Push notifications are messages your apps send to your device whether or not you have the app open
A push notification is a message that appears on your phone, tablet, or computer screen sent by an app or website — even when you are not using that app. The word "push" means the app is pushing the message to you, rather than you pulling it by opening the app yourself. When you see a notification pop up on your lock screen, in your notification center, or as a banner across the top of your screen, that is almost always a push notification.
The app does not need to be running for you to receive a push. Your device stays connected to the app's servers in the background, and when the app has something to tell you — a message from a friend, a package delivery update, a news alert — it sends that message through your phone's operating system directly to your screen. This is different from older systems where you had to open an app to see if anything new had happened.
Push notifications work because your device maintains a constant, low-power connection to Apple's servers (for iPhones), Google's servers (for Android phones), or Microsoft's servers (for Windows). The app developer sends the notification to these servers, which then deliver it to your device. This is why push notifications can reach you when ready, even if the app itself is closed.
Key Takeaways
- Push notifications are messages sent to your device by apps and websites, arriving whether or not you have the app open.
- The word "push" means the app is sending the message to you rather than you checking the app yourself.
- Your device stays connected to the app's servers in the background, which is how notifications arrive when ready.
- You can turn push notifications on or off for each app individually in your device settings, or turn them off entirely for specific types of alerts.
How push notifications reach your device
When an app wants to send you a notification, it does not contact your device directly. Instead, it sends the message to a push notification service run by your phone's operating system. On iPhones, this service is called Apple Push Notification Service (APNs). On Android phones, it is Google Cloud Messaging (GCM) or Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM). On Windows computers, it is Windows Push Notification Service (WNS).
These services act as a middleman between the app and your device. The app tells the service "send this message to this user," and the service delivers it through your phone's internet connection. Your device receives the message and displays it on your screen. This happens in seconds, which is why push notifications feel when ready.
Because push notifications go through your phone's operating system rather than the app itself, they work even when the app is completely closed. Your phone is always listening for messages from these services, using very little battery power to do so. This is why push notifications are more efficient than having apps constantly check for updates on their own.
The difference between push notifications and other alert types
Not every notification on your screen is a push notification. Some apps generate local notifications, which are alerts created by the app on your device without sending anything to a server. A timer app might create a local notification when your time is up, or a calendar app might remind you of an appointment. These notifications are created entirely on your phone and do not require an internet connection.
Push notifications require the app's servers to send them, while local notifications are created by the app itself on your device. In practice, this distinction matters mainly for troubleshooting: if push notifications are not arriving, the problem is usually your internet connection or your notification settings. If local notifications are not working, the problem is usually the app itself.
You may also see the term in-app notifications, which are messages that appear only when you have the app open. These are different from push notifications because they do not reach you when the app is closed. Some apps use all three types: push notifications for urgent alerts, local notifications for reminders, and in-app notifications for less important updates.
Where push notifications appear on your device
On iPhones, push notifications appear as banners at the top of your screen, as alerts that require you to respond, or as badges with a number on the app icon. You can also see all your recent notifications by swiping down from the top of the screen to open the notification center. On Android phones, notifications appear in a similar notification center that you access by swiping down from the top.
On Windows computers, push notifications appear as toast notifications — small boxes that pop up in the bottom right corner of your screen. You can also see all your notifications by clicking the notification center icon in the system tray. On Mac computers, notifications appear in the top right corner and are stored in the notification center.
The exact appearance and behavior of push notifications depends on your device's operating system and your notification settings. You can control whether notifications appear as banners, alerts, or silent badges, and you can choose whether they make a sound or vibrate your phone.
Why apps use push notifications instead of other methods
Apps use push notifications because they are fast, reliable, and battery-efficient. If an app had to check its servers every few seconds to see if there was something new, it would drain your battery quickly. Push notifications let the app's servers contact your device only when there is actually something to send, which saves power.
Push notifications are also more reliable than other methods. Because they go through your phone's operating system, they work even if the app crashes or if you have not opened the app in weeks. A messaging app can send you a notification about a new message when ready, without waiting for you to open the app.
From the app developer's perspective, push notifications are also a way to keep you engaged with their app. A notification reminds you that the app exists and gives you a reason to open it. This is why some apps send notifications about things you may not have asked for — they are trying to bring you back to the app.
How to control which apps can send you push notifications
On iPhones, go to Settings, then Notifications, and you will see a list of every app that has sent you a notification. Tap any app to see its notification settings. You can turn off all notifications for that app, or you can choose which types of notifications it can send. You can also decide whether notifications appear as banners, alerts, or badges, and whether they make a sound.
On Android phones, go to Settings, then Apps, find the app you want to control, tap Notifications, and toggle push notifications on or off. Some Android phones also let you control notifications through Settings > Notifications, which shows all apps in one place.
On Windows computers, go to Settings, then System, then Notifications & Actions. You can turn off notifications entirely or control them app by app. On Mac computers, go to System Preferences, then Notifications, and you can control each app's notification behavior.
The key point is that you control push notifications at the operating system level, not within the app itself. Even if an app's settings say "turn on notifications," you can still block those notifications in your device settings, and the app cannot override that choice.
Common reasons push notifications might not be working
If you are expecting a push notification and it does not arrive, the most common reason is that you have turned off notifications for that app in your device settings. Check your phone's notification settings for the app and make sure notifications are turned on. Some phones also have a "Do Not Disturb" mode that silences notifications, so check whether that is active.
Another common reason is that your device does not have an internet connection. Push notifications require a connection to your phone's operating system's push service, which requires internet. If you are on Wi-Fi or cellular data, this should not be a problem, but if your connection is weak or unstable, notifications may be delayed.
If notifications are turned on and your internet is working, the problem may be with the app itself or with the app's servers. Try closing and reopening the app, or uninstalling and reinstalling it. If notifications still do not arrive, the app may have a bug or the app's servers may be having problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do push notifications use data or battery?
Push notifications use very little data — usually just a few kilobytes per notification. They use minimal battery because your device is always listening for them anyway as part of its normal operation. The battery drain comes mainly from the notification sound or vibration, not from receiving the notification itself.
Can I get push notifications if I turn off my internet?
No. Push notifications require an active internet connection to reach your device. If you are in airplane mode or have no Wi-Fi or cellular connection, push notifications will not arrive until you reconnect. Some notifications may be delivered when you reconnect, depending on how long the app stores them.
What is the difference between a push notification and a text message?
A text message is sent through your phone carrier's network and arrives as an SMS or MMS. A push notification is sent through the internet by an app and arrives through your phone's operating system. Text messages work even without internet, but push notifications do not. Apps use push notifications because they are cheaper and faster than text messages.
Why do some apps send notifications I did not ask for?
Apps send notifications to keep you engaged and bring you back to the app. Even if you did not specifically ask for a notification, the app may have turned on notifications by default when you installed it. You can turn off notifications for any app in your device settings at any time.
Can I turn off push notifications for all apps at once?
On most phones, you can turn off notifications entirely in your device settings, but this will silence all apps. It is usually better to turn off notifications for specific apps instead, so you still get alerts from the apps you care about. Some phones have a "Do Not Disturb" mode that silences all notifications temporarily without turning them off permanently.