Why dont I get message notifications on my Iphone?

It becomes even more frustrating when you know you had your iPhone with you — but for some reason, your phone isn't notifying you of anything.

Fortunately, there are a variety of solutions to fix iPhone notification issues. 

How to fix iPhone notifications

If you're not getting notifications on your iPhone, try these 5 fixes — from restarting your iPhone to checking your Wi-Fi connection. 

Restart your iPhone

The first thing you should always do if you have an issue with your iPhone is to restart it.

A picture of an iPhone being held by someone, and they’re pressing the side button.

Simply restarting your iPhone can help fix a host of issues.Dave Johnson

Considering there are different iPhone models out there, here are the ways you can restart them all.

To restart an iPhone X or later:

1. Hold down the side button and volume up button or volume down button. 

2. When the power slider appears on your screen, drag it to the right to turn your phone off. 

3. When the iPhone completely shuts off, hold down the side button to turn it back on.

To restart an iPhone 8 Plus or earlier:

1. Hold down the side button. 

2. When the power slider appears on your screen, drag it to the right to turn your phone off.

3. When the iPhone completely shuts off, hold down the side button to turn it back on.

If the problem persists, try the tips below.

Make sure notifications are turned on 

Sometimes, the reason you're not getting notifications could simply be that you somehow turned them off. Here's how to double-check your notifications are on: 

1. Open the Settings app.

2. Tap Notifications.

3. Tap on Show Previews at the top. 

4. Tap Always so you'll receive notifications even if your iPhone is locked or unlocked.

5. To make sure notifications are turned on for a specific app, tap Back on the top left to go back to the notification settings. Under the sub-menu Notification Style, find and tap the app you want to receive notifications for. For this example, we'll use the meditation app Calm.

The "Show Previews" notification settings on iPhone, with the "Always" option highlighted.Stefan Ionescu

6. In the app's notification settings, you'll see a toggle next to Allow Notification. If it's gray, it means it's off, and you should tap it to turn it on – it will become green.

The Calm app’s notification settings, with the toggle next to “Allow Notifications” highlighted.

Once notifications are turned on, the slider will turn green, and for some apps, more options will appear below.Stefan Ionescu

Turn on mobile data 

Some apps require the internet to receive notifications. Here's how to make sure your mobile data is turned on:

1. Open the Settings app.

2. Tab Mobile data.

3. Tap the toggle next to Mobile Data to turn it on (the toggle will become green). 

The Mobile Data settings on iPhone, with the toggle next to “Mobile Data” highlighted.

Turn on mobile data if it's off to receive notifications from apps that require the internet.Stefan Ionescu

Quick tip: Alternatively, you can open Control Center and tap the icon that resembles a pole with waves coming off of it.

Check your Wi-Fi connection 

Instead of mobile data, you may also want to see if you're connected to the internet via Wi-Fi. Here's how to check your Wi-Fi connection: 

1. Open the Settings app.

2. Tap Wi-Fi

3. Turn Wi-Fi on by tapping the toggle next to Wi-Fi at the top – if it's green, it's on.

The Wi-Fi settings on iPhone, with the toggle next to “Wi-Fi” highlighted.

Make sure Wi-Fi is turned on – if you're not using mobile data – to receive notifications from some apps.Stefan Ionescu

4. Select and connect to a network listed under either Public Networks or Other Networks.

Quick tip: You can also connect to or update a Wi-Fi network using the Control Center.

Reset your iPhone's settings 

This should be seen as the very last option when all others have failed. Resetting all of your iPhone's settings will erase all your Wi-Fi networks, preferences, and passwords. However, your personal data, like text messages, photos, and apps, will be kept intact.

1. Open the Settings app.

2. In the Settings, tap General.

3. At the bottom of the General menu, tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.

The General settings on iPhone, with the “Transfer or Reset iPhone” option highlighted.

Tap "Transfer or Reset iPhone."Stefan Ionescu

4. Tap Reset.

The “Transfer or Reset iPhone” settings on iPhone, with the “Reset” option highlighted.

Tap "Reset."Stefan Ionescu

5. In the pop-up that shows up, tap Reset All Settings.

6. Enter your passcode (the one used to unlock your iPhone).

Quick tip: Make sure you backup your iPhone using iCloud or a computer before resetting its settings.

If none of these fix your issue, your phone might have a deeper problem. Try bringing it to Apple to see what they have to say.

Meira Gebel

Meira Gebel is a freelance reporter based in Portland, Oregon. She writes about business, culture, and technology for Insider. Her work has been featured in Digital Trends, Willamette Week, USA Today, and more. She is a graduate of Columbia Journalism School and San Francisco State University. 

Why are my message notifications not popping up?

If you find Text message notifications not working on Android 12, simply head to the settings application and click on Notifications. Scroll down, select the default text messaging app, and ensure the notifications are turned on.

Why am I suddenly not getting notifications on my iPhone?

You can fix an iPhone that's not getting notifications by restarting it or making sure notifications are turned on. You should also make sure your iPhone is connected to the internet so apps can receive notifications. If all else fails, you should try resetting the iPhone — just make sure to back it up first.