page.title=Use Rich Notifications to Keep Users Informed
page.metaDescription=Use Android's notifications to keep users in touch with your content and services &mdash; even when the app is not in use.
page.tags=""
page.image=/design/media/notifications_pattern_anatomy.png

@jd:body

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  <img src="{@docRoot}design/media/notifications_pattern_anatomy.png">
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<p>
  The <a href="/design/patterns/notifications.html">notification system</a>
  allows your app to keep the user informed about events, such as new messages,
  upcoming calendar appointments, shared photos, and much more. They are a
  fundamental feature of Android that consumers check frequently to receive
  important notifications and status updates. Notifications are like a news
  channel that alerts the user to events as they happen and maintains a list of
  updates since last review.
</p>


<p>
  In addition to status updates from friends and family, notifications can also
  be used to help gamers know when a time-based action is completed or another
  player took their turn.</p>

  <p>Some game developers use notifications to alert users
  when a new limited time character can be won or a discount on an in-app
  purchase is available. </p>

<h3>But Use Them Sparingly</h3>

<p>
  Frequent notifications and spam notifications can turn users off, thereby
  risking your ratings and user base. Also sure to check our <a href=
  "https://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/answer/4430948">policies</a>
  to ensure you’re treating your user respectfully.
</p>


          <p><strong>Tip:</strong>
       Use notifications sparingly &mdash; be sure any information presented is
      useful. Give users the option to turn notifications off.
    </p>

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  <h2 id="related-resources">
    Related Resources
  </h2>
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