Push Notifications on Android
Overview
When you install a loyalty card on your Android device, you can receive push notifications from businesses to keep you updated on your rewards, special offers, and important reminders. These notifications appear in your device's notification panel, making it easy to stay connected with your favourite businesses.
What you'll receive:
Updates when you earn points, stamps, or rewards
Reminders to visit and use your loyalty card
Birthday wishes and special offers
Notifications about balance changes or reward availability
Exclusive member-only promotions
Push notifications help you get the most value from your loyalty cards without having to constantly check them manually. You're notified at just the right moments—when there's something relevant for you.
Important: Unlike Apple Wallet which automatically enables notifications, on Android you need to manually enable notifications for each loyalty card you want to receive updates from.
Before You Begin
Requirements:
Loyalty card installed on your Android device (as a Progressive Web App)
Android device with notification permissions enabled
Internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data)
Note: Android loyalty cards work as Progressive Web Apps (PWAs), which means they function like apps but are accessed through your browser. Notifications work similarly to regular app notifications.
How Push Notifications Appear on Android
In Your Notification Panel
When a business sends you a notification, it appears in your Android device's notification panel:
What you'll see:
The business name or loyalty card name
A brief message from the business
The time the notification was received
The business logo or card icon
Example notifications:
"Thanks for your visit! You now have 8 out of 10 stamps ⭐"
"You're only 2 stamps away from your free coffee!"
"Happy Birthday! We have a special gift waiting for you 🎉"
To access notifications:
Swipe down from the top of your screen to open the notification panel
Tap any notification to open the loyalty card and see details
Swipe left or right on a notification to dismiss it
Lock Screen Notifications
If your device is locked when a notification arrives:
The notification appears on your lock screen, allowing you to:
See the message without unlocking your device
Tap to unlock and open the card directly
Swipe to dismiss if not urgent
Lock screen notification appearance depends on your device's security and notification settings.
Enabling Push Notifications
Unlike iOS where notifications are automatically enabled, on Android you must manually enable notifications for each loyalty card. Here's how:
Step 1: Open Your Loyalty Card
Locate the loyalty card on your device:
Check your home screen for the card icon
Look in your app drawer
Open the card from your browser if you saved it
Tap to open the card
Step 2: Access Card Details
Once the card is open, look for the Details button (usually at the bottom of the card)
Tap Details to access the card settings screen
Step 3: Open the Menu
On the details screen, look at the top-right corner
Tap the three-dot icon (⋮) to open the menu
A dropdown menu will appear with notification options
Step 4: Enable Notifications
Check your current notification status:
If notifications are already enabled:
The menu will show "Disable Notifications"
✅ You don't need to do anything—you're already set up
You'll receive push notifications from this business
If notifications are disabled:
The menu will show "Enable Notifications"
❌ Tap "Enable Notifications" to activate them
Your device may prompt you to grant permission
Step 5: Grant Android System Permission (If Prompted)
When you enable notifications for the first time, Android may ask for permission:
A system popup appears asking "Allow [Business Name] to send you notifications?"
Tap "Allow" to grant permission
Notifications are now enabled for this card
Important: You only need to grant system permission once per card. After that, you can enable/disable notifications directly from the card's menu without additional prompts.
Managing Notification Settings
Checking Which Cards Have Notifications Enabled
To verify notification status for any card:
Open the card
Tap Details
Tap the three-dot menu (⋮) at the top-right
Check the menu option:
Shows "Disable Notifications" = Currently enabled ✅
Shows "Enable Notifications" = Currently disabled ❌
Disabling Notifications for a Card
If you want to stop receiving notifications from a specific business:
Open the loyalty card
Tap Details
Tap the three-dot menu (⋮)
Tap "Disable Notifications"
Notifications are immediately turned off for this card
Note: You can re-enable notifications anytime by following the same steps and selecting "Enable Notifications."
Android System Notification Settings
You can also manage notifications through your Android device settings:
To access system-level notification controls:
Open Settings on your Android device
Tap Apps or Applications
Find and select your browser app (Chrome, Firefox, Samsung Internet, etc.)
Tap Notifications
Manage notification preferences:
Toggle notifications on/off entirely
Set notification importance (priority)
Enable/disable notification sound
Show/hide on lock screen
Important: These settings apply to ALL Progressive Web Apps in that browser, not just loyalty cards. For card-specific control, use the in-card menu method described above.
Types of Notifications You Might Receive
Transaction Notifications
Sent immediately or shortly after you make a purchase or earn points:
Examples:
"Thanks for your visit! +1 stamp earned"
"You've earned 100 points toward your next reward"
"Purchase successful: 5 stamps remaining until free item"
What to do: Tap to view your updated balance and see your progress toward your next reward.
Progress and Reminder Notifications
Sent to encourage you to return or remind you about your loyalty status:
Examples:
"You're halfway to your free coffee! ☕"
"Missing you! Come back and earn 2X points this week"
"Don't forget—you have 2 free items ready to redeem!"
What to do: Tap to view your card and plan your next visit to claim rewards or continue earning.
Special Occasion Notifications
Sent for birthdays, anniversaries, or special member events:
Examples:
"Happy Birthday Sarah! 🎉 Enjoy a free gift on us"
"You've been a member for 1 year! Here's a special thank you"
"VIP Early Access: New menu items available now"
What to do: Tap to view your special offer and visit the business to redeem it (check expiration dates).
Promotional Notifications
Sent about limited-time offers, sales, or exclusive deals:
Examples:
"Flash Sale! 20% off for loyalty members today only"
"Weekend Special: Triple points on all purchases"
"New rewards added to your programme!"
What to do: Tap to view details and take advantage of the promotion before it expires.
Viewing and Responding to Notifications
Opening Notifications
From the notification panel:
Swipe down from the top of your screen
Locate the loyalty card notification in the list
Tap the notification to open the card
The card opens showing your current balance and any updates
What to look for when the card opens:
Updated point balance or stamp count
Highlighted changes (new points, stamps, or rewards)
Special offers or promotions mentioned in the notification
Expiration dates for time-sensitive offers
Dismissing Notifications
To clear a notification without opening it:
Swipe left or right on the notification
Or tap "Clear" or "Dismiss" if your device shows that option
Or tap "Clear all" at the bottom of the notification panel to remove all notifications at once
Note: Dismissing a notification doesn't delete any information. Your loyalty card balance and details remain unchanged—you just clear the notification alert.
Notification Actions (Quick Actions)
Some Android devices and browsers support notification actions—buttons that appear directly on the notification:
Possible quick actions:
"View Card" - Opens the loyalty card immediately
"Dismiss" - Clears the notification
"Remind Me Later" - Snoozes the notification (if supported)
Availability of quick actions depends on your device, Android version, and browser.
Troubleshooting
"I don't see the three-dot menu in my card details"
Possible causes:
Browser compatibility: Not all browsers display the menu identically
Try opening the card in Chrome (most compatible)
Update your browser to the latest version
Clear browser cache and reload the card
Card version: Older card versions may have different layouts
Ask the business for a fresh installation link
Reinstall the card to get the latest version
Screen size: On smaller screens, the menu may be in a different location
Check for a menu icon elsewhere on the details screen
Rotate your device to landscape orientation
Look for "Settings" or "Options" instead of three dots
"Notifications option says 'Enable' but I already enabled it"
This happens when system permissions were denied:
To fix:
Open Android Settings
Go to Apps → [Your Browser] (Chrome, Firefox, etc.)
Tap Permissions or App permissions
Find Notifications and ensure it's Allowed
Return to the loyalty card and try enabling again
Alternative method:
Open Settings → Apps
Find your browser app
Tap Notifications
Toggle notifications ON
Return to card and enable notifications
"I'm not receiving any notifications even though they're enabled"
Check these settings:
1. Card notifications enabled:
Open card → Details → Three-dot menu
Verify it shows "Disable Notifications" (meaning they're on)
2. Browser notifications allowed:
Settings → Apps → [Browser] → Notifications (must be ON)
3. Do Not Disturb is off:
Swipe down and check notification panel
Look for Do Not Disturb icon (usually a minus sign or crescent moon)
Disable if active
4. Battery optimization:
Go to Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization
Find your browser app and set to "Don't optimize"
This prevents Android from blocking notifications to save battery
5. Background data enabled:
Settings → Apps → [Browser] → Mobile data & Wi-Fi
Enable "Background data" and "Unrestricted data usage"
6. Internet connection:
Ensure Wi-Fi or mobile data is active and working
Notifications require internet connectivity
"Notifications are delayed or arrive hours late"
Common causes:
Battery Saver Mode: Delays background processes
Disable Battery Saver: Settings → Battery → Battery Saver (turn OFF)
Data Saver: Restricts background data
Disable Data Saver: Settings → Network & internet → Data Saver (turn OFF)
Aggressive battery optimization:
Settings → Battery → Battery optimization
Find your browser and select "Don't optimize"
Doze Mode: Android sleeps inactive apps
Settings → Battery → Battery optimization
Exempt your browser from optimization
Poor connection: Notifications need internet
Check your Wi-Fi or mobile data connection
Move to an area with better signal
"Card shows 'Disable Notifications' but I never receive any"
The card settings may be correct, but system permissions are blocked:
Check Android system permissions:
Settings → Apps → [Browser]
Tap Permissions or Notifications
Ensure notifications are Allowed
Check notification Importance is set to "High" or at least "Medium"
Check notification channels (Android 8+):
Settings → Apps → [Browser] → Notifications
Look for notification Categories or Channels
Find "Web notifications" or similar
Ensure it's enabled and set to show notifications
"Notification appears but card won't open when I tap it"
Possible issues:
Browser closed or crashed:
Manually open your browser
Navigate to the card from your home screen or bookmarks
The information is still there; the notification just couldn't launch it
Card removed from home screen:
Find the card in your browser
Re-add it to your home screen for easier access
Future notifications should work normally
Outdated card:
Ask the business for a fresh installation link
Remove the old card and reinstall the new one
This ensures you have the latest version with proper linking
Best Practices for Android Users
Keep Cards Organized
Add cards to home screen:
Long-press the card while it's open
Select "Add to Home screen" from the menu
Creates an icon for quick access
Makes cards easier to find when you receive notifications
Name cards clearly:
When adding to home screen, use recognizable names
Example: "Coffee Shop Rewards" instead of generic names
Helps you identify which business sent a notification
Manage Notification Preferences
Enable for frequently visited businesses:
Turn on notifications for places you visit often
These notifications provide the most value
Disable for rarely used cards:
Turn off notifications from businesses you rarely visit
Reduces notification clutter
You can still manually check cards anytime
Review monthly:
Check your installed cards once a month
Disable notifications from businesses you no longer visit
Remove cards you don't use anymore
Optimize Device Settings
Allow background data for browser:
Ensures timely notification delivery
Prevents delays caused by data restrictions
Exempt browser from battery optimization:
Maintains notification reliability
Small battery impact for significant benefit
Keep browser updated:
Update your browser regularly
Newer versions have better PWA and notification support
Maximize Notification Value
Don't ignore notifications:
Many contain time-sensitive offers
Tap to see what changed
Act on rewards before they expire
Respond promptly:
Birthday offers often have short validity periods
Flash sales may end quickly
Points or stamps might have expiration dates
Check details:
Read the full notification message
Look for expiration dates
Note any special conditions or requirements
Privacy and Security
What Businesses Can See
Businesses do NOT have access to:
❌ Whether you opened their notification
❌ When you dismissed their notification
❌ Your notification settings
❌ Other apps on your Android device
❌ Your location (unless separately granted)
Businesses only know:
✅ That the notification was delivered to your device
✅ Your loyalty card balance and transaction history
✅ When you earned points/stamps (from in-store transactions)
Your Control Over Notifications
You have complete control:
Enable or disable notifications per card
Control system-level notification permissions
Clear notification history anytime
Remove cards completely if desired
To enhance privacy:
Disable lock screen notifications: Settings → Notifications → On lock screen (select "Don't show")
Hide notification content: Settings → Apps → [Browser] → Notifications → Show silently
Use Do Not Disturb during specific hours
Differences Between Android and iOS
If you've used loyalty cards on iPhone, here are key differences on Android:
Feature | iOS (Apple Wallet) | Android (PWA) |
Notification Setup | Automatic (enabled by default) | Manual (must enable per card) |
Card Storage | Apple Wallet app | Home screen / Browser |
Notification Access | Notification Centre | Notification panel |
Settings Location | iPhone Settings → Wallet | In-card menu + System settings |
Quick Access | Double-click side button | Home screen icon / Browser |
Key takeaway: Android gives you more granular control but requires more manual setup compared to iOS's automatic approach.
FAQ
Q: Do I need to enable notifications for every card separately? A: Yes. Each loyalty card has its own notification setting that you must enable individually. This gives you control over which businesses can send you notifications.
Q: Will enabling notifications drain my battery? A: Push notifications use minimal battery power. Receiving a few notifications per day from loyalty cards has negligible impact on battery life. The main battery consideration is keeping your browser's background data enabled.
Q: Can I get notifications without adding the card to my home screen? A: Yes. Notifications work whether or not the card is on your home screen. However, adding cards to your home screen makes them easier to access when notifications arrive.
Q: What happens if I clear a notification without opening it? A: Nothing is lost. The information is still on your loyalty card. You can open the card at any time to see your current balance and any updates. Clearing the notification just removes the alert.
Q: Why do some cards show notifications and others don't? A: You must enable notifications separately for each card. If you're not receiving notifications from a specific business, check that card's settings (Details → Three-dot menu → Enable Notifications).
Q: Can I schedule quiet hours for notifications? A: Yes, use Do Not Disturb mode. Pull down the notification panel and tap the Do Not Disturb icon to enable it. You can also schedule DND: Settings → Sound → Do Not Disturb → Turn on automatically.
Q: Do notifications work when I'm travelling internationally? A: Yes, as long as your device has internet connectivity (Wi-Fi or mobile data with international roaming). Notifications require data, so ensure you have a connection.
Q: If I reinstall a card, do I need to enable notifications again? A: Usually yes. When you reinstall a card, it's treated as a new installation, so you'll need to enable notifications again using the in-card menu.
Q: Can businesses send me notifications at any time? A: Yes, businesses control when notifications are sent. However, most businesses schedule notifications thoughtfully (during business hours). If timing is problematic, you can disable notifications for that card or use Do Not Disturb mode.
Q: What's the difference between disabling in the card menu vs. system settings? A: Disabling in the card menu turns off notifications for that specific card only. Disabling in system settings turns off all PWA notifications in that browser, affecting all your loyalty cards and other web apps.
Q: Will I be notified every time I use my card? A: This depends on how the business configured their notifications. Typically you'll receive confirmation after transactions that add stamps or points, but not necessarily every single scan. Some businesses only notify for milestones (e.g., "Reward earned!").
Q: Can I customize notification sounds for different cards? A: Android's PWA notification system doesn't support per-card notification sounds. All loyalty card notifications use your browser's default notification sound. You can change the browser's notification sound in Settings → Apps → [Browser] → Notifications.
Related Articles
Installing Cards on Android - How to add loyalty cards to your Android device
Push Notifications - How Automated Messages Work - For business owners (how notifications are configured)
Restoring Lost or Deleted Cards - Reinstalling cards if removed
Managing Your Loyalty Cards - General guidance on using digital loyalty cards
Push Notifications on iPhone (iOS) - Comparison with iOS notification system
Need help with your loyalty card? Contact the business directly using the information on your card, or reach out to your browser's support for Android-specific technical issues.