Troubleshooting Signal notifications not working

Applies to: Signal Messenger (Android, iOS)
Last updated: September 2025

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Problem

You’re not receiving Signal message alerts, sounds, or banners. Notifications only appear when you open the app, or sometimes don’t show at all.

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Solution

Notification issues are typically caused by system notification settings, app restrictions, or battery/data saver modes. Adjusting these usually fixes the problem.

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Step-by-step Instructions

Step 1: Check Signal notification settings

1. Open Signal.
2. Go to Settings > Notifications.
3. Ensure Message notifications and Call notifications are enabled.
4. Select your preferred sound and vibration pattern.

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Step 2: Check device notification permissions

• Android:
  1. Settings > Apps > Signal > Notifications.
  2. Ensure Allow notifications is ON.
  3. Enable banners, lock screen, and sound.
• iPhone:
  1. Settings > Notifications > Signal.
  2. Toggle Allow Notifications ON.
  3. Select Alerts for Lock Screen, Notification Center, and Banners.

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Step 3: Disable battery optimization / data saver

• Android:
  • Settings > Battery > Battery Optimization > Signal > Don’t optimize.
  • Ensure Data Saver is off.
• iPhone:
  • Settings > Battery > Turn off Low Power Mode.

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Step 4: Allow background activity

• Android: Settings > Apps > Signal > Mobile Data & Wi-Fi > Enable Background data.
• iPhone: Settings > Signal > Background App Refresh > On.

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Step 5: Restart or reinstall Signal

• Restart your device to refresh notification services.
• If still failing, uninstall and reinstall Signal (chats remain if backed up).

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Optional Methods or Tools

• If Do Not Disturb is enabled, whitelist Signal for exceptions.
• On Android, check if third-party “cleaner” or “task killer” apps are interfering.

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Best Practices / Tips

• Keep Signal updated to avoid notification bugs.
• For group chats, customize notifications (mute, sound change, etc.) to prioritize important ones.
• Restart your phone every few days to keep background services stable.
• Remember: Disappearing messages still trigger notifications but may disappear before you view them.