Android Nougat Notifications: Manage, Customize & Block
Enhanced Notification Management in Android 7.0 Nougat
Android 7.0 Nougat introduced significant enhancements to the notification system. A particularly useful, yet often overlooked, feature allows users to directly manage an application’s notification permissions from within the notification shade itself.
The Evolution of Android Notifications
Notifications have consistently been a strong point of the Android operating system. However, as Android evolved, some developers inadvertently, or intentionally, overused the notification system.
Google responded by providing users with greater control over app notification permissions starting with Lollipop. Initially, accessing these controls required navigating through multiple settings menus, which proved cumbersome for many users, particularly when managing notifications from numerous applications.
Nougat's Streamlined Approach
While adjusting notification settings within an app itself remains the preferred method, not all applications offer the desired level of customization. Android 7.0 Nougat provides an alternative solution.
Nougat implemented quick and accessible notification controls directly from the notification shade. Furthermore, more detailed controls are available in dedicated settings areas.
Taking Control of Your Notifications
These new features empower users to effectively manage and prioritize notifications. This ensures a less disruptive and more focused user experience.
By utilizing these tools, users can quickly silence or modify notifications from applications without needing to delve into complex settings menus.
Key takeaway: Nougat’s notification controls offer a convenient second layer of defense against unwanted interruptions.
Android Nougat's Enhanced Notification Management
Should an application become disruptive with excessive alerts, a new level of control is available. When a notification appears in the shade, a long press will activate expanded options.
This action reveals a menu presenting three distinct choices: Silent notifications, complete notification blocking, or the default setting of unrestricted alerts. Selecting silent notifications is ideal for continuing to receive information without immediate audible or visual interruption.
Further Reading: Understanding Android's "Do Not Disturb" Functionality
For users satisfied with these initial controls, the process concludes here. However, a “More settings” button is also provided. This button directs users to the application’s dedicated notification configuration panel.
Advanced Notification Settings
Within the app’s settings, granular control is possible. Options include disabling all notifications, configuring silent delivery, managing lock screen visibility, and controlling the ability to bypass Do Not Disturb mode.
- Blocking all notifications prevents any future alerts.
- Silent notifications deliver information without sound or visual pop-ups.
- Lock screen control determines if notifications are displayed when the device is locked.
- Do Not Disturb override allows alerts even when this mode is active.
It is important to note that selecting silent notifications automatically disables the option to override Do Not Disturb, as a silent notification inherently cannot interrupt the mode.
These features offer a straightforward yet powerful method for managing notifications on Android Nougat.
Refine Notification Management with Nougat’s Advanced Settings
For users desiring a heightened degree of customization, Android Nougat provides even more detailed control over notifications. These advanced options, however, are concealed within the System UI Tuner, a hidden menu accessible through a specific procedure.
To unlock this concealed menu, first pull down the notification shade twice. Subsequently, perform a long press on the settings cog icon. Upon release, the icon will rotate, and a small wrench symbol will appear beside it. A new entry, labeled “System UI Tuner,” will then be visible at the bottom of the Settings menu.
Access the System UI Tuner and select the “Other” option to proceed.
Within this menu, the second selection is “Power Notification Controls.” Tap this option and activate the feature by toggling the switch.
These controls are categorized by levels, ranging from five – the least restrictive – to zero, which completely blocks all notifications:
Level 5
- Notifications appear at the top of the list
- Full-screen interruptions are always displayed
- Always show a peek
Level 4
- Full-screen interruptions are prevented
- Always show a peek
Level 3
- Full-screen interruptions are prevented
- Never show a peek
Level 2
- Full-screen interruptions are prevented
- Never show a peek
- Sound and vibration are disabled
Level 1
- Full-screen interruptions are prevented
- Never show a peek
- Sound and vibration are disabled
- Notifications are hidden from the lock screen and status bar
- Notifications appear at the bottom of the list
Level 0
- All notifications from the app are blocked
The level of customization offered is truly extensive.
Now that the feature is enabled and the levels are understood, how are they applied? A new option is added to each app’s settings. Navigate to Settings > Apps and select the desired application. Within the app’s “App info” screen, tap the “Notifications” option.
A slider will be present in this menu, corresponding to the previously described levels. For instance, Twitter is currently set to Level 2, allowing visibility of new notifications without disruptive interruptions. As you adjust the slider, additional options will become available at the bottom of the screen. At Level 0, no further options are displayed, as all notifications are blocked.
At Level 2, lock screen notification control is available. Moving to Level 3 unlocks the option to Override Do Not Disturb.
A key benefit of Power Notification Controls is the ability to apply settings selectively. This is particularly useful for apps you wish to completely silence or prioritize. Other applications will continue to function with the default notification level. It’s also important to note that enabling Power Notification Controls establishes it as the default option for future notification adjustments. Consequently, long-pressing a notification to modify its settings will now present the slider instead of the simpler three-choice menu.
Ultimately, this feature provides users with choice. While the standard notification options will suffice for many, others will appreciate the more granular control offered over specific applications. Android Nougat delivers a comprehensive range of options to meet diverse user preferences.