What are push alerts and how do they work?

Introduction

Push notifications are popular on mobile apps, websites and digital platforms to send one-off alerts to users. They enable apps to stay in touch with users even when the app isn’t running. In this guide we’ll tell you all about: What are push notifications and how do they work? with simplicity and clarity, so that students can grasp the idea.

Definition

Push notifications are abbreviated, timely messages that an app or website sends to a user’s device. They show up on the notification bar or lock screen and will push alerts, reminders, warnings, promotions or updates to users without having to open the app.

Detailed Explanation

Push notifications are based on an application-to-cloud messaging mechanism between the app and a cloud-based messaging service. When a person installs an app on it and consents to notifications, the app can register with a push notification service such as Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) or Apple Push Notification Service (APNs).

These messages can have text, media content, action buttons or deep links (which launch the app and open up a specific page to fit the context) in them. Notifications are good for increasing engagement, reminding users about certain things they need to do and informing them of significant updates.

How it Works / Workflow

Steps of push notifications There are a few steps between registering and deliverying push notifications. This mechanism guarantees securely and also instant message delivery to the right hand held.

Key workflow steps include:

User installs app and opts in to notifications.

The app subscribes the device with a push notification service (such as FCM).

Device token /ID is stored on app server.

Upon an event (e.g., new message, offer), the server initiates a notification request to the cloud service.

The notification is sent to the user’s device by the cloud based messaging service.

The notification is presented on the device.

Key Features / Characteristics

• Real-time delivery
• Even if the app is closed upon cast
• Supports rich media (images, icons, buttons)
• Customizable for different users
• Helps improve engagement and retention
• Lightweight and fast communication
• Secure delivery using device tokens

Step-by-Step Process

The following is a breakdown of what happens when a push notification is transmitted:

User Consent: User consents to receiving notification.

Device Registration: App receives a unique device token from the push service.

Token Storage: Token is stored by server for future messaging.

Trigger Event: Something happens (a message is received).

Server Request: App server forwards the notification data to FCM or APNs.

Cloud Delivery: A routing of a notification to the corresponding device.

Display: Device visually shows the notification on the screen.

Example

Just pretend you have a shopping app. When a “Big Sale 50% Off” campaign kicks off, the app server can fire a push notification like:

“Hurry! 50% OFF sale starts now. Tap to shop.”

Your device responds immediately, even if your app is closed, and tapping on it opens the sale page.

Advantages / Importance

• Keeps users updated in real-time
• Increases app engagement
• Provides instant reminders
• Helps businesses send promotions
• Improves user retention
• Works offline after delivery
• Encourages quick user actions

Use Cases

• Messaging apps (new message alerts)
• Banking apps (transaction alerts)
• E-commerce apps (offers, order updates)
• News apps (breaking news notifications)
• Social media platforms (likes, comments)
• Health apps (daily reminders)

Conclusion

Push notifications are an essential communication channel for apps which keeps users engaged and also helps apps to stay connected with their users in real time. Getting Notifications: What push notifications are and how they work, students can learn crystal-clear basics about how apps deliver alerts, increase engagement and inform users on a real-time basis