fix most notification problems.
How to enable push notifications on Android: The definitive system settings path
Android gives you per-app control over push notifications from one central place in system settings. This is the standard path to turn notifications on for any app you've installed.
- Open the device Settings app.
- Tap Notifications > App notifications.
- If needed, tap Most recent > All apps to find the app.
- Tap the app's name.
- Turn the app's notifications on.
On Android 13 and later, there's an extra requirement: apps installed on Android 13 or higher have notifications off by default until you grant them the notification runtime permission. So if you've just installed an app and aren't getting alerts, the permission is the first thing to check.
Enable notifications for Google apps
Some Google apps have their own documented notification settings paths that differ from the system-level route. These are the official alternatives for Gmail and the Google app.
For Gmail, open the Gmail app, tap Menu > Settings, choose your account, then tap Notifications and select Inbox notifications or Manage notifications.
For the Google app, tap your profile picture or initial, then go to Settings > Notifications to control alerts from that app.
Troubleshooting push notification issues on Android
If notifications aren't appearing, the problem is almost always in one of a few specific places. Work through these in order.
First, check whether notifications are off for the app in Settings > Notifications > App notifications. This is the system-level toggle that overrides everything else.
Second, check the app's own in-app notification settings. Some apps, like Gmail, have their own toggles such as Manage notifications or Inbox notifications that must be enabled separately from the system setting.
Third, on Android 13 and later, verify that the app has the notification permission. Because notifications are off by default until the user allows them, a newly installed app won't send alerts until you grant that permission.
Clear App Cache: Sometimes, accumulated app cache can cause issues with push notifications. To resolve this, go back to the app settings in your Android device's settings menu, find the app, and select the option to clear the app's cache.
Check Battery Optimization: Android devices often have a feature called Battery Optimization that can affect push notifications. Go to your Android device's settings, find the Battery or Power section, and look for the Battery Optimization option. Make sure that the app in question is not optimized for battery.
Disable Doze Mode: Starting with Android Marshmallow (version 6.0), devices have a feature called Doze Mode that hibernates apps to save battery when the device is idle. From there, you can exclude the app from the Doze Mode optimizations.
Clear Data and Reinstall: If all else fails, clearing the app's data and reinstalling it may help resolve the issue. Then proceed to uninstall the app and reinstall it from the Google Play Store.
Finally, for conversation-style notifications, Android also documents a shortcut: long-press the notification in the shade and open its settings from there. This takes you directly to the right settings screen for that specific conversation or app, which is faster than navigating through the full settings menu. Also, keep in mind that Do Not Disturb and silent mode can suppress alerts even when everything else is configured correctly, so check those system-wide toggles if notifications are still not appearing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I turn on push notifications on Android?
Use Settings > Notifications > App notifications, tap the app, and turn its notifications on. On Android 13 and later, you also need to grant the app the notification permission when prompted.
Why am I not receiving push notifications on Android?
The most common causes are the app's notifications being off in system settings, the app's own in-app notification toggle being disabled, or the notification permission not being granted on Android 13 and later. Check all three in that order, and also confirm Do Not Disturb isn't active.
Can I customize how push notifications appear on Android?
Yes. From Settings > Notifications > App notifications, tap an app to adjust its notification settings, including sound, vibration, and importance level. The options available depend on the app and your Android version.
How do I turn off push notifications for a specific app?
Go to Settings > Notifications > App notifications, tap the app, and turn notifications off. You can also long-press a notification from that app in the shade and open its settings from there.
How do I enable push notifications on iPhone?
For iPhone, the documented path is Settings > Apps > select the app > Notifications > Allow Notifications on or off. If Notifications does not appear, Apple says the app might not be able to send notifications.
Related reading: How To Enable Camera On Android Phone and How To Block An App On Android.
