Where to find push notifications and why they're off by default

Push notifications are turned off by default on most devices because manufacturers assume you'll turn on only the ones you actually want. The steps to turn them on differ depending on whether you're using an iPhone, Android phone, Windows computer, or Mac — and they differ again for each app. The good news: once you know where to look, the process takes less than a minute per app.

Your device doesn't send notifications to an app unless you explicitly allow it. This means if an app you use isn't notifying you, it's almost certainly because notifications are blocked at the device level, not because the app itself is broken. You control this through your phone's settings, not through the app.

Key Takeaways

  • Push notifications are blocked by default on iPhones and Android phones; you must turn them on in Settings for each app individually.
  • On iPhones, go to Settings > Notifications and find the app name, then toggle Allow Notifications on.
  • On Android phones, go to Settings > Apps > Notifications, find the app, and toggle Notifications on.
  • Windows and Mac computers have separate notification settings in their system preferences that work differently from phones.
  • Some apps let you choose which types of notifications arrive (messages only, or messages plus promotional alerts), so check the app's own settings after enabling them at the device level.

Turning on notifications on an iPhone

Open Settings and tap Notifications. You'll see a list of every app on your phone. Find the app you want notifications from and tap its name. Toggle the switch next to "Allow Notifications" to the right (it will turn green). That's the essential step — the app can now send you notifications.

Below that toggle, you'll see options for how those notifications appear: as a banner at the top of your screen, as a badge (a red number on the app icon), or as a sound. You can also choose whether notifications show on your lock screen or in your notification center. These are all optional — if you just want the app to notify you at all, turning on "Allow Notifications" is enough.

If an app isn't in your Notifications list, it means the app either doesn't support notifications or you haven't opened it yet. Open the app once, then go back to Settings > Notifications and look again.

Turning on notifications on an Android phone

Open Settings and look for Apps or process Manager (the exact name varies by phone brand). Tap it, then find Notifications or Notification Settings. You should see a list of apps. Find the app you want notifications from and tap its name. Look for a toggle or switch labeled "Notifications" or "Allow notifications" and turn it on.

Some Android phones organize this differently. If you can't find it under Apps, try going to Settings > Notifications directly, or Settings > Sound and Vibration > Notifications. Once you're in the right place, the toggle will be obvious — it's usually a switch you slide to the right.

After you turn on notifications at the device level, open the app itself and look in its settings (usually a gear icon or three dots). Many apps let you choose which notifications you want — for example, a messaging app might let you turn on message alerts but turn off promotional notifications. The app's own settings control what types of notifications you receive; the device setting controls whether any notifications from that app can reach you at all.

Turning on notifications on Windows

Open Settings and go to System > Notifications. You'll see a toggle for "Notifications" at the top — make sure it's on. Below that, you'll see a list of apps. Find the app you want notifications from and toggle its switch on.

Windows also lets you control whether notifications show a banner, play a sound, or appear in your notification center. These options appear below each app's toggle. If you want the app to notify you but don't want sound, you can turn off the sound toggle while leaving notifications on.

Some apps that come with Windows (like Mail or Calendar) may have their own notification settings inside the app as well. If you've turned on notifications in Settings but still aren't seeing them, open the app and check its preferences.

Turning on notifications on a Mac

Click the Apple menu and go to System Settings (or System Preferences on older Macs). Look for Notifications. You'll see a list of apps on the left side. Click the app you want notifications from, then make sure "Allow notifications" is checked. You can also choose whether notifications appear as banners, alerts, or badges.

On a Mac, you can also control whether notifications appear when you're using the app (called "when the app is active") or only when you're not using it. By default, most apps notify you only when you're not actively using them, which reduces distraction.

What to do if notifications still aren't working

If you've turned on notifications in your device settings but still aren't receiving them, check three things. First, open the app itself and look for its own notification settings — the app may have a second layer of controls that override your device settings. Second, check whether Do Not Disturb or Focus mode is on; these features silence notifications even when they're enabled. Third, restart your phone or computer; sometimes the notification system needs a fresh start to work properly.

If the app is brand new, give it a few minutes. Some apps don't send notifications until they've been open at least once. If you've done all this and notifications still aren't arriving, the app itself may have a problem — try uninstalling and reinstalling it, or contact the app's support team.

Understanding notification permissions and privacy

When you turn on notifications for an app, you're giving that app permission to send you messages. This is separate from other permissions (like location or camera access). An app can have notifications turned on but location turned off, or vice versa. You control each permission independently.

Some apps ask for notification permission the first time you open them. If you tap "Don't Allow," you'll need to go back through your device settings to turn them on later — the app won't ask again. This is why it's useful to know where your notification settings live: if you change your mind about an app later, you know exactly where to go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why would an app not appear in my notification settings?

Apps only appear in your notification settings after you've opened them at least once. If an app you just installed isn't showing up, open it, then go back to your notification settings and look again. It should appear within a few seconds.

Can I turn on notifications for some types of messages but not others?

Yes, but this usually happens inside the app itself, not in your device settings. Turn on notifications at the device level first, then open the app and look for its settings or preferences. Many apps let you choose notification types — for example, a social media app might let you turn on notifications for messages from friends but turn off notifications for likes and comments.

Do I have to turn on notifications for every single app?

No. Turn on notifications only for apps where you actually want them. Your device won't notify you from any app unless you explicitly allow it, so you're in control of which apps can reach you.

What's the difference between turning on notifications in Settings and in the app itself?

Your device settings control whether the app is allowed to send notifications at all. The app's own settings control what kinds of notifications you receive. You need both turned on: device permission first, then app preferences second.

Will turning on notifications drain my phone battery?

Notifications themselves use very little battery. The app sending the notification uses more power, but that's true whether notifications are on or off. Turning on notifications won't noticeably affect your battery life.