Android notification settings can be adjusted through both system-wide and app-specific controls, allowing users to customize alerts for messages, emails, and other events. The process varies slightly depending on the device manufacturer (e.g., Samsung Galaxy vs. stock Android) but generally involves accessing the Settings menu, navigating to Notifications or Apps & Notifications, and selecting individual apps to modify their alert behaviors. Users can block notifications entirely, prioritize certain apps, adjust sounds, enable lock screen visibility, and even set "Do Not Disturb" schedules to limit interruptions during specific times.

Key takeaways from the sources:

• App-level customization: Each app’s notifications can be toggled on/off or fine-tuned (e.g., sound, vibration, priority) via the Settings > Apps > [App Name] > Notifications path ^[1][2][5].
• Lock screen and sensitivity controls: Android 8.0+ allows users to manage notification visibility on the lock screen, including hiding sensitive content ^[6][9].
• Advanced features: Samsung Galaxy devices offer additional options like flash notifications, snooze functionality, and notification history ^[9][10].
• Google app specifics: The Google app provides topic-based notifications (e.g., sports, TV shows) that can be followed or muted independently ^[4].

Adjusting Android Notification Settings

System-Wide Notification Controls

Android’s notification system is centralized in the Settings menu, where users can adjust global behaviors like "Do Not Disturb" modes, lock screen visibility, and notification priority. These settings apply universally unless overridden by app-specific rules. The process is consistent across most devices, though manufacturers like Samsung may add proprietary features.

For stock Android (e.g., Pixel phones) and most third-party devices:

• Open the Settings app and tap Notifications (or Apps & Notifications on older versions).
• The Interruptions menu (or Do Not Disturb) lets users set priority rules for calls, messages, and alarms during downtime. For example, users can allow only priority notifications during sleep hours or meetings ^[1].
• Lock screen notifications can be configured to show all content, hide sensitive details, or disable entirely. Android 8.0+ requires notifications to be assigned to channels, which users can manage under Notification Channels ^[6].
• Notification history (available on some devices like Samsung Galaxy) logs dismissed alerts, allowing users to review missed notifications later ^[9].

Key system-wide options include:

• Downtime settings: Schedule automatic "Do Not Disturb" periods (e.g., 10 PM to 7 AM) to silence non-priority notifications ^[1].
• Notification badges: Toggle app icon badges (numeric indicators) on/off for individual apps ^[9].
• Flash notifications: Enable the camera flash to blink for incoming alerts (useful for accessibility) ^[9].
• Notification snooze: Temporarily silence repeat notifications for 15 minutes to 2 hours ^[9].

For Samsung Galaxy devices, additional controls are available under Advanced settings in the Notifications menu, including:

• Manage notification categories: Granular control over types of alerts (e.g., separating message previews from sound alerts) ^[9][10].
• Status bar icons: Choose which apps can display persistent icons in the status bar ^[9].

App-Specific Notification Customization

Individual apps offer deeper customization, allowing users to disable alerts entirely or adjust specific behaviors like sounds, vibrations, or pop-up displays. This is particularly useful for apps with frequent or non-critical notifications (e.g., games, social media). The process varies slightly by Android version but generally follows these steps:

1. Access app settings: - Open Settings > Apps (or Apps & Notifications). - Select the target app (e.g., Gmail, WhatsApp, Microsoft Teams). - Tap Notifications (or App notifications) ^[2][5].

1. Toggle notifications on/off: - The main switch at the top of the app’s notification settings enables or disables all alerts from that app. Disabling may affect functionality (e.g., missing chat messages in Teams) ^[2].

1. Customize notification categories: - Many apps (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Facebook) support notification channels, which group alerts by type (e.g., "Messages," "Promotions," "Reminders"). - Tap a channel to adjust its sound, vibration pattern, or priority (e.g., "High" for urgent alerts) ^[5][7]. - Samsung users must first enable Manage notification categories in Advanced settings to see these options ^[9].

1. Adjust lock screen and sensitivity: - For apps with sensitive content (e.g., banking, messaging), users can hide notification details on the lock screen. This is managed under the app’s notification settings or via Settings > Notifications > Lock screen notifications ^[6]. - Android 12+ introduces sensitive notifications, which can be independently toggled to show/hide content previews ^[5].

1. Special cases and limitations: - Some apps (e.g., Microsoft Teams) restrict customization due to developer settings. For example, Teams on Android does not allow individual notification sounds for channels, though general alerts can be managed ^[7]. - Google app notifications (e.g., for sports scores or TV shows) are controlled separately. Users can follow/unfollow topics in the Google app and adjust alerts in Settings > Notifications ^[4].

Examples of app-specific adjustments:

• Messaging apps (e.g., WhatsApp): Enable/disable message previews, sound, or pop-up notifications ^[1].
• Email apps (e.g., Gmail): Separate notifications for "Primary" vs. "Promotions" inboxes ^[5].
• Social media (e.g., Facebook): Mute non-essential alerts like "Memories" or "Friend Suggestions" while keeping message notifications active ^[2].