You can end up missing important messages, if iMessage notifications are not working on your iPhone. You can find below the steps to fix this problem.
iMessage Notifications Not Working on iPhone
Going by user reports, the issue of iMessage notifications not working on iPhone also includes the problem of iPhone not vibrating or playing Message alert tones.
In such cases, iPhone is delivering iMessage notifications, but the user is not being alerted due to the ringer being switched OFF and iPhone not being set to vibrate on silent.
If iPhone is not delivering iMessage notifications, the problem is usually due to iPhone being in Driving Mode or Do Not Disturb Mode, iMessage notifications not being enabled and other reasons.
1. Make Sure iMessage is Enabled
Sometimes, the problem is due to Apple’s iMessage service being accidentally disabled.
Go to Settings > Messages > on the next screen, make sure iMessage is enabled and there is no error message on the screen.
If there is an error message, you can refer to this guide: Fix: iMessage Waiting For Activation Error on iPhone.
2. Check iMessage Notification Settings
Make sure that Messages app is allowed to provide and display notifications on your device.
Go to Settings > Notifications > Messages > make sure Allow Notifications option is turned ON (green).
Also, make sure that the option to display notifications in the Notification Center is checked. You can also select Banners to make sure that Notification are not missed.
3. Check Ringer Position
If your iPhone is not playing message alert tones, make sure that the Ringer is placed in Ring mode.
If the switch is set to Ring mode and still not playing notification sounds, you can take a look at this article: No Sound on iPhone? Try These Tips.
4. Disable Do Not Disturb Mode
iPhone won’t be able to display notifications, if it is placed in “Do Not Disturb” mode.
Go to Settings > Focus > Do Not Disturb > move the toggle next to Do Not Disturb to OFF position.
Note: You can allow selected Contacts to bypass Do Not Disturb Mode.
5. Disable Do Not Disturb While Driving
Another reason for iMessage notifications not working on iPhone is due to your device switching to Driving Mode.
Go to Settings > Focus > Driving > move the toggle next to Driving to OFF position.
Note: Sometimes, iPhone can automatically switch into Driving Mode.
You can prevent this from happening by using steps as provided in this guide: How to Turn OFF Do Not Disturb While Driving on iPhone
6. Disable Filter Unknown Senders
If Filter Unknown Senders option is enabled, you won’t be able to recieve messages from those who are not in your Contacts list.
Go to Settings > Messages > move the toggle next to Filter Unknown Senders to OFF Position.
7. Make Sure the Contact is not Muted
If you are missing notifications for a certain contact, the problem might be due to the contact being accidentally muted.
Open Messages App > open the Conversation of the person > tap on the Contact’s Name or Phone Number.
On Contacts Info screen, make sure Hide Alerts option is disabled.
After this, you should be able to receive a notification, whenever this contact sends you an iMessage.
8. Set Date & Time Automatically
If iMessage notifications are getting delayed, the problem is usually due to “Date and Time” settings on your device being incorrect.
Go to Settings > General > Date & Time > make sure Set Automatically is Enabled and iPhone is showing the correct Time Zone.
9. Reset All Settings
Note down your WiFi Network Password and follow the steps below to Reset All Settings.
Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > On the pop-up, select Reset All Settings option.
On the confirmation pop-up, tap on Reset to confirm.
After the reset process is completed, join your WiFi Network by entering your WiFi Network Password and see if iMessage notifications are now working on your iPhone.
