Android Notifications: Manage, Customize & Block - Lollipop & Marshmallow
Android Notification Management in Lollipop and Marshmallow
Throughout its evolution, Android has consistently provided a robust notification system. The introduction of Android Lollipop and Marshmallow significantly enhanced this functionality.
These versions empower users with precise and detailed control over notifications generated by each application installed on their devices.
Granular Control Over App Notifications
Users now possess the ability to customize notification behavior on a per-app basis. This allows for a tailored experience, minimizing distractions and prioritizing important alerts.
Android 5.x (Lollipop) and Android 6.x (Marshmallow) represent a substantial improvement in user agency regarding notifications.
Further Enhancements in Android Nougat
It's important to note that Android Nougat builds upon these advancements, offering even more sophisticated notification management features.
For a comprehensive guide to controlling notifications within Nougat (Android 7.x), please refer to the dedicated resource available here.
This article specifically addresses the notification control mechanisms present in Lollipop and Marshmallow.
- Lollipop (Android 5.x): Introduced a redesigned notification shade and prioritized notifications.
- Marshmallow (Android 6.x): Expanded upon Lollipop’s features, providing even finer-grained control.
Notification Management on the Lock Screen
Beginning with the Lollipop release, notifications remain visible within the status bar. However, a significant change places them prominently on the lock screen itself.
A double-tap on any individual notification will launch the associated application. Note that device unlocking will be required prior to access.
Notifications can also be dismissed directly from the lock screen through a swiping gesture, mirroring the functionality of the previous pull-down notification drawer.
Expanding Notifications
Users can reveal expanded notifications by pressing and dragging downwards. This action provides more detailed information for certain applications.
For apps related to media playback, such as music or video players, expanding the notification reveals integrated playback controls.
- This allows for convenient control without unlocking the device.
- Adjust volume, pause, or skip tracks directly from the lock screen.
The “clear notifications” button, located in the bottom-right corner, continues to function as before, dismissing all active notifications.
Efficient notification handling is now more accessible than ever.
Managing Android Notifications Through Settings
Beyond the introduction of new features, the Lollipop version of Android brought with it enhanced notification controls. Accessing these settings is straightforward; simply swipe down from the status bar and select the gear icon located at the top of the screen.
Upon opening the settings menu, select the “Sound & notification” option.
Within this section, you’ll find four distinct options under the “Notification” heading. The “Pulse Notification Light” setting controls whether your phone’s LED flashes when a notification arrives. Furthermore, app requests for Notification Access will be handled directly by the application itself.
Selecting “When device is locked” presents three choices regarding lock screen notifications. Both Lollipop and Marshmallow, by default, display the full content of notifications on the lock screen.
To completely disable notifications on the lock screen, choose “Don’t show notifications at all.” This enhances your privacy, preventing others from viewing your private messages and email previews.
Alternatively, selecting “Hide sensitive notification content” obscures details like song titles, message previews, and email senders. This feature provides a balance between staying informed and maintaining privacy, alerting you to new activity without revealing its specifics.
Below is an example of a typical lock screen notification display:
And here’s how the same notifications appear with the “Hide Sensitive Notification Content” setting enabled:
Managing App Notifications on Android
If you are frequently disturbed by unwanted notifications from a specific application, the first step is to access the app’s settings. Within these settings, you should investigate whether an option exists to disable notifications altogether. This is generally the most effective method for preventing an app from sending you alerts.
However, certain applications demonstrate a persistent need to gain your attention. For instance, notifications within Facebook Messenger cannot be fully disabled; they can only be silenced for a maximum duration of 24 hours.
The introduction of Android Lollipop brought enhanced control over notifications, providing the capability to block alerts from any installed app. This functionality was also carried over to the Marshmallow version of Android.
Selecting “App notifications” within the Notification Settings menu displays a comprehensive, scrollable list of all applications currently installed on your device. Let's examine how this feature functions using Messenger as an example. It’s important to note that while Lollipop organizes the list into alphabetical sections, Marshmallow presents a simpler, fully alphabetized list without subheadings.
Detailed control over how an application interrupts you is possible. You have the option to completely suppress all notifications, allowing the app to remain on your device without constant reminders. Furthermore, notifications can be designated as either “sensitive” or “priority.”
Sensitivity settings allow you to control whether an app’s content is displayed on the lock screen. This enables you to selectively view information, such as email previews, while concealing content from apps like Messenger if desired.
Further Reading: Understanding Android's "Do Not Disturb" Settings
Priority interruptions determine which applications are permitted to notify you while Do Not Disturb mode is active. If an app is marked as a priority, its notifications will still be delivered when Do Not Disturb is set to “Priority Only.”
Marshmallow also introduces an option called "Allow peeking" within this section. This feature, first available in Android 6.0, enables notifications to briefly appear on top of your current application, allowing for quick review without fully switching away.
In some instances, an app’s notification window will feature a settings gear icon in the upper-right corner. Selecting this icon will redirect you to the notification settings specific to that application.
A Unique Notification Feature in Marshmallow
Marshmallow introduces a distinct advantage regarding notifications, a capability not present in the Lollipop version of Android.
This feature provides users with a streamlined method for managing app alerts.
Should a particular application become disruptive with its notifications, a simple long-press followed by selecting the "i" icon will directly access its notification configuration panel.
From there, permanent blocking of notifications can be easily implemented.
The notification settings within Android offer substantial control over system-wide alerts.
Users are no longer required to navigate into each individual application and adjust preferences separately.
While app-specific settings remain accessible, Lollipop’s integrated notification controls provide a centralized and systematic approach to managing all alerts.
Systematic Control Explained
- Centralized Management: Adjust notification behavior from a single location.
- Direct Access: Quickly reach app notification settings via long-press.
- Enhanced Flexibility: Fine-tune alerts across the entire Android system.
This enhancement represents a significant improvement in user experience, offering greater efficiency and convenience when dealing with app notifications.