How to Fix Delayed Notifications on Android (Step-by-Step Guide)

Introduction 

Notifications are the essential part of the Android phone experience whether it is a WhatsApp message, email, YouTube alert, or a system reminder. But what if your notifications are delayed or not arriving until you open the app?

If the sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many Android users report delayed notifications, especially from the apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, Gmail, and Facebook Messenger. Fortunately, the issue is can be fixed with some simple troubleshooting steps follow.

In the post, we’ll cover why notifications get delayed and exactly how to fix them across any Android phone.

 

 Why is My Notifications Delayed? 

Delayed in notifications typically occur because the Android system tries to optimize the battery usage and the limit background activity. This is the especially common on devices with aggressive battery saver or RAM management systems (e.g., Xiaomi, Realme, Vivo, Huawei, etc.).

there are the most common causes:

Battery saver or optimization is the killing background apps. 

App not allowed to run in the background. 

It be Internet connection issues (Wi-Fi sleep). 

Or Restricted background data or auto-start disabled. 

Do Not Disturb mode or Focus mode enabled.

 

 follow the Step-by-Step Fixes for Delayed Notifications

 

Follow this solutions in order:  

 1. Turn Off the Battery Saver

Battery saver may block background apps and delay in notifications. 

How to Disable: 

Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Saver (or Power Saving Mode).

 

Turn it off.

Also turn off Extreme or Ultra Power Saving if enabled.

 

 2. Disable Battery Optimization for the Specific Apps 

Apps like WhatsApp, Gmail, or Telegram often get delayed due to battery optimization. 

Steps: 

Go to the Settings > Apps > [App Name] > Battery. 

Tap it Battery Optimization or Optimize Battery Usage. 

Choose this Don’t optimize for that app. 

Or:

Settings > Battery > Battery Optimization > All Apps > [App] > Don’t Optimize 

Repeat for the all affected apps.

 

 3. Lock Apps in the Background (For Xiaomi, Realme, Vivo, etc.)

On some phones, apps are closed from memory aggressively. You need to lock them so they keep running in background. 

Steps: 

1. Open the app (e.g., WhatsApp).

2. Open Recent Apps view. 

3. Long press on the app and tap Lock or Keep in Memory. 

Now the app won’t be killed automatically.

 

 4. Turn Off Adaptive Battery

Adaptive Battery learns your usage habits and may restrict the background activity.

Steps:

Go to Settings > Battery > Adaptive Battery. 

Turn it off.

 

 5. Allow Auto-Start for Apps

In Some devices (especially MIUI, ColorOS, FunTouch OS) block apps from the starting automatically.

Steps:

Go to Settings > Apps > Auto-start Management or Permissions > Auto-start. 

Enable Auto-start for WhatsApp, Gmail, Instagram, etc.

  

 6. Disable Data Saver Mode 

Data saver can be block apps from using the internet in the background.

Steps:

Go to the Settings > Network & Internet > Data Saver.

Turn off the Data Saver.

Or tap Unrestricted Data Access and allow affected apps to bypass data saver.

 

 

 7. Check Wi-Fi Sleep Settings 

Wi-Fi sleep policies can be delay notifications when your screen is off.

Steps:

Go to in Settings > Wi-Fi > Advanced > Keep Wi-Fi on during sleep.

Set it to Always.

 

 8. Enable the Background Data

Apps must be allowed to the access data in the background.

Steps:

Settings > Apps > [App] > Data Usage

Enable the Background Data and Unrestricted Data Usage

  

 9. Turn Off the Battery Saver Schedules 

Sometimes the phone turns on our battery saver option automatically at night.

Steps: 

Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Saver 

Check if there is a schedule enabled. 

Disable it if needed.

  

 10. Check App Notification Settings

Make sure the app is allowed to the send notifications.

Steps: 

Settings > Apps > [App] > Notifications 

Enable All Notification Channels

Tap it each category and make sure it’s set to High Priority

  

 11. Disable “Put Unused Apps to Sleep” (Samsung)

Samsung One UI can be automatically sleep unused apps.

Steps: 

Settings > Battery & Device Care > Battery > Background Usage Limits

Turn off Put Unused Apps to the Sleep 

Add in important apps to the Never Sleeping Apps list

  

 12. Check Do Not Disturb & Focus Mode

Do Not Disturb or Focus Mode may mute or delay notifications.

Steps: 

Go to in Settings > Notifications > Do Not Disturb 

Make sure it is turned off or exceptions are added.

 

Also check this: 

Settings > Digital Wellbeing > Focus Mode

Turn it off if it’s enabled.

  

 13. Clear Cache of the App

Sometimes in clearing cache fixes delayed sync or alert issues on the phone.

Steps: 

Settings > Apps > [App] > Storage > Clear Cache

  

 14. Update the App and System 

Always use the latest version of apps and Android firmware. 

Open Play Store > Update all

Go to Settings > System > Software Update

 15. Reinstall the App on phone

If nothing works, uninstall and reinstall the app.

This can be fix any corrupted background services or permissions.

  

 Advanced Troubleshooting (Optional)

If you’re a tech-savvy user, you can try these:

  

 Use Notification Testing Apps

 

Install apps like: 

Push Notification Tester 

Pushover 

Notification History Log 

These help you verify real-time delay behavior.

 

 

 Try a Different Launcher

Some are the third-party launchers may interfere with in background services. Try switching back to the default system launcher and test the phone again.

 

 Reset App Preferences 

Resets all permissions and restrictions without deleting app data.

Steps:

Settings > Apps > Menu (3 dots) > Reset App Preferences

  

 Examples of the Affected Apps and Fixes

 

App Common Issue Specific Fix 

WhatsApp Messages not received until app opens Disable Battery Optimization, Lock App

Gmail New emails not showing Enable Sync + Allow Background Data

YouTube Notifications hours late Turn Off Battery Saver & Enable Push Notifications

Instagram DM notifications delayed Auto-Start ON + Disable Adaptive Battery

Facebook Messenger Vibration but no sound Enable High Priority Notifications

  

 How  If Nothing Works?

 

If you’ve tried everything and still experience delayed notifications:

1. Backup your data.  

2. Do a Factory Reset.

Settings > System > Reset > Factory Data Reset

 

Still not fixed? Consider a software reflash at a service center. If it’s a brand-specific bug (especially MIUI or ColorOS), wait for the updates or flash a stock ROM.

 

 

 Pro Tips to Avoid Notification Delay

 

Avoid third-party cleaner or booster apps. 

Don’t use two battery savers at once (system + app-based). 

Don’t force stop the messaging apps. 

Restart your phone every few days.