Android Notification Settings Explained: Permissions to Do Not Disturb

Notifications are how your apps get your attention, and Android gives you far more control over them than most people use. You can decide which apps may notify you at all, which types of alert each app sends, which conversations break through and when your phone stays quiet.

This guide explains each layer, from the permission Android asks for when you install an app to Do not disturb. Names and locations vary between Samsung, Xiaomi, Pixel and other phones and between Android versions, so use the search bar in Settings when a path does not match.

The notification permission (Android 13 and later)

Since Android 13, apps must ask for permission before they can show notifications. When you open a new app, you may see a prompt asking whether to allow notifications.

• Allow if you want alerts from the app, such as a messaging app.
• Don't allow for apps you only open occasionally.

If you tapped the wrong option, you can change it later:

1. Open Settings → Apps and choose the app.
2. Tap Notifications.
3. Turn All notifications (or Show notifications) on or off.

This matters for apps installed from APK files, too. If a newly installed messaging app such as JTWhatsApp or JTelegram is not showing message alerts, check this switch first.

Notification categories (channels)

Since Android 8, apps can split notifications into categories, also called channels. WhatsApp, for example, has separate categories for messages, group messages and calls. Instagram and TikTok have categories for likes, comments, messages and more.

1. Open Settings → Apps → [app] → Notifications.
2. You will see a list of categories. Tap one to change it.
3. For each category, choose whether it alerts you with sound and vibration, arrives silently, or is turned off entirely.

A quick shortcut: long-press a notification when it appears, then tap the settings icon or Turn off notifications to go straight to that category.

Many apps also have their own notification settings inside the app. Android's switches override them; if Android blocks a category, the app cannot show it.

Conversations and priority

Recent Android versions show messaging notifications in a separate Conversations section at the top of the shade.

1. When a message notification appears, long-press it.
2. Choose Priority to make the conversation appear at the top, show on the lock screen and, on many phones, break through Do not disturb.
3. Choose Silent or Default for conversations you want to hear from less.

You can review all priority conversations under Settings → Notifications → Conversations on phones that support it.

Lock screen privacy

If other people can see your phone, control what appears before it is unlocked:

1. Open Settings → Notifications (on some phones, Settings → Lock screen).
2. Find Notifications on lock screen or Sensitive notifications.
3. Choose to hide content, so you see that a message arrived but not what it says, or to show no notifications at all.

Do not disturb

Do not disturb silences notifications, calls and alerts, with exceptions you choose.

1. Open Settings → Notifications → Do not disturb. On some newer Android versions, this is part of Modes.
2. Under People, choose who can still reach you, such as starred contacts or repeat callers.
3. Under Apps, allow specific apps to break through, for example a work messenger.
4. Under Schedules, set automatic quiet times, such as overnight.
5. Add the Do not disturb tile to Quick Settings for fast switching.

Alarms usually still sound during Do not disturb, but check the Alarms and other interruptions options to be sure.

Useful extras

• Notification history under Settings → Notifications shows alerts you dismissed by accident, on phones that support it.
• Snooze lets you push a notification back for a while. Turn it on under notification settings if you do not see the snooze option.
• Battery restrictions can delay notifications. If a messaging app's alerts arrive late, check that its battery setting is not Restricted.

Key takeaways

• Android 13 and later require apps to ask before showing notifications; you can change the choice in each app's settings.
• Use notification categories to keep useful alerts and silence the rest, app by app.
• Mark important chats as priority conversations.
• Hide sensitive content on the lock screen if others can see your phone.
• Set up Do not disturb with exceptions and schedules, and check battery settings if alerts are late.