How to Fix App Notifications That Aren’t Showing on Android
Android gives you several layers of notification control, so an app can be allowed to run while one notification category is silent or blocked. Menu names can vary by phone maker.
The Quick Answer
Step-by-Step
Step 1: Check the app’s notification permission
Open Settings > Notifications > App notifications, choose the affected app, and make sure notifications are enabled.
Step 2: Check notification categories
Inside the app notification settings, make sure the specific category you need is enabled and set to alert rather than silent.
Step 3: Check Do Not Disturb and Modes
Open Settings > Modes or Do Not Disturb and confirm the app or conversation is not being filtered.
Step 4: Check the app itself
Open the app and review its own notification settings. Some apps have controls in addition to Android’s system permission.
Step 5: Check lock-screen behavior
In Notifications settings, verify that the type of notification you expect is allowed to appear on the lock screen.
Step 6: Restart and update
Restart the phone and install available Android and app updates, then send a fresh test notification.
Step 7: Use Notification history
If supported, open Settings > Notifications > Notification history to see whether alerts arrived but were dismissed or silenced.
Pro tip
Menu names vary by manufacturer.
Tips
- Check Notification history if your phone supports it.
- Test with one new notification after each change.
Common Mistakes
- Turning on notifications globally but leaving the app category disabled.
- Assuming every Android phone uses identical menu names.
Frequently Asked Questions
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