I granted permission once — why did it stop working later?

Permission can be revoked by browser updates, manual changes, or clearing site data; check it again in your browser settings.

Do notifications work if Orbit is just open in a background tab?

On Android that can work while the tab is alive, but installing the PWA is far more reliable for background delivery. On iOS, only the Home Screen-installed version supports push at all.

Can I test whether notifications are working at all?

Ask someone to message you in an unmuted group while the app is closed in the background, and confirm whether a notification appears.

Troubleshooting

Fixing notifications that aren't arriving

Last updated 8 August 2026

Missing notifications almost always trace back to one of three things: browser or system permission, whether Orbit is installed correctly for your platform, or a mute setting you forgot about.

Check permission first

Orbit's notifications rely on Firebase Cloud Messaging, which only works once your browser has granted notification permission. Check your browser's site settings for Orbit and confirm notifications are set to Allow, not Ask or Block.

Check the group isn't muted

Open the group in question and check its menu for a Mute notifications setting — it's easy to mute a group once and forget, especially a busy one you muted weeks ago.

Platform-specific checks

On Android, background notifications are most reliable through the installed PWA rather than a browser tab — install it from Chrome's menu or Orbit's own Settings if you haven't. On iOS, push notifications require Orbit to be added to the Home Screen through Safari's Share menu first; if you're using it from a Safari tab or Chrome, notifications will not work at all regardless of permission settings.

System-level checks

Even with app permission granted, a device-wide Do Not Disturb mode, aggressive battery-saving mode, or an OS-level notification setting for the browser or installed app can silently suppress delivery. Check your device's own notification settings for Orbit (or your browser, if not installed) in addition to the in-app checks.

If you've checked everything and it still fails

Uninstall and reinstall the app to force a fresh notification registration, then re-grant permission. If it still doesn't work, contact support@orbitgroups.online with your device and browser details.

Frequently asked questions

I granted permission once — why did it stop working later?: Permission can be revoked by browser updates, manual changes, or clearing site data; check it again in your browser settings.
Do notifications work if Orbit is just open in a background tab?: On Android that can work while the tab is alive, but installing the PWA is far more reliable for background delivery. On iOS, only the Home Screen-installed version supports push at all.
Can I test whether notifications are working at all?: Ask someone to message you in an unmuted group while the app is closed in the background, and confirm whether a notification appears.

Still stuck? Contact support or browse the full Help Center.