Push notifications not arriving: how they work and where to look for the problem

Several systems are involved between sending a message and seeing a pop-up banner: the app, the server, the app store, the operating system, your device settings and even battery saver mode. So if notifications aren't coming through, the key is to figure out where things break.

In this article, we'll cover:

• how push notifications work on iPhone, Android and desktop;
• how app stores affect them;
• how to troubleshoot the problem step by step;
• the most common causes.

How it works

The mechanism is a little different on each platform.

• iPhone is the most predictable. All notifications go through the Apple Push Notification service (APNs): the Pachca server sends a request to Apple, and Apple delivers it to your phone. There are few intermediaries, but iOS is strict about permissions. If notifications are turned off or a Focus mode is on, they simply won't show up.
• Android works in a similar way, but through Google's Firebase service. The main thing about Android is that every manufacturer adds its own settings. This is especially noticeable with RuStore and on Xiaomi, Huawei and Honor devices: the system may "kill" apps running in the background, block autostart and restrict network access on its own. All of this affects notifications.
• Desktop. The Pachca web and desktop apps keep a constant socket connection to the server, so notifications arrive almost instantly as long as the page is open in your browser.

Check notifications on iOS

1. Notification permissions

Make sure notifications are turned on for Pachca, with banners, sounds and badges allowed.

Settings -> Pachca -> Notifications

2. Focus and Do Not Disturb

These modes hide notifications even if permissions are granted. Check that neither of them is on, or that Pachca is on the list of allowed apps.

Settings -> Focus

3. Notification summary

iOS can group notifications into a "summary" and show them at set times, so they don't arrive right away. Turn this off for Pachca.

Settings -> Notifications -> Scheduled Summary

4. Internet connection

Push notifications don't arrive without a stable internet connection. Check your Wi-Fi or mobile data. If you use a VPN or a corporate network, try turning it off.

5. App updates

An outdated version of Pachca may be unstable after iOS updates. Check for updates.

App Store -> your profile -> Pachca

6. Reinstall the app

If nothing else helps, delete Pachca and install it again. This refreshes the push token and clears local errors. You won't lose any data: it's stored on the server.

Check notifications on Android

Start with a test notification

Send a test notification to this device to see right away whether delivery works. If it doesn't arrive, follow the steps below.

Profile -> Notification settings -> Send test notification

Installed Pachca from RuStore? Here's what to know

In the RuStore version, all notifications are delivered through RuStore itself, which acts as an intermediary. If RuStore "falls asleep" in the background, notifications don't arrive. As soon as it wakes up (for example, when you open any other app from RuStore), all the pending notifications come in at once.

To fix this, set up Pachca and RuStore the same way: allow autostart and background activity and remove battery saver restrictions for both apps.

1. Notification permissions

Check that notifications are allowed and not set to "silent."

Settings -> Apps -> Pachca -> Notifications

2. Autostart for Pachca and RuStore

Without autostart permission, the system won't let an app run in the background. Turn it on for both apps. This is especially important on Xiaomi, Huawei and Honor.

Settings -> Apps -> Pachca -> Autostart
Settings -> Apps -> RuStore -> Autostart

3. Background activity and battery saver for Pachca and RuStore

Battery saver mode can force apps to "sleep." Remove the restrictions for both Pachca and RuStore.

Settings -> Battery -> Pachca -> Unrestricted
Settings -> Battery -> RuStore -> Unrestricted

4. Internet and VPN

A VPN or corporate network may block the connection to the servers that deliver notifications. Try turning it off for a while.

5. App updates

Check for updates, especially if notifications stopped after a system update.

Google Play / RuStore / Galaxy Store -> Pachca

6. Reinstall the app

Delete Pachca and install it again. This resets the push token and fixes local errors. Your data is kept.

Check notifications on web and desktop

Start with a test notification

Send a test notification to this device to see right away whether delivery works. If it doesn't arrive, follow the steps below.

Profile -> Notification settings -> Send test notification

1. Browser permissions

Your browser asks for a separate permission to show notifications. Check that it's granted to the Pachca site.

Browser settings -> Privacy -> Notifications -> app.pachca.com

2. System notifications

Browser notifications only work if they're allowed at the operating system level.

• Windows: Settings -> System -> Notifications
• macOS: System Settings -> Notifications -> your browser

3. Do Not Disturb

On a Mac, it's called Focus. On Windows, it's Focus assist. Both modes block all notifications.

4. Keep the tab open

The Pachca web app uses a constant connection to the server. If the tab is closed or the browser is unloaded from memory, notifications won't arrive. Keep the tab open or use the desktop app.

5. VPN and corporate network

Some VPNs and corporate networks block the WebSocket connections that browser notifications need. Try turning off your VPN for a while.

⚠️ If these steps didn't solve your notification issues, you can always contact Pachca support (Telegram or MAX) for help.