How to Fix Notifications Not Working on
Google Pixel Phones [2025] 💥
Is your Google Pixel not displaying notifications? Are you missing important calls, texts, and emails? This common issue can be incredibly frustrating. After troubleshooting this problem extensively on my Pixel 7, I've compiled the solutions that actually work - so you don't have to waste time figuring it out yourself.
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These fixes are compatible with any recent Pixel phone running Android 15 or newer. Let's get your notifications working again.
Enable Notifications for Your Apps
This may seem obvious, but it's worth checking first. App notifications can be disabled without you realizing it, and this is often the culprit.
Open Settings and navigate to Notifications. Tap App notifications and scroll to the app that's not sending notifications - whether it's WhatsApp, Gmail, or another app. Select it to open the notification settings.
Look for the toggle labeled All [app name] notifications and ensure it's ON. Once enabled, additional options will appear below. Pay special attention to Allow full screen notifications (essential for incoming calls) and Allow notification dots (the badge that appears on your app icon). Enable both of these settings.
If this resolves your issue, you're all set. If not, continue to the next step...
Battery Optimization May Be Blocking Your Notifications
This is often the root cause of notification issues. Google's battery optimization feature is designed to extend battery life by limiting background app activity. However, this can inadvertently prevent apps from running in the background - which means they can't deliver notifications in real time.
Here's how to fix it. Open Settings and navigate to Apps. Tap See all apps and locate the app that isn't sending notifications. Select it, then find App battery usage.
Tap on it and you'll see Allow battery usage. Select it, and you'll be presented with two options: Optimized or Unrestricted. Choose Unrestricted to ensure the app can run in the background and deliver notifications without delay.
This tells your Pixel to stop putting the app to sleep and allow it to function properly in the background, so it can send you notifications as intended.
Apply this setting to every app where timely notifications matter - messaging apps, email, banking, and any other critical services. While this may result in slightly higher battery consumption, the trade-off is worth it to ensure you actually receive your notifications.
Check If Do Not Disturb Is Active
This is a quick but important check. If Do Not Disturb is enabled, it will block most notifications.
Open Settings, tap the search box at the top, type "disturb", and select Do not disturb from the results. If it's ON and you don't need it active, turn it OFF.
If you intentionally use Do Not Disturb, make sure your essential apps are added to the exceptions list so you can still receive critical notifications.
Enable Background Data for Your Apps
Another common issue is restricted background data. When this is disabled, apps can't check for new content when they're not actively open on your screen.
Return to Settings, then Apps. Select the app in question and look for Mobile data and Wi-Fi or Data usage (the exact wording varies by Pixel model).
Ensure that Background data is enabled. If available, also turn on Unrestricted data usage. Without these settings enabled, your apps essentially go offline when not in active use.
Why These Restrictions Exist
Google prioritizes battery life by aggressively limiting background app activity. While this approach can extend battery life, it often comes at the cost of functionality - preventing apps from delivering notifications in real time.
The solutions outlined here essentially override Google's default restrictions for your most important apps. The impact on battery life is minimal, especially considering modern Pixels already have strong battery performance.
Apply These Settings to All Essential Apps
Don't stop after fixing just one app. Go through every app where missing a notification would be problematic - messaging apps, email clients, work tools, banking apps, delivery services, and anything else you rely on daily.
Each app takes about 30 seconds to configure once you're familiar with the process. It's a small investment of time that will save you from constantly missing important notifications.
Still Experiencing Issues?
If you've applied all these fixes and still aren't receiving notifications, try restarting your Pixel. A fresh boot can help ensure all changes take effect properly.
Also check whether the app itself has notification settings within the app interface - some apps have their own notification toggles separate from Android's system settings.
Verify that Airplane mode isn't enabled and that Data Saver isn't active. If an app update is available, install it as well.
Key Takeaways
Google Pixel notification issues typically stem from overly aggressive power management settings. While these restrictions are intended to preserve battery life, they can prevent apps from functioning properly in the background.
The solution is to manually adjust these settings for your essential apps. While it requires some initial configuration, these changes will restore reliable notification delivery.
Follow the steps outlined above, and you'll regain consistent access to your notifications - no more missed messages, calls, or important updates.
Tested on Pixel 7 running Android 15. Compatible with Pixel 6, 7, 8, 9, and newer models. Configuration takes approximately 5-10 minutes for all apps. Difficulty level: Basic - requires only menu navigation.
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