Notifications FAQs

Here are details about notifications on the Family Tools app.

How to Enable Notifications or Change Which Ones are Enabled

Go to Settings, then Notifications. Use the toggles to enable the ones you want. If the device asks if you would like to enable notifications, answer yes.

Notifications are Blocked or Not Working. How Do I Fix It?

Go to the device’s settings, go to Family Tools, and go to Notifications. Enable them with the toggle switch like you would for any app. You may need to close the app and reopen it after enabling them with the device. Please note that the app will not appear in your device settings if you are using it as a PWA.

Notifications setup for Android devices compared to iOS devices is slightly different. If you are still having issues getting notifications to work on your particular device, check out these links.

See: How to Fix Android Notification Issues

See: How to Fix iOS Notification Issues

Notification Limitations

Here are some notification limitations to be aware of:

  • Some devices do not support notifications. (Note: Most Android and iOS devices support notifications. Some modern browsers also support notifications when you use the app as a PWA.)
  • Notifications will only work on one device at a time per user profile. Enabling notifications on more than one device will create a conflict and can make it so that they will not work on either device until resolved.
  • On a shared device the notification feature will only work for one user.
  • “Linked” profiles (often used for small children) that are attached to a parent profile cannot receive notifications. (The parent can, but not the Linked profile.) If the Linked profile needs notifications, you will need to make it into a Standard profile with its own device.

See: How to Make a Linked User into a Standard or Parent User

Why Notifications Run Through a Shared Server Instead of Your Device

Because a family on Family Tools involves multiple users with multiple devices, there needs to be a mediator to send all requested notifications. If User A creates a calendar event with a notification for User B, the server can send the notification to User B without User B needing to enable the notification on their own device.

Getting Notifications to Work on a New or Different Device

On your new device, open Family Tools and go to Settings, then Notifications. Turn off all notifications, then close the app. Now reopen the app and return to Settings, then Notifications, and switch on the notifications you would like to receive. This should reset notifications for your account on your new device.

Updated on September 23, 2024

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