To turn off notifications on Android, swipe down to open the notification shade, then long-press any notification from the app you want to silence and tap the gear icon or "Turn off" option. Alternatively, go to Settings > Apps, select the app, tap Notifications, and toggle off "Allow notifications", these steps work across recent Android versions.
Turn off notifications from the notification shade
The quickest way to silence a specific app is directly from its alert. When you see a notification you don't want:
- Swipe down from the top of your screen to open the notification shade.
- Long-press the notification you want to disable. A menu will appear.
- Tap the gear icon or the "Turn off" option (sometimes labeled "Block all") to stop all alerts from that app.
This method instantly disables notifications for that app without opening Settings. You can repeat it for any other intrusive notifications you see. Long-press a notification in the shade to reveal a block or mute option, stopping future notifications from that app. On iPhone, swipe left over an alert in Notification Center or Lock Screen, tap Options, then tap Turn Off.
Adjust app notifications in Settings
For more granular control, or to manage notifications for apps that haven't sent an alert recently, use the main Settings menu:
- Open your device's Settings app.
- Tap "Apps" or "Applications" (wording may vary slightly by device).
- Select the app you want to adjust.
- Tap "Notifications" or "App notifications."
- Toggle off "Allow notifications" to silence all alerts from that app, or customize individual alert types (sound, vibration, pop-ups) to your preference.
You can repeat these steps for any other apps you want to manage. On iPhone, go to Settings > Notifications > tap the app under Notification Style, then turn off Allow Notifications. Newer iOS guidance shows an alternate path: Settings > Apps > select the app > Notifications > turn off Allow Notifications. If Notifications does not appear for an app on iPhone, the app might not be able to send notifications. On Android, to disable system notifications, go to Settings > Apps > See all apps or three-dot menu > Show system apps, then select the system app and toggle off Allow notifications.
Manage notification channels (Android 8.0 and later)
Starting in Android 8.0 (API level 26), apps organize their notifications into channels. Instead of silencing the entire app, you can disable only the noisy channels (like marketing) while keeping important ones active.
- Go to Settings > Apps and select the app.
- Tap "Notifications."
- Look for "Notification channels" (sometimes under "Advanced" or "Additional settings").
- Tap a specific channel, then toggle it off or customize its behavior (sound, importance level, etc.).
This lets you keep critical alerts (like messages or calendar reminders) while muting less important categories defined by the app. Some Android versions offer advanced notification settings like customizing sound, vibration, or LED color for specific apps.
Temporarily silence all notifications with Do Not Disturb
If you need a system-wide mute for a meeting, sleep, or focused work, use Do Not Disturb and silent mode. Do Not Disturb has been available since Android 5.0 and silences sound and vibration for all notifications. On Android 8.0 and higher, some apps can let certain channels override Do Not Disturb, so you can still allow urgent alerts through. For full setup instructions, including scheduling and allowing exceptions, see the dedicated Do Not Disturb settings on your device. iPhone Options menu also includes Mute for 1 Hour and Mute for Today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I turn off notifications for one app only?
Yes. Use the notification shade method (long-press a notification from that app) or go to Settings > Apps, select the app, and toggle off "Allow notifications." This only affects the chosen app.
Will turning off notifications affect alarms?
No. Alarms set in the Clock app are separate from app notifications. Disabling notifications for an app will not silence your alarm clock.
Do steps differ on Samsung vs. Pixel phones?
The core steps are the same, but menu labels may vary slightly. On Pixel phones, the path is typically Settings > Apps > select app > Notifications. Both methods lead to the same toggle.
Can I schedule quiet hours for notifications?
Yes. This is handled by the Do Not Disturb feature, which you can schedule for specific times (e.g., overnight or during meetings) in your device's Sound or Notification settings.
