Summary
Notifications may not arrive because the app is being restricted in the background, network access is unavailable, or the app relies on Google/Firebase push (which Sidephone does not support). Follow the steps below to remove common blockers and verify delivery.
Steps
Check that notifications are enabled for the app.
Go to Settings → Notifications → App settings, select the app, and enable notifications OR go to Settings → Apps → [App] -> Scroll down and press Notifications, and enable notificationsConfirm you are connected to the internet.
Turn off Airplane mode, then verify Wi-Fi or mobile data is active and working in a browser.Allow background data for the app.
Go to Settings → Network & internet → Mobile network → App data usage → Scroll down to app and enable Background dataRemove the app from battery optimization.
Go to Settings → Battery → Battery Manager → Restricted apps, find the app, and set it to Don’t optimize (or Unrestricted).Allow the app to run in the background.
Go to Settings → Apps → [App] → Battery and select Unrestricted.Turn off Battery Saver.
Go to Settings → Battery → Battery Saver and toggle it Off, then test notifications again.Check app-specific notification settings.
Open the app and confirm in-app notification toggles (if any) are enabled.Force stop and reopen the app.
Go to Settings → Apps → [App] → Force stop, then reopen the app.Reboot the phone and retest.
Power off Sidephone completely, then power it back on.
Considerations
De-Googled limitation: Apps that rely on Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM)/Google Push will not receive real-time notifications on Sidephone unless the app implements its own push service or uses a polling model.
Carrier data restrictions: Some carriers block background data when low-data modes are active. Disable any carrier data saver features if applicable.
OS version differences: Menu names may vary slightly across Sidephone OS updates (e.g., “Unrestricted” vs. “Don’t optimize”).
Per-app behavior: Messaging apps (e.g., Signal, Telegram, WhatsApp) may require their own background permissions or always-on services to deliver notifications.
When to Contact Support
Contact Support if notifications for officially supported applications still do not arrive after completing all steps above.
What to Collect for Support
Sidephone model and OS version
Carrier (if using mobile data)
App(s) affected
Does the app rely on Google/Firebase push (if known)?
Are notifications missing on Wi-Fi, mobile data, or both?
Were all troubleshooting steps completed?
Approximate time/date when notifications stopped