Push notifications let apps send you messages even when you're not using them

A push notification is a message that appears on your iPhone's lock screen or home screen, sent by an app even when you haven't opened it. When you enable push notifications for an app, Apple's servers relay that message to your phone. You control which apps can send them, how often, and whether they make sound or vibration.

The choice to turn notifications on or off is yours to make for each app individually. Some people want notifications from everything; others turn them off entirely and check apps manually. There's no security risk to receiving notifications themselves — the risk is distraction and the data Apple collects about which notifications you engage with. This guide walks you through the technical steps and helps you think through which apps actually need to reach you.

Key Takeaways

  • Push notifications are turned on or off one app at a time in Settings > Notifications, not globally for your whole phone.
  • You can allow notifications but turn off sound, badges, and lock screen display, so you see them only when you open the Notification Center.
  • Turning off notifications for an app does not prevent it from working — it just stops the messages from reaching you.
  • Apps can request notification permission the first time you use them, and you can change your answer anytime in Settings.
  • Disabling notifications for apps that track your behavior reduces the data Apple collects about your engagement with those services.

How to turn on notifications for a specific app

Open Settings on your iPhone. Scroll down and tap Notifications. You'll see a list of every app on your phone, organized alphabetically. Find the app you want to enable notifications for and tap its name.

On the next screen, toggle the switch next to "Allow Notifications" to the right (it will turn green). Once you do this, the app can send you messages. Below that toggle, you'll see options for how those notifications appear: on the lock screen, in the Notification Center, or as a banner at the top of your screen. Choose whichever style you prefer, then go back to the Notifications list.

Control how notifications look and sound

After you've allowed notifications for an app, you can fine-tune exactly how they reach you. In that same app's notification settings, you'll see toggles for "Sounds" and "Badges." A badge is the red number that appears on the app's icon (like the "3" on Mail when you have three unread messages). You can turn sounds on or off separately from the notification itself appearing.

If you want the app to send notifications but you don't want them interrupting you constantly, turn off "Sounds" and "Badges" but leave "Allow Notifications" on. The messages will still arrive and sit in your Notification Center, but they won't make noise or change your home screen. You'll see them only when you swipe down from the top of your screen to open Notification Center.

Some apps also offer a "Time Sensitive" option. Turning this on means the app's notifications will bypass your Do Not Disturb settings and reach you even when you've silenced your phone. Use this sparingly — only for apps where you genuinely need urgent alerts.

What happens when an app first asks for permission

The first time you open many apps, they'll show a popup asking "Would you like to receive notifications from [App Name]?" You can tap "Allow" or "Don't Allow" right then. If you tap "Don't Allow," the app won't send notifications unless you change your mind later in Settings.

If you accidentally tap "Don't Allow" and later want to turn notifications on, go back to Settings > Notifications, find the app, and toggle "Allow Notifications" on. The app won't ask again — it will just start sending them. You can also turn notifications back off the same way anytime you change your mind.

Why you might want to turn notifications off for certain apps

Every notification you engage with — opening it, dismissing it, or ignoring it — is data that Apple and the app developer collect about your behavior. Apps use this data to understand which messages work best at getting your attention, so they can send more of them. If you disable notifications for an app, you reduce the amount of behavioral data being collected about you.

Notifications also create a record on your device. Your iPhone stores notification history, and anyone with access to your phone can see what messages you've received. If you receive sensitive notifications (from a bank, a health app, or a dating service), turning off notifications or disabling lock screen display means those messages won't be visible to someone glancing at your phone.

From a practical standpoint, most people benefit from turning off notifications for apps they don't need to hear from urgently. Email, social media, games, and shopping apps are common candidates. Keep notifications on for things that genuinely need your when ready attention: calls, texts, calendar reminders, or work apps.

Turning off notifications for all apps at once

If you want to disable notifications globally — meaning no app can send you any messages — go to Settings > Notifications and scroll to the very bottom. Tap "Show Previews" and select "Never." This prevents notification content from appearing on your lock screen. However, this doesn't turn off notifications entirely; apps can still send them to your Notification Center.

There is no single toggle to turn off all notifications at once. You have to disable them app by app. If you want a cleaner approach, go through your Notifications list and turn off "Allow Notifications" for every app except the ones you actually need to hear from. It takes a few minutes but gives you precise control.

Frequently Asked Questions

If I turn off notifications, will the app stop working?

No. Turning off notifications only stops the messages from reaching you. The app itself will work normally. You can still open it, use it, and see new content — you just won't get alerted when something happens.

Can I turn off notifications for one type of message but keep others?

It depends on the app. Some apps let you customize which types of notifications you receive (like "Messages only" or "Promotions only") within their own settings, separate from the iPhone Notifications menu. Check the app's settings first, then adjust the iPhone-level controls if you need more granular control.

What's the difference between turning off sounds and turning off notifications entirely?

Turning off sounds means notifications still arrive and appear in your Notification Center, but they won't make noise or vibrate. Turning off notifications entirely means the app can't send you messages at all. Choose based on whether you want to see the messages when you check your phone manually.

Will my contacts know if I turn off notifications from their messages?

No. Turning off notifications is a setting on your phone only. The person sending the message has no way to know whether you've enabled notifications for their messages or not. They'll see the same delivery status they always do.

Can apps send notifications if I've turned off notifications in Settings?

No. Once you toggle "Allow Notifications" off for an app in Settings, that app cannot send you any notifications until you turn it back on. The app cannot override this setting.