iPhone notifications not showing? 7 settings to check

2 min read · 7 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

If messages and alerts arrive late or not at all, a notification setting is almost always the reason. iOS has several features that deliberately hide or delay alerts.

Step by step

1. Turn off Focus

   Open Control Centre. If Do Not Disturb, Sleep, Work or another Focus is on, tap it to turn it off. A Focus can also be switched on from another of your Apple devices.

   Done

2. Check the app's notification settings

   Open Settings, Notifications, tap the app and switch on Allow Notifications. Tick Lock Screen, Notification Centre and Banners, and switch on Sounds.

   Done

3. Check Scheduled Summary

   Under Settings, Notifications, Scheduled Summary collects alerts from chosen apps and delivers them only at set times. Switch it off, or remove the app from the summary.

   Done

4. Look at settings inside the app

   WhatsApp, Instagram, Gmail and others have their own notification switches in their in-app settings. A muted chat stays silent whatever iOS is set to.

   Done

5. Turn off Low Power Mode and Low Data Mode

   Both reduce background activity, which can delay alerts. Low Data Mode is under Settings, Wi-Fi, the i next to your network, and under Mobile Service, Mobile Data Options.

   Done

6. Allow Background App Refresh

   Open Settings, General, Background App Refresh and make sure it is on for the app.

   Done

7. Restart and update

   Restart the iPhone, then update the app and iOS.

   Done

Good to know

If notifications show but make no sound, check Silent mode and the volume under Settings, Sounds & Haptics.

Notifications that appear on the Lock Screen as a number at the bottom are set to Count view. Change it under Settings, Notifications, Display As.

Reinstalling the app makes it ask for notification permission again, which resets a wrong choice.

In short: Focus off, Allow Notifications on for the app, Scheduled Summary off.