Troubleshooting Trello notification and alert settings involves checking multiple layers of configuration, from account-level preferences to individual card subscriptions and browser/mobile app permissions. Users commonly face issues like missing due date reminders, email overload, or push notifications failing to appear on mobile devices. The root causes often include disabled email notifications, incorrect browser permissions, or misunderstanding Trello’s notification logic—such as its policy of not sending alerts for actions taken while the user is actively viewing the board.

Key findings from the sources include:

• Email notification settings must be explicitly enabled in account preferences, with options for "never," "periodically," or "instantly" ^[1][6].
• Due date reminders require manual setup underneath the due date field—not just setting the date itself ^[2].
• Desktop notifications rely on browser permissions (e.g., Chrome/Firefox lock icon settings) and may need to be reset or re-enabled ^[1][10].
• Mobile push notifications can fail even when settings are correct, particularly for cards created via integrations like Zapier ^[5].

Troubleshooting Trello Notifications Step by Step

Email and Account-Level Settings

Email notifications are the primary way Trello communicates updates, but misconfigured settings or overwhelmed inboxes often lead to missed alerts. Start by verifying your account-wide preferences, as these override all other notification types.

Trello’s default behavior sends emails for actions like mentions, card assignments, or due date changes—but only if you’re not actively viewing the board in a browser ^[8]. This means keeping Trello open in a tab can suppress notifications entirely. To adjust these settings:

• Navigate to your profile icon > Settings > Notifications.
• Under Email Notifications, select your preferred frequency:
• Instantly: Receives emails for each action (risk of inbox flooding) ^[6].
• Periodically: Bundles updates into hourly summaries (recommended for most users) ^[3][6].
• Never: Disables all email alerts (use with caution).
• Ensure “Send me email notifications” is toggled on—this is a common oversight ^[2].

For due date reminders, which operate separately from general notifications:

• Open the card and set a due date.
• Click “Reminder” below the due date field to enable email alerts (this step is often missed) ^[2].
• Verify the reminder time (e.g., 24 hours before, 1 hour before).

If emails still don’t arrive:

• Check your spam folder or email provider’s filters ^[1].
• Confirm your email address is verified in Trello under Settings > Profile.
• Whitelist Trello’s email domain (@trello.com) in your email client.

Desktop and Mobile Notification Issues

Desktop and mobile notifications introduce additional complexity, as they depend on both Trello’s settings and external permissions (browser, operating system, or app-level). Push notifications, in particular, are prone to silent failures.

Desktop Notifications (Browser-Based)

Trello’s desktop alerts require explicit browser permissions, which can be accidentally revoked or blocked:

1. Reset permissions in your browser: - Click the lock icon in the address bar while on Trello.com. - Select Site Settings > Notifications > Allow (or Reset Permissions if blocked) ^[1][10].
2. Enable in Trello: - Go to Settings > Notifications > Toggle “Desktop Notifications” to on.
3. Browser-specific fixes: - Chrome/Firefox: Ensure notifications aren’t globally disabled in chrome://settings/content/notifications or about:preferencesprivacy ^[10]. - Safari: Trello may not support desktop notifications; use email alerts instead.

Mobile Push Notifications (iOS/Android)

Mobile issues often stem from app-level settings or system-wide restrictions:

• In-app settings:
• Open the Trello app > Profile > Settings > Notifications.
• Enable “Push Notifications” and select which actions trigger alerts (e.g., mentions, due dates) ^[5].
• Device settings:
• iOS: Go to Settings > Notifications > Trello > Ensure Allow Notifications is on.
• Android: Open Settings > Apps > Trello > Notifications > Enable all categories.
• Integration-specific problems:
• Cards created via Zapier or other automation tools may not trigger push notifications, even with correct settings ^[5]. Test manually created cards to isolate the issue.
• Workaround: Use email notifications as a backup for critical updates.

Common Pitfalls

• Active board viewing: Trello suppresses notifications if you’re currently viewing the board in any tab or device ^[8].
• Over-subscription: Watching too many boards/cards can overwhelm alerts. Use the “eye” icon to audit subscriptions ^[10].
• Butler automation conflicts: If using Trello’s Butler tool, check for rules that auto-unsubscribe you from cards ^[4].