Where to find notification settings on each device
Notifications live in different places depending on what device you use. On an iPhone, they are in Settings > Notifications. On Android, go to Settings > Apps & Notifications > Notifications. On Windows, open Settings > System > Notifications. On a Mac, go to System Settings > Notifications. The path is always the same: find Settings, then look for a section with "Notifications" in the name.
Once you are in the notifications area, you will see a list of apps that can send you messages. Some apps appear there automatically when you install them. Others only show up after they have tried to send you a notification at least once. If you do not see an app you want notifications from, check whether you have installed it yet — you cannot turn on notifications for software that is not on your device.
Key Takeaways
- Notification settings are always in your device's main Settings app, under a section labeled Notifications or Apps & Notifications.
- You turn notifications on by finding the app name in the list and toggling the switch next to it to the on position.
- Most apps ask permission the first time they want to send a notification, and you can change your answer later in Settings.
- You can control whether notifications make a sound, show a badge number, or appear on your lock screen without turning them off completely.
- If an app does not appear in your notification settings, it either is not installed or has never tried to send you a message yet.
Turning notifications on for a specific app
Find the app name in your notification settings list and look for a toggle or switch next to it. On iPhones and Macs, this is usually a gray or white circle that slides left and right. On Android and Windows, it is often a checkbox or a similar toggle. Tap or click the switch to move it to the on position — it will usually turn blue or green to show it is active.
After you turn the toggle on, the app can now send you notifications. You may see additional options appear below the app name, such as "Allow Notifications" or "Show Notifications". These are often already set to on once you enable the main toggle, but you can adjust them if you want finer control over how the notifications behave.
What happens when an app asks for permission
The first time an app tries to send you a notification, your device will show a popup asking whether you want to allow it. This popup appears on top of whatever you are doing and requires you to answer before you can continue. You will see two buttons: one that says "Allow" or "Yes", and one that says "Don't Allow" or "No".
If you tap "Allow", notifications from that app are turned on when ready. If you tap "Don't Allow", the app cannot send you notifications — but you can change your mind later by going back to Settings and turning them on manually using the toggle. Many people tap "Don't Allow" by accident or because they are not sure, so knowing you can reverse the decision in Settings is important.
Customizing how notifications appear
Once notifications are turned on for an app, you usually have choices about how they behave. On most devices, you can decide whether notifications make a sound, whether they show a number badge on the app icon, and whether they appear on your lock screen. These options sit below the main toggle in your notification settings.
For example, you might turn on notifications for a work email app but disable the sound so it does not interrupt you during meetings. Or you might allow notifications from a messaging app to appear on your lock screen so you can read them without unlocking your phone. Each app's notification options are slightly different, so look for labels like "Sound", "Badge", "Lock Screen", or "Preview" to find what you want to change.
Turning notifications back off if you change your mind
If you turn on notifications and later decide you do not want them, go back to the same Settings screen and toggle the switch to the off position. The app will no longer send you any notifications. You can turn them back on again at any time by returning to Settings and toggling the switch on again.
Some people turn notifications off temporarily — for example, during work hours or while sleeping — and then turn them back on later. Others turn them off permanently for apps they no longer use. There is no penalty for changing your mind, and the app will continue to work normally whether notifications are on or off.
Why an app might not send notifications even when they are on
Sometimes you turn on notifications but still do not receive them. This usually happens because of a setting outside the app's own notification controls. Check whether your device is in Do Not Disturb or Focus mode — these features silence notifications even when they are turned on in Settings. On iPhones, swipe down from the top right corner to see whether Do Not Disturb is active. On Android, swipe down twice from the top to see your full quick settings panel.
Another common reason is that the app itself is not running or has not been opened in a long time. Some apps need to be launched at least once before they can send notifications reliably. If you have not opened an app in weeks, try opening it manually and then checking whether notifications arrive. You can also check your device's battery settings — some devices restrict notifications from apps that use a lot of power, especially if your battery is low.
Notification settings on your computer versus your phone
Computers handle notifications differently than phones. On Windows, notifications appear as small boxes in the bottom right corner of your screen and disappear after a few seconds. On a Mac, they slide in from the right side. You turn them on the same way — through Settings — but the visual appearance is different because computers have larger screens and you are usually looking at them while working.
Some apps send notifications to both your phone and your computer. For example, a messaging app might notify you on your phone when you are away, but also notify your computer when you are at your desk. You can control each device separately, so you might turn on notifications on your phone but turn them off on your computer if you find them distracting while working.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between turning notifications off and muting an app?
Turning notifications off in Settings stops the app from sending you any messages at all. Muting usually means the app can still send notifications, but they will not make a sound or vibration. The mute option is often found in the same notification settings menu, labeled as "Sound" or "Silent". You can mute an app without turning notifications off completely.
If I turn on notifications, will the app use more battery?
Notifications themselves use very little battery. However, some apps that send frequent notifications may check for new information more often, which can use slightly more power. The difference is usually small unless an app is sending dozens of notifications per hour. If battery life is a concern, turning off notifications from apps you do not need to hear from is a reasonable step.
Can I turn on notifications for only certain types of messages from one app?
This depends on the app. Some apps, like email or messaging platforms, let you customize notifications by folder, contact, or message type within their own settings — separate from your device's notification settings. Check the app's own preferences menu to see what options are available. Your device's notification settings control whether the app can send notifications at all, but the app itself may offer finer control.
Why do some apps not appear in my notification settings?
Apps only appear in notification settings after they have been installed and have attempted to send at least one notification. If an app is not in the list, either you have not installed it yet or it has never tried to notify you. Once you install the app and it sends its first notification, it will appear in your settings.
Can I schedule notifications to turn on and off at certain times?
Your device's Do Not Disturb or Focus mode can schedule when notifications are silenced, but this silences all notifications, not just one app. Some individual apps have their own scheduling features — for example, a calendar app might let you turn off notifications during work hours. Check the app's settings to see if this option exists. Your device's notification settings do not have built-in scheduling for individual apps.