Where to find push notification settings
Push notifications live in two places: your device settings and inside individual apps. The fastest route depends on whether you want to turn them on for one app or several at once.
On most phones and computers, you control notifications through a central settings menu. On iPhone, this is Settings > Notifications. On Android, it is Settings > Apps & Notifications > Notifications. On Windows, it is Settings > System > Notifications. On Mac, it is System Settings > Notifications. Once you open that menu, you will see a list of every app installed on your device, along with a toggle or switch next to each one.
Some apps also have their own notification controls buried inside the app itself — usually under Settings or Preferences. These let you fine-tune which types of messages you receive (like only urgent alerts, or messages from certain people) without turning notifications off entirely.
Key Takeaways
- Push notifications are turned on or off in your device settings, not through the app itself, though some apps have additional controls inside them.
- On iPhone, go to Settings > Notifications and toggle the switch next to the app name; on Android, go to Settings > Apps & Notifications > Notifications and do the same.
- On Windows, Settings > System > Notifications shows all apps; on Mac, System Settings > Notifications does the same.
- If an app does not appear in your device notification settings, it may not support push notifications at all, or you may need to restart your device after installing it.
Turning on notifications for a single app on iPhone
Open Settings and tap Notifications. Scroll down until you find the app you want to enable. Tap the app name.
At the top of the screen, you will see a toggle labeled "Allow Notifications." Tap it to turn it on — the toggle will turn green. Once you do, you can choose what kind of notifications you want: sounds, badges (the red number on the app icon), or banners (the alerts that pop up on your screen). You can also choose whether notifications appear on your lock screen, in your notification center, or both.
If the app does not appear in the Notifications list, it either does not support push notifications or you have not opened it yet. Open the app once, then return to Settings and look again.
Turning on notifications for a single app on Android
Open Settings and tap Apps & Notifications. Tap Notifications. You will see a list of all installed apps.
Find the app you want and tap it. You will see a toggle labeled "Allow notifications" or similar. Tap it to turn it on. Some Android phones also let you choose the notification channel — for example, whether you want alerts from Messages but not from Calls. If you see a list of channels, tap the ones you want to enable.
The exact wording and location of these settings varies by phone manufacturer. Samsung phones, for example, sometimes label this section differently than stock Android. If you cannot find the setting, search your Settings app for the app name or the word "notifications."
Turning on notifications on Windows
Open Settings and go to System > Notifications. You will see a list of all installed apps that support notifications.
Find the app you want and toggle the switch next to its name to the on position. You can also choose whether you want the app to show notifications on your lock screen, and whether you want sound alerts. Some apps have additional options — for example, Outlook lets you choose whether to show notifications for all emails or only flagged ones. These options appear below the main toggle.
If the app does not appear in the list, it may not support notifications, or Windows may not have recognized it yet. Restart your computer and check again.
Turning on notifications on Mac
Open System Settings and click Notifications in the sidebar. You will see a list of all installed apps.
Find the app you want and click it. A panel will open on the right side showing your options. Check the box next to "Allow notifications." You can then choose whether you want banners (temporary alerts that disappear) or alerts (boxes that stay until you dismiss them), and whether you want sound and badges.
Some apps also let you choose a notification style specific to that app — for example, Mail can show notifications only for messages from VIPs. These options appear in the same panel below the main toggle.
What to do if notifications still do not appear
If you have turned on notifications in your device settings but still are not seeing them, check three things. First, make sure the app itself is not blocking notifications — open the app and look for a Settings or Preferences menu, then search for "notifications." Second, check whether your device is in Do Not Disturb or Focus mode, which silences notifications even when they are turned on. On iPhone, swipe down from the top right; on Android, swipe down twice; on Windows and Mac, look for a notification center icon. Third, restart the app and your device — sometimes notifications do not set up until you do.
If notifications are turned on everywhere and your device is not in Do Not Disturb, the app itself may have a problem. Try uninstalling and reinstalling it. If that does not work, contact the app maker — they can tell you whether the app supports push notifications on your device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I not see an app in my notification settings even though it is installed?
Some apps do not support push notifications at all. Others do not appear in the settings list until you open them at least once. Open the app, then return to your notification settings and look again. If it still does not appear, the app likely does not support notifications.
Can I turn on notifications for some types of messages but not others?
Yes, but it depends on the app. Some apps let you choose notification channels inside the app itself — for example, Slack lets you turn on notifications for direct messages but not for channel messages. Open the app and look for Settings or Preferences, then search for "notifications." If the app does not have these options, you can only turn all notifications on or all off.
What is the difference between a banner and an alert?
A banner appears at the top of your screen for a few seconds, then disappears on its own. An alert is a box that stays on your screen until you tap or click it to dismiss it. Banners are less disruptive; alerts make sure you see the message. Most devices let you choose which style you prefer for each app.
Do I have to restart my phone after turning on notifications?
Usually not. Most apps start sending notifications when ready after you toggle the setting on. If an app is not sending notifications after you have turned them on, try closing and reopening the app, or restarting your device.